Electrolux Washing Machine: drain fault
What is this symptom?
Experiencing a drain fault with your Electrolux washing machine? This issue can prevent your washer from fully expelling water, leaving it wet at the end of the cycle. Commonly indicated by error codes such as E20, E21, or C2, this problem often arises from a clogged drain pump or filter, hindering proper drainage.
Important Tips for Electrolux Models
- Common Electrolux error codes for drain issues include E20, E21 or C2 indicating drainage problem; guidance specifically recommends checking drainage path and pump filter.
Possible Causes
Clogged drain pump or pump filter
How to Identify: Water stays in drum, humming noise from pump, debris visible in pump filter when accessed
Part: Drain pump / pump filter
External drain or household plumbing blockage
How to Identify: Machine drain hose clear but water still not draining; drainage backs up into sink/trap
Part: Household drain/trap
Faulty drain pump (mechanical failure)
How to Identify: Pump noisy or makes no sound, obstruction removed but still no drainage
Part: Drain pump assembly
Electronic/control board or sensor issue
How to Identify: No pump activation despite clear hoses and pump; inconsistent error codes
Part: Control board / water level sensor
DIY Solutions
Clean drain pump filter and remove debris
- Unplug washer and place towels/bucket to catch water
- Open access to drain pump filter (usually at front bottom), remove cover
- Unscrew and remove filter, pick out lint/debris, rinse filter
- Reinstall filter securely and test drain cycle
Straighten or clear the drain hose
- Unplug washer
- Inspect drain hose for kinks/twists behind unit
- Straighten any bends and ensure free flow
- If blockage suspected, detach hose and flush with water
Next step
Choose the next step for drain fault
Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.
Most relevant component to inspect
Drain Pump
Pumps waste water out of the appliance during the drain cycle.
- Typical part-only price
- $35 - $80
- DIY difficulty
- Easy
- Estimated time
- 15-30 mins
Where can I find the model number?
Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.
Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.
Other parts options
Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.
Pressure Switch
Detects the water level inside the tub and signals when to start or stop filling.
Main Control Board
The central brain of the appliance that controls all components, cycles, and timings.
Model-compatible Washing Machine parts
Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.
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Optional routine care
Maintenance supplies
These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.
Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets
Routine tub-cleaning supplies for residue and odor control. They do not repair a mechanical, drainage, or electronic fault.
Braided Washer Inlet Hoses
A maintenance replacement option for visibly worn external fill hoses. Verify thread size, length, and hot/cold connection requirements.
Washer Drain Hose Holder
Helps secure an external drain hose at the standpipe. It does not correct an internal pump or control fault.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.
Professional Repairs
Replace drain pump assembly
Diagnose and repair control board or sensors
When to Call a Professional
Preventive Maintenance
-
Regularly clean drain pump filter: Blockages causing drain faults
Frequency: monthly -
Inspect and adjust drain hose positioning: Kinks and flow issues
Frequency: quarterly -
Check household drain/trap for buildup: External clogs affecting machine drain
Frequency: annually
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Electrolux Washing Machine drain fault?
How do I fix Electrolux Washing Machine drain fault myself?
How much does it cost to fix drain fault?
When should I call a technician for drain fault?
References & Sources
Community Analytical Insights
Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions
Common Issues Reported by Users
- Clogged drain filter or pump
- Blocked or kinked drain hose
- Faulty drain pump
User Suggested Solutions
-
Check and clear the drain filter and pump assembly. Start by unplugging the machine, then locate the drain filter (usually at the front bottom). Open the filter cover, remove any debris, and clean it thoroughly. Also, check the pump for blockages.
-
Inspect the drain hose for kinks or blockages. Ensure the hose is properly connected and not bent. If you find any obstructions, clear them out or replace the hose if damaged.
-
Test the drain pump for functionality. If the pump is not working, you may need to replace it. This involves removing the back panel of the washing machine, disconnecting the pump, and installing a new one.
Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View
Sources
Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:
Community Discussions
E20 error
Check and clear the pump assembly of any debris.
Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair
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