Your Siemens washing machine has served you well for years, but now it’s refusing to drain properly. You open the door to find your clothes sitting in a pool of soapy water, and the spin cycle seems to have given up entirely. Don’t panic—this is one of the most common washing machine problems, and the good news is that you can often fix it yourself.
A Siemens washing machine that won’t drain typically stems from a few common culprits: a clogged drain filter, blocked drain hose, faulty drain pump, or issues with internal components like the pressure switch or control board. Most of these problems can be resolved with basic tools and a bit of patience.
This guide will walk you through the most likely causes of drainage problems in your Siemens washing machine and provide step-by-step solutions to get your appliance working properly again. We’ll also cover when it’s time to call a professional and how to prevent future drainage issues.
Common Causes of Drainage Problems
Understanding what might be causing your Siemens washing machine to struggle with draining will help you tackle the problem more effectively. Here are the most frequent culprits:
Clogged Drain Filter
The drain filter is your washing machine’s first line of defence against debris. Located at the bottom front of most Siemens washing machines, this filter catches lint, coins, hair ties, and other small items that might otherwise clog your drainage system.
Over time, this filter can become completely blocked with accumulated debris. When this happens, water cannot flow through to the drain pump, leaving your clothes waterlogged and your machine unable to complete its cycle.
Signs of a clogged drain filter include:
- Water remaining in the drum after a cycle
- Unusual noises during the drain cycle
- Error codes appearing on the display
- Musty odours coming from the machine
Blocked Drain Hose
The drain hose carries waste water from your washing machine to your home’s drainage system. This flexible tube can become kinked, twisted, or blocked with lint and debris over time.
A blocked drain hose often develops gradually. You might notice that your machine takes longer to drain initially, before eventually failing to drain at all. Sometimes, the blockage occurs where the hose connects to your household drain, particularly if you have hard water that encourages mineral buildup.
Faulty Drain Pump
The drain pump is the heart of your washing machine’s drainage system. This electric motor creates the suction necessary to pull water from the drum and push it through the drain hose. Like any mechanical component, drain pumps can fail over time.
A failing drain pump might make unusual grinding, clicking, or humming sounds during the drain cycle. Sometimes, the pump motor burns out completely and remains silent when it should be working.
Issues with the Pressure Switch
The pressure switch (also called the water level sensor) tells your washing machine when the drum is full of water and when it’s empty. If this component malfunctions, your machine might not realise it needs to drain, or it might think it’s already drained when it hasn’t.
This relatively small component can cause big problems if it fails. The pressure switch uses air pressure to detect water levels, so even a small blockage in its connecting tube can cause drainage problems.
Control Board Malfunction
The control board is essentially your washing machine’s brain. It coordinates all the different systems and cycles, including the drainage process. When the control board malfunctions, it might not send the proper signals to the drain pump, even if the pump itself is working perfectly.
Control board problems are less common than mechanical issues, but they can occur after power surges or simply due to component age. These problems often require professional diagnosis and repair.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Now that you understand the potential causes, let’s work through the troubleshooting process systematically. Always start with the simplest solutions before moving to more complex repairs.
Safety First: Unplug the Machine
Before you begin any troubleshooting, ensure your safety by unplugging the washing machine from the wall. This prevents accidental activation whilst you’re working on the appliance. If there’s standing water in the drum, you’ll also want to prepare towels and a shallow container to catch any spills.
Checking the Drain Filter
The drain filter is usually the first thing to check when your Siemens washing machine won’t drain. Here’s how to locate and clean it:
Location: Look for a small door or panel at the bottom front of your machine, typically on the right side. Some models have a kick panel that needs to be removed first.
Removal: Open the filter cover and you’ll see a round, threaded cap. Before removing it, place towels around the area and have a shallow dish ready to catch water. Turn the filter cap anticlockwise to remove it slowly. Water will flow out, so be patient and let it drain completely.
Cleaning: Once removed, examine the filter for debris. Remove any visible lint, coins, or foreign objects. Rinse the filter under warm running water, using an old toothbrush to remove stubborn debris. Check the filter housing inside the machine for any remaining objects.
Reinstallation: Once clean, replace the filter by screwing it back in clockwise. Ensure it’s tight but don’t over-tighten, as this can damage the threads.
Inspecting the Drain Hose
If the filter is clean but your machine still won’t drain, the next step is checking the drain hose:
External inspection: Look at the drain hose where it connects to your household drain. Check for kinks, twists, or visible blockages. The hose should have a gentle curve without sharp bends.
Disconnection: Carefully disconnect the drain hose from your household drain. You might need to loosen a jubilee clip or simply pull it free, depending on your installation.
Blockage check: Hold the hose up to the light or use a torch to look for blockages. You can also try running water through it to check for restrictions.
Cleaning: If you find a blockage, use a long, flexible brush or a plumber’s snake to clear it. For stubborn blockages, you might need to soak the hose in warm water with a small amount of washing machine cleaner.
Testing the Drain Pump
If the filter and hose are clear, the drain pump itself might be faulty:
Listen for sounds: With the machine plugged in, run a drain cycle and listen carefully. A working pump should make a steady humming sound. No sound at all might indicate a failed pump motor, whilst grinding or clicking sounds suggest mechanical problems.
Visual inspection: You can sometimes see the drain pump by removing the bottom panel of your machine. Look for obvious signs of damage, leaks, or debris around the pump housing.
Professional testing: Testing the pump’s electrical components requires a multimeter and technical knowledge. If you’re uncomfortable with this step, it’s best to call a professional.
Resetting the Washing Machine
Sometimes, drainage problems are caused by software glitches that can be resolved with a simple reset:
Basic reset: Unplug the machine for at least 60 seconds, then plug it back in. This clears the machine’s memory and can resolve minor software issues.
Programme reset: Some Siemens models have a specific reset procedure. Check your user manual for the exact steps, which typically involve holding down certain buttons whilst powering on the machine.
When to Call a Professional
Whilst many drainage problems can be resolved through DIY troubleshooting, certain situations require professional expertise:
Electrical issues: If you suspect problems with the control board, wiring, or pump motor, professional diagnosis is essential. These components can be dangerous to work with and expensive to replace incorrectly.
Recurring problems: If you’ve cleaned the filter and hose but the problem returns quickly, there might be an underlying issue that requires professional attention.
Error codes: Persistent error codes on your display often indicate specific component failures that need professional diagnosis.
Water damage: If you notice water leaking from areas other than the drain filter, this could indicate internal damage that requires expert repair.