What Does Error Code E24 Mean on a Siemens Washing Machine?
Clean the drain pump filter — located behind the small access panel at the bottom front of the machine — removing any debris or blockage, then restart the cycle to clear the error (takes about 10 minutes).
Fault description
Error code E24 is Siemens' way of telling you that the drain pump has either stopped working or is struggling to move water out of the drum. This is one of the more common faults on Siemens washing machines and, in most cases, it comes down to a blocked pump filter rather than a broken component.
When E24 appears, the machine will typically pause mid-cycle with water still sitting in the drum. You may hear the pump humming or making a laboured noise as it tries to drain, or you may hear nothing at all. Either way, the machine will not continue until the fault is resolved.
The good news is that the majority of E24 errors can be fixed at home without any specialist tools. Working through the steps below in order will resolve the problem for most households.
Causes
- Blocked drain pump filter — Coins, hair grips, fluff, and small items of clothing collect in the pump filter over time and restrict water flow. This is by far the most common reason E24 appears and is the first thing to check.
- Kinked or blocked drain hose — If the drain hose at the back of the machine is bent, squashed against a wall, or has a partial blockage inside it, water cannot exit freely and the pump triggers the fault. This can happen after the machine has been moved or reinstalled.
- Blocked household standpipe or sink drain — The fault is not always inside the machine. If the standpipe or the sink drain the hose empties into is partially blocked, back pressure can prevent the pump from draining effectively.
- Foreign object lodged in the pump impeller — Occasionally a small item — a button, a bra underwire, or a piece of grit — passes through the filter and jams the pump impeller directly. The pump motor runs but the impeller cannot spin, so no water moves.
- Faulty or worn drain pump — After several years of use the pump motor itself can fail electrically or mechanically. If the filter and hose are both clear and the impeller spins freely, the pump unit itself may need replacing.
- Wiring or control board fault — In less common cases, a loose wiring connection between the control board and the pump, or a fault on the board itself, can cause E24 to appear even when the pump is physically undamaged.
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. There will likely be water in the drum, so have a shallow tray and some old towels ready before you open the pump filter.
- 2
Clean the drain pump filter
The filter is behind a small rectangular flap at the bottom front of the machine. Open the flap, place your tray underneath, and slowly unscrew the filter cap anti-clockwise — water will flow out as you do this. Pull the filter out completely, rinse it under a tap, and clear any debris from inside the housing. Check that the impeller (the small plastic rotor visible inside the housing) can spin freely with your finger before refitting the filter.
- 3
Check the drain hose at the back of the machine
Pull the machine forward slightly and inspect the corrugated drain hose. It should have a gentle curve with no sharp kinks or tight bends. If it is squashed against the wall, reposition it. Also check that the hose end is not pushed too far down into the standpipe — it should sit no deeper than 15 cm to prevent siphoning.
- 4
Check the household drain or standpipe
Pour a bucket of water slowly into the standpipe or sink that the hose drains into. If it drains away sluggishly, the household plumbing is contributing to the problem. Use a standard drain unblocker or contact a plumber before running the washing machine again.
- 5
Restart the machine and run a drain or spin cycle
Plug the machine back in and select a Drain or Spin programme. Watch and listen — the pump should run quietly and water should clear within a couple of minutes. If the machine completes the cycle without showing E24, the fault is resolved.
- 6
Inspect the pump impeller for a lodged object
If E24 returns after cleaning the filter, unplug the machine again and remove the filter once more. Use a torch to look into the pump housing and try turning the impeller with your finger. If it feels stiff or you can see something caught in it, use long-nose pliers to carefully remove the obstruction. Do not force the impeller.
- 7
Test the pump with a multimeter (advanced)
If the impeller spins freely but the machine still shows E24, the pump motor may have failed. With the machine unplugged, disconnect the pump wiring connector and test the pump terminals with a multimeter set to resistance. A healthy pump typically reads between 100 and 200 ohms; an open circuit or zero reading indicates the pump needs replacing. If you are not comfortable using a multimeter, this is the point to call a service technician.
Affected models
Select your model to see its full troubleshooting page.
When to call a service technician
Call a service technician if you have cleaned the filter, cleared the hose, and confirmed the impeller spins freely but the machine continues to display E24. A technician has the tools to test the pump motor electrically, check the wiring loom for damaged or corroded connections, and diagnose whether the main control board is sending the correct signal to the pump.
You should also seek professional help if water is leaking from around the pump filter housing after you have refitted it, or if the machine is making a loud grinding noise during the drain phase — both suggest internal damage that is best assessed in person rather than investigated further at home.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my Siemens washing machine while it shows E24?
No. When E24 is active the machine has stopped the cycle because it cannot drain safely. Running it in this state risks leaving standing water in the drum for an extended period, which can cause odours and, in some cases, damage to the door seal or drum bearings. Resolve the fault before starting another wash.
How do I manually drain the water before cleaning the filter?
Place a shallow tray directly under the filter access panel at the bottom front of the machine. Open the panel and very slowly unscrew the filter cap just a quarter turn — this lets water trickle out in a controlled way. Empty the tray as needed and continue unscrewing gradually until the drum is empty. This usually takes three to five minutes.
How often should I clean the pump filter on a Siemens washing machine?
Siemens generally recommends cleaning the pump filter every three months under normal use. If you wash heavily soiled items, pet bedding, or items that shed a lot of fluff, cleaning it monthly is a sensible precaution. A quick clean takes less than ten minutes and significantly reduces the chance of E24 appearing.
Will E24 clear itself after I fix the blockage, or do I need to reset the machine?
In most cases the error clears automatically once you run a successful Drain or Spin cycle after fixing the blockage. If the code remains on the display after a completed drain cycle, try switching the machine off at the wall for 30 seconds and then restarting. If it still shows E24 after that, the underlying fault has not been fully resolved.
How much does it cost to replace a drain pump on a Siemens washing machine?
A replacement drain pump for a Siemens washing machine typically costs between £25 and £60 for the part, depending on the model. If you are having a service technician fit it, labour charges will add to that figure. It is worth getting a quote before committing, as on older machines the repair cost should be weighed against the age and overall condition of the appliance.