Siemens Washing Machine: not draining

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Siemens washing machine filling with water but failing to drain at the end of the cycle? This common issue may leave water sitting in the drum, often accompanied by error codes like E:18/F:18. Understanding the causes, such as a clogged filter or a kinked drain hose, can help you address the problem effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Siemens Models

Error code E:18/F:18 often indicates drainage fault related to pump/filter issues

Possible Causes

Clogged drain pump filter

How to Identify: Water remains after cycle, slow/no draining, debris visible in filter housing when accessed

Part: Drain pump filter

Kinked or obstructed drain hose

How to Identify: Hose bent, compressed, or positioned incorrectly beneath/behind machine; water wonâ€™t flow out

Part: Drain hose

Blockage in external plumbing (drain/trap)

How to Identify: Water backs up into washer, slow draining in other home fixtures suggests deeper plumbing clog

Part: Home drain/trap

Faulty drain pump motor

How to Identify: Unusual noises from pump, no humming sound, complete failure to drain after filter cleared

Part: Drain pump assembly

DIY Solutions

Clean the drain pump filter

Moderate 10-30 minutes

Tools Needed: towel, shallow pan, gloves

Turn off machine and unplug.
Locate filter access (usually bottom front).
Place towel/pan to catch water, slowly twist and remove filter.
Clear debris and rinse filter.
Reinstall filter securely and run drain/spin cycle.

⚠️ Safety First: Expect some water spill; unplug machine first

Straighten or inspect drain hose

Easy 5-15 minutes

Tools Needed: none

Pull washer away from wall gently.
Inspect drain hose for kinks, compression, or sharp bends.
Straighten hose and ensure correct height/position per manual.
Try a drain/spin cycle.

Check external drain/trap

Moderate 15-30 minutes

Tools Needed: bucket, gloves

Disconnect hose from drain standpipe/cupboard.
Inspect for visible clogs in that terminal and trap.
Use a plumberâ€™s snake or similar to clear if safe and possible.
Reconnect and test drain.

⚠️ Safety First: Be cautious with tools in home plumbing

Professional Repairs

Replace drain pump assembly

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150 for part

Internal hose/plumbing repair inside washer

Estimated Cost: $80 - $250

When to Call a Professional

Drain problems persist after cleaning filter and hose

Pump makes unusual noises or burns smell

Internal error codes specific to pump failure persist

Preventive Maintenance

Clean drain pump filter: Blockage leading to no drain
Frequency: monthly
Inspect drain hose position: Hose kinks obstructing flow
Frequency: quarterly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Siemens Washing Machine not draining?

Common causes include a clogged drain pump filter, kinked drain hose, or a faulty drain pump motor.

How do I fix Siemens Washing Machine not draining myself?

You can clean the drain pump filter, straighten the drain hose, or check for clogs in external plumbing.

How much does it cost to fix not draining?

Professional repairs can range from $50 to $150 for the drain pump assembly to $80 to $250 for internal repairs.

When should I call a technician for not draining?

If DIY solutions do not resolve the issue or if you're uncomfortable with repairs, it's best to call a technician.

References & Sources

Siemens Washing Machine Not Draining Official
Washing machine not draining causes and fixes Repair-Blog

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%

DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

Clogged drain filter
Faulty drain pump
Blocked drain hose

User Suggested Solutions

Check and clean the drain filter. Locate the filter access panel, usually at the bottom front of the machine. Open it, remove the filter, and clean it under running water. Ensure no debris is blocking the filter housing.
Inspect the drain pump for blockages or damage. Access the pump by removing the back panel. Check for any debris or foreign objects that may be obstructing the impeller. If the pump is damaged, it may need to be replaced.
Examine the drain hose for kinks or blockages. Ensure the hose is not bent or pinched, and detach it to check for any obstructions. If the hose is damaged, replace it with a new one.