Indesit Washing Machine: not draining

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Indesit washing machine not draining? This common issue can leave water in the drum, preventing your clothes from spinning dry. Often indicated by flashing lights, the problem typically arises from a blocked drain pump filter, a kinked drain hose, or a failing drain pump. Addressing these issues promptly can restore functionality and save you from costly repairs.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Indesit Models

  • Indesit’s official guidance for 'not draining' strongly emphasizes a blocked pump/filter as the most likely cause, and their service guidance notes that multiple flashing wash/rinse/spin lights can indicate a blockage in the filter or waste/drain pipe.
  • Indesit genuine drain pump parts are available through official spares channels; one example pump listing shows a genuine pump (J00393231 / C00386526) priced around £23.69 (model compatibility required).

Possible Causes

Blocked drain pump filter / coin trap (lint, hair, coins, buttons, fabric)

How to Identify: Water left in drum; draining very slow or stops; pump may sound strained or noisy; filter area contains debris; some Indesit models show flashing wash/rinse/spin lights indicating possible filter/drain blockage.

Part: Drain pump filter / coin trap (front lower access panel)

Blocked or kinked drain hose (or standpipe/sink connection blocked)

How to Identify: Hose visibly kinked behind machine; water backs up into sink/standpipe; draining improves when hose is lowered/straightened; debris found at hose end or connection.

Part: Drain hose and household drain/standpipe connection

Drain pump impeller obstructed or pump motor failing

How to Identify: Filter is clean but machine still won’t drain; pump hums but no water moves; intermittent draining; burning smell; excessive noise; pump does not run during drain segment.

Part: Drain pump (motor/impeller assembly)

Pressure switch / water level sensing issue (drainage detected incorrectly; can trigger F05-type symptoms)

How to Identify: Machine drains physically but still reports draining fault; inconsistent behavior; error persists after pump/filter/hose checks; may show drainage-related error (e.g., F05 despite no obvious blockage.

Part: Pressure switch (water level sensor) and pressure chamber/air hose

Drain pump electrical/circuit fault (often associated with F11-type pump circuit faults on Indesit/Hotpoint platforms)

How to Identify: Pump never runs (silent, no hum; pump tests OK mechanically but has no power; drainage fault persists; fault codes consistent with pump circuit problems.

Part: Pump wiring, connectors, control board relay/triac for pump

DIY Solutions

Clean the drain pump filter / coin trap (most common fix)

Easy 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: Towels, Shallow tray/bowl, Flathead screwdriver (for access panel, depending on model)
  1. Turn off the machine and unplug it from the mains. Turn off the water supply.
  2. Locate the pump filter behind the lower front access panel (often bottom right). Remove the panel carefully (some models clip off; others need prying with a flat screwdriver).
  3. Place towels and a shallow tray/bowl under the filter area because water will spill out.
  4. Slowly unscrew the filter cap to let water drain gradually into the tray.
  5. Remove the filter fully, clean lint/debris/foreign objects, and wipe the filter housing.
  6. Check the pump impeller behind the filter for obstructions and ensure it spins freely (do not force).
  7. Reinstall the filter securely, refit the panel, then run a drain/spin cycle to confirm normal draining.
⚠️ Safety First: Always unplug before opening the filter access.

Check and clear the drain hose and household drain connection

Moderate 20-40 minutes
Tools Needed: Towels, Bucket, Pliers (for hose clamp, if needed)
  1. Unplug the machine and turn off water supply.
  2. Pull the machine forward carefully to access the rear drain hose.
  3. Check for obvious kinks or crushing; straighten and ensure the hose is not trapped.
  4. Remove the hose end from the standpipe/sink trap and check for clogs at the hose end and the household drain connection.
  5. Flush the hose with water (into a bucket/outdoors) to confirm it is clear, then reconnect securely.
  6. Run a drain/spin test cycle and verify strong discharge flow.
⚠️ Safety First: Water may spill when disconnecting hoses—use towels and a bucket.

Inspect for pump impeller obstruction and remove trapped objects

Moderate 20-45 minutes
Tools Needed: Torch/flashlight, Long-nose pliers (optional), Towels, Shallow tray/bowl
  1. After cleaning the filter, look inside the pump cavity for coins, hair grips, fabric, or lint clumps.
  2. Gently remove debris using fingers or long-nose pliers if needed.
  3. Rotate the impeller gently to ensure it moves without binding.
  4. Reassemble and test drain/spin.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug first; do not put tools deep into the pump cavity.

Professional Repairs

Replace drain pump assembly

Estimated Cost: £25 - £80 parts; £125 - £250 total installed (varies by region and labor)

Diagnose and repair pressure switch / pressure system (water level sensing) and related blockages

Estimated Cost: £40 - £120 parts; £150 - £300 total installed/diagnosed

Electrical diagnosis of drain pump circuit / control board repair

Estimated Cost: £150 - £400

When to Call a Professional

You cleaned the pump filter and checked the drain hose/house drain, but the washer still won’t drain.
The pump is humming loudly but not moving water, or the impeller is damaged/jammed.
There are signs of electrical issues (burning smell, tripping breaker, pump not energizing at all).
The machine drains physically but still shows persistent drainage error behavior (possible sensor/control issue).
You cannot safely access the pump/filter area due to installation constraints or excessive water.

Preventive Maintenance

  • Inspect and clean the pump filter/coin trap; remove lint, hair, and foreign objects: Drainage blockages and 'not draining' symptoms
    Frequency: Monthly (more often if used daily)
  • Check pockets for coins, hair grips, tissues and small items before washing: Pump/filter blockages and impeller jams
    Frequency: Every wash
  • Ensure drain hose is routed without kinks and the standpipe/sink drain is not restricted: Slow draining and drain error conditions
    Frequency: Every 3-6 months or after moving the machine

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Indesit Washing Machine not draining?
Common causes include a blocked pump filter, kinked drain hose, or a failing drain pump.
How do I fix Indesit Washing Machine not draining myself?
Try cleaning the drain pump filter, checking the drain hose for blockages, and inspecting the pump impeller.
How much does it cost to fix not draining?
Professional repair costs range from £125 to £250, depending on the issue and region.
When should I call a technician for not draining?
If DIY fixes don’t resolve the issue or if electrical problems are suspected, it's best to call a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

67%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Blocked impeller (2 mentions)
  • Faulty drain pump (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace or unblock the impeller

    Success rate: 33.0%

  2. Replace the drain pump

    Success rate: 17.0%
Analysis based on 6 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Washing Machine Pump Troubles
  2. Washing machine not draining
  3. Indesit top load washing machine
  4. Indesit WIXL165 front-loading washing machine stuck in mid-c...
  5. INDESIT Washing Machine not draining
  6. loose part found in washing machine filter

Community Discussions

loud rattling noises when trying to drain, then stopped entirely

The impeller from the drain pump is broken and needs a new pump.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

The pump is producing a humming sound but does not remove the water.

Blocked impeller was found to be the issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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