What Does Error Code E20 Mean on an Electrolux Washing Machine?
Clean the drain filter located behind the small access panel at the bottom front of the machine — remove any debris or blockages, refit the filter firmly, and run a spin cycle to confirm the water drains correctly (takes about 10 minutes).
Fault description
Error code E20 is Electrolux's drainage error. When the machine triggers this code, it means the control board has detected that water has not been pumped out of the drum within the programmed time limit. The washing cycle will stop, often leaving standing water inside the drum.
The fault sits within the drainage system, which includes the drain filter, the drain hose, and the drain pump itself. In most cases the machine will pause mid-cycle or at the end of a wash or rinse phase, and the door may remain locked because water is still present.
The good news is that the majority of E20 faults are caused by a blocked filter or kinked hose — both of which you can check and resolve at home without any specialist tools.
Causes
- Blocked or clogged drain filter — The drain filter traps lint, coins, hair grips, and other small items before they reach the pump. Over time this debris builds up and restricts water flow enough to trigger E20.
- Kinked, crushed, or incorrectly routed drain hose — If the drain hose has been pushed too far back against a wall, bent sharply, or positioned too low, water cannot flow freely. Even a partial kink can slow drainage enough to exceed the time limit.
- Blocked or obstructed standpipe or sink drain — The problem is not always inside the machine — if the household drain the hose empties into is partially blocked, water backs up and the machine cannot clear the drum in time.
- Faulty or seized drain pump — The drain pump impeller can become jammed by a small foreign object such as a coin or button, or the pump motor can fail electrically. In either case the pump cannot move water regardless of how clear the filter and hose are.
- Damaged or disconnected pump wiring — The wiring harness connecting the drain pump to the control board can loosen or suffer damage over time, preventing the pump from receiving the signal to run.
- Control board fault — In rare cases the main PCB fails to send the correct output signal to the pump, or misreads the drainage status. This is the least common cause and should only be considered after all other possibilities have been ruled out.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Switch off and unplug the machine
Before doing anything else, turn the programme dial to off and unplug the machine from the wall socket. This is essential for safety, particularly before you open the filter access panel where water may spill out.
- 2
Drain residual water manually
Open the small access flap at the bottom front of the machine. You will see a short rubber drain hose with a cap and the filter cap beside it. Place a shallow tray and some towels on the floor, then pull out the small rubber hose, remove its cap, and let the water drain into the tray. Empty the tray as needed until the flow stops.
- 3
Clean the drain filter
Once the water has drained, unscrew the filter cap anticlockwise and pull it out. Remove any lint, coins, hair, or debris caught in the filter and the filter housing. Rinse the filter under a tap, check the housing cavity for any remaining objects, then refit the filter and tighten it firmly to prevent leaks.
- 4
Check the drain hose for kinks or blockages
Pull the machine gently away from the wall and inspect the full length of the drain hose. Straighten any kinks and ensure the hose is not crushed behind the appliance. The hose should rise to between 60 cm and 100 cm before entering the standpipe or sink — check your model's manual for the exact recommended height.
- 5
Check the household drain or standpipe
Pour a bucket of water slowly into the standpipe or sink drain the hose connects to. If it drains slowly or backs up, the blockage is in your household plumbing rather than the machine. Clear the household drain before testing the washing machine again.
- 6
Inspect the pump impeller for obstructions
With the filter removed, shine a torch into the filter housing and look for the pump impeller — a small plastic fan visible at the back of the cavity. Try turning it gently with your finger. It should rotate freely. If it is stiff or jammed, carefully remove the obstruction with long-nose pliers. Do not force the impeller.
- 7
Plug in, run a short cycle, and check for the error
Refit everything securely, plug the machine back in, and run a short cotton or rinse-and-spin cycle. Watch and listen to confirm the machine drains at the end of the cycle. If E20 does not return, the fault is resolved. If it reappears, move on to calling a service technician.
Affected models
Select your model to see its full troubleshooting page.
When to call a service technician
If you have cleaned the filter, confirmed the hose is clear and correctly routed, and verified the household drain is unobstructed, but E20 continues to appear, the fault is most likely a failed drain pump or a wiring issue. You may also hear the pump attempting to run but producing a humming noise without moving water — this points to a seized impeller or a burned-out pump motor that needs replacing.
A control board fault is another possibility if the pump tests as electrically sound but still receives no signal. Both pump replacement and PCB diagnosis require a service technician with the correct test equipment and spare parts to carry out the work safely.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my Electrolux washing machine while it is showing E20?
No — you should not run further cycles until the fault is resolved. The drum likely contains standing water, and running the machine again will not clear it. Leaving water sitting in the drum for an extended period can also lead to mould and unpleasant odours.
How do I get the door open when E20 has locked it with water inside?
Most Electrolux machines have a manual door release. Drain the water first using the small rubber hose in the filter access panel at the bottom front of the machine. Once the water level drops, the door interlock should release automatically. If it does not, consult your model's manual for the emergency door release procedure.
How often should I clean the drain filter on my Electrolux washing machine?
Every one to three months is a reasonable routine for most households. If you wash heavily soiled items, pet bedding, or large loads frequently, clean it monthly. Regular cleaning takes less than five minutes and is the single most effective way to prevent E20 and other drainage faults.
Could a slow drain cause E20 even if the filter is clean?
Yes. If the drain hose is positioned too low, partially kinked, or the household standpipe drains slowly, the machine may not empty within its time limit even with a perfectly clean filter. Always check the hose routing and the external drain as part of your diagnosis.
How much does it typically cost to replace a drain pump on an Electrolux washing machine?
The pump part itself generally costs between £20 and £50 depending on the model. If you hire a service technician to fit it, expect to add a call-out and labour charge on top. Sourcing the correct part using your machine's model number will help ensure compatibility and keep costs down.