How to resolve a 5E or 5C error code on a washing machine

Your washing machine's drain pump is responsible for pumping water out of the main drum so that it can be drained away. The drain pump filter protects the pump by filtering the water that drains out from the drum. However, over time, lint builds up in the filter and small items such as coins, hairclips or hair can become trapped in the filter. If the filter is clogged, your washing machine may not drain properly so your clothes may be wet when the cycle finishes, or the cycle may take longer than expected to finish. In some cases, the washing machine might not spin properly or may by noisy or vibrate excessively. To stop the filter getting clogged and to ensure the smooth running of your washing machine, it is important to clean the drain pump filter regularly.

If your machine is having trouble draining, it is important to check that the drain hose has been installed correctly so that the water from your machine can drain away properly. There are two ways your washing machine's drain hose could be connected to the waste: either via a spigot or via a standpipe.

A spigot is a valve on another pipe. Your washing machine's drain hose might be connected to a spigot on the waste pipe itself, or it might be connected to a spigot on a pipe or waste trap that leads to the waste (such as a sink waste pipe).

If the drain hose is connected via a standpipe, your washing machine's drain hose simply hooks over an open standpipe which is connected to the waste pipe.

Follow the instructions below to check that your drainpipe is correctly positioned and installed.

If the drain hose is connected via a spigot:

If the drain hose is clogged or blocked, your washing machine might not be able to drain properly. Check the drain hose for blockages and clean it to ensure that the water can drain away.