Bosch Washing Machine: not draining

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Bosch washing machine not draining water after cycles? This common issue often results from a clogged drain pump filter, blocked drain hose, or a faulty drain pump. Don’t let standing water ruin your laundry day; learn how to troubleshoot and resolve the problem efficiently.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Bosch Models

  • Official Bosch guidance emphasizes checking and cleaning pump and ensuring drain hose is not kinked or blocked

Possible Causes

Clogged drain pump filter

How to Identify: Water remains in drum at end of cycle; initial checks show filter location at bottom front with visible debris; common blockage points have lint, coins, hair

Part: Drain pump filter

Blocked or kinked drain hose

How to Identify: Hose visibly bent, twisted, or clogged; water not flowing to drain pipe; water backs up into machine

Part: Drain hose

Faulty drain pump

How to Identify: No pump noise during drain cycle; cleaning filter and hose doesn’t fix issue; pump impeller may be seized or electrically failed

Part: Drain pump motor/module

Excessive suds interfering with drainage

How to Identify: Excess foam observed during cycle; water fails to drain but filter/hose are clear

Part: Software/operation and detergent usage

Control board or sensor malfunction

How to Identify: Error codes unrelated to obvious mechanical blockage; erratic behavior not resolved by mechanical checks

Part: Electronic control board/water level sensor

DIY Solutions

Clean drain pump filter

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: towel, shallow tray, gloves
  1. Turn off and unplug the machine.
  2. Locate the drain pump filter cover at bottom front.
  3. Place towel and tray to catch water, open cover, and slowly unscrew filter.
  4. Remove debris and rinse filter under water.
  5. Replace filter securely and test drain cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Always unplug machine before accessing filter.

Inspect and clear drain hose

Moderate 20-40 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, bucket, plumbing snake or long brush
  1. Unplug machine and slide out from wall.
  2. Disconnect drain hose from machine and drain point.
  3. Check for kinks, bends, and debris; straighten hose.
  4. Run water through hose or use brush/snaking tool to clear blockage.
  5. Reconnect hose properly making sure not to kink and test drainage.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure hose reconnection is secure to prevent leaks.

Professional Repairs

Replace drain pump assembly

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

Diagnose and repair control board or sensor issues

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

When to Call a Professional

Drain pump makes unusual noises or hums without draining
Water remains after filter and hose cleaning
Error codes indicating control/sensor issues

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean drain pump filter: Blockage and drainage issues
    Frequency: monthly
  • Check and straighten drain hose: Hose kinking and water flow restriction
    Frequency: quarterly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Bosch Washing Machine not draining?
Common causes include a clogged drain pump filter, blocked drain hose, or a faulty drain pump.
How do I fix Bosch Washing Machine not draining myself?
Try cleaning the drain pump filter or inspecting the drain hose for kinks and debris.
How much does it cost to fix not draining?
Professional repairs can range from $80 to $400 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not draining?
If DIY solutions don't work or if a control board issue is suspected, it's time to call a professional.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Clogged drain pump (3 mentions)
  • Dirty filter (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Cleaned the filter and ran empty loads

    Success rate: 10.0%

  2. Replaced the drain pump and cap

    Success rate: 10.0%

  3. Unstacked the dryer to fix the stuck drain pump

    Success rate: 10.0%
Analysis based on 7 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Washing Machine Drain Pump Repair - Am I being taken advanta...
  2. Did I destroy my Bosch washing machine with lint?
  3. Bosch Axxis Washing Machine won’t drain
  4. Help! Have I ruined my washing machine?
  5. Bosch Nexxt 500 Series - Troubleshooting help
  6. Washing Machine Drain Pump "Repair"
  7. Was the appliance repair company unprofessional or is this t...

Community Discussions

stuck drain pump

The user successfully fixed the issue by themselves after unstacking the dryer.

DIY View on Reddit →

E18 error, draining problem

Ran empty loads and cleaned the filter after each run.

DIY View on Reddit →

drain pump not fitting

Use a universal drain hose fitted over the pump outlet instead of inside it.

DIY View on Reddit →

will not drain

clogged drain pump diagnosed, requires two people to fix

Pro needed View on Reddit →

cycle stopped after rinse, water not draining, drum filled with water

Replaced the drain pump and cap; however, further cleaning may be necessary.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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