How to Fix a Bosch Washer That Won’t Drain

No one likes doing laundry! When something goes wrong with your washer, it can be extra frustrating – now an already undesirable task has been made worse! 

If your Bosch washer isn’t draining, don’t call in a professional right away. There are quite a few DIY fixes you can try that will get your washer draining properly once again – you’ll save money and improve your DIY skill as well!

This guide applies to all main models of Bosch washing machines, including:

• WAS20160UC/16
• WFK2401
• WFL2060
• WFL2060UC/22
• WFMC2100UC/01
• WFMC2201UC/15
• WFMC2201UC/16
• WFMC3200
• WFMC3200UC/01
• WFMC3301UC/03
• WFMC3301UC/06
• WFMC5301UC/15
• WFMC5301UC/16
• WFMC5440UC/15
• WFMC6400
• WFMC6400UC/01
• WFR2460
• WFXD5200
• WFXD5200UC/01
• WFXD8400UC/01
• WMZ2200

Clogged or Kinked Drain Hose

When your Bosch washer has drainage issues, the first place you should start is the drain hose. A clogged or kinked hose will mean the water cannot drain out of the drum and down the drain pipe, which will mean water pools in the bottom of your machine. 

To fix this:

• First, unplug the washer.
• Locate the drain hose at the back of the machine. If it appears kinked, this is a super easy fix! Just straighten it out and then test to see if it’s now draining. 
• If it appears straight, you’ll need to check for clogs. Remove the drain from the machine and the drainpipe, ensuring you have old towels on hand to soak up any excess water. 
• Try running water through the drain hose. If it isn’t running freely, use a long brush or a piece of wire to dislodge any clogs. Then run water through the hose again to make sure it’s flowing freely.
• Once the blockage is cleared, put the hose back on the washing machine, then run another cycle. 
• If it’s still not working or there wasn’t a clog, try moving on to the next step of our guide. 

Incorrectly Placed Drain Hose

If your drain hose isn’t placed correctly, it can lead to the washer not draining properly. According to Bosch guidelines, the drain hose should be no less than 60 cm from the floor and no more than 100 cm. If it’s too high, the washer may struggle to pump all the water out.

To check this:

• Locate the drain hose at the back of the washing machine. 
• Use a tape measure or other measuring device to see the drain hose’s distance from the floor. 
• Adjust it so that it meets Bosch’s guidelines. Make sure you straighten out any bends and kinks while adjusting. 
• Run a wash cycle to see if the drainage issue has been fixed. If not, move on to the next step in the guide!

Blocked Filter

If you’ve ruled out any issues with the drain hose, there could be a problem with the filter on your Bosch washer. The filter is designed to catch fluff, lint, coins, and other debris that may result from the cleaning process.

To check the filter:

• Locate the filter. You may need to consult your manual – in some models, the filter is located at the bottom right of the machine behind a small door, but this may vary based on your specific machine. 
• Unscrew the filter and pull it out, making sure you have a towel on hand to catch any water runoff. 
• Check that there are no bits of debris or small items stuck in the filter cavity, and then thoroughly clean the filter itself under running water. You can use an old toothbrush to loosen any hard-to-budge lint. 
• Once it’s clean, replace the filter and run a cycle to see if the machine is draining. If not, move on to the next step.

Malfunctioning Drain Pump

A malfunctioning drain pump can cause a Bosch washer not to drain, but be warned, this is probably one for the more experienced DIYer! If you feel up to the job, follow these steps to diagnose and fix this issue:

• Unplug the machine. 
• Access the drain pump – it’s usually located at the bottom of the machine. As always, make sure you have a towel and a container on hand to catch any water.
• Remove the pump cover and check to make sure the pump impeller is spinning freely. If it’s blocked, check for any debris. 
• If the pump impeller is damaged or stuck, your pump will need replacing. 
• You may wish to leave this to a professional, but if you attempt to replace the pump yourself, you’ll need to order the correct replacement part online and follow the instructions in your manual to replace it. 
• Run a test cycle once the new pump is in place to ensure everything works correctly. 

An Issue with the Lid Switch

If the lid switch or door lock is faulty, your Bosch washer may be unable to enter its drain cycle. You can check if the lid switch or door lock has any debris or grime lodged in their mechanisms, preventing them from properly latching. Carefully press the lid switch to make sure it’s functioning – if it is stuck or damaged, it will need replacing:

• Order a replacement lid switch online.
• Remove the old part and install the new switch, ensuring all screws and wires are properly joined. 
• Run a test cycle to make sure it’s working. If correctly installed, your machine should now be able to move into the drain cycle. 

Too Much/Wrong Detergent

Using the wrong type of detergent or too much detergent can lead to excessive suds, which can block your drain pipe. This means water won’t be able to drain successfully from your machine. 

Make sure you’re using the type of detergent recommended by Bosch, and ensure you aren’t using too much of it. If in doubt, try a high-efficiency detergent – they’re designed to create fewer suds!