## How to Fix Electrolux Error E20 (Drain Problem)
When your Electrolux washing machine displays the **E20** error code, it means the machine is struggling or failing to drain the water from the drum within the expected time. This is a critical error, often resulting in a drum full of dirty, soapy water that won’t complete the cycle.
**Simply put: E20 means your machine has a drain problem.**
The most likely causes are a blockage in the drainage system or a faulty drain pump.
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### Step-by-Step Fix: Diagnosing and Clearing Error E20
Follow these steps sequentially to diagnose the issue, starting with the simplest and most common fixes.
#### **STEP 1: Clear the Drain Pump Filter (The Sump Filter)**
This is the most common cause of the E20 error. Foreign objects (coins, lint, buttons, socks) often get trapped here, preventing water flow.
1. **Safety First:** Unplug the washing machine from the wall power socket to prevent electric shock.
2. **Access the Filter:** The drain pump filter is usually located at the bottom front of the machine, often behind a small access panel or plinth. You may need a flat-head screwdriver to gently pry the panel open.
3. **Prepare for Spillage:** Have a shallow tray, towel, or bucket ready. Even if the drum is mostly empty, trapped water will spill out when you open the filter.
4. **Drain Remaining Water (If Applicable):** Some models have a small drain hose near the filter cap. Use this hose to slowly drain the water into your tray before removing the main filter.
5. **Remove the Filter:** Slowly unscrew the large circular filter cap. Be prepared for a rush of water.
6. **Inspect and Clean:** Remove any debris, lint, coins, or small items trapped inside the filter housing or on the filter itself.
7. **Check the Impeller:** Use a flashlight to look deep into the pump housing (where the filter screws in). The pump impeller (a small plastic fan) should be visible. Gently try to rotate it with your fingers to ensure it moves freely and is not obstructed by hair or debris.
8. **Reassemble:** Screw the filter cap back in firmly until it’s secure, replace the access panel, and plug the machine back in.
9. **Test:** Run a short rinse and spin cycle to see if the E20 error is cleared.
#### **STEP 2: Inspect the Drain Hose and Plumbing**
If the filter is clean and the error persists, the blockage might be further down the line.
1. **Check the Hose Position:** Ensure the drain hose at the back of the machine is not kinked, bent sharply, or squashed against the wall. A kinked hose restricts flow.
2. **Check the Standpipe/Sink Connection:** If your hose drains into a utility sink or standpipe, remove the hose and ensure the pipe it drains into is not clogged. Use a plunger or drain cleaner on your household drain if necessary.
3. **Inspect the Internal Hose (Advanced):** If you are comfortable moving the machine, disconnect the drain hose from the machine’s back outlet. Check for blockages inside the hose itself. You may need to run water through it to ensure it flows freely.
#### **STEP 3: Test the Drain Pump (If Steps 1 & 2 Fail)**
If the system is physically clear of debris and the error remains, the drain pump itself is likely faulty, worn out, or has completely failed.
**Signs of a Failing Pump:**
* You hear a **humming or buzzing** sound when the machine should be draining, but no water moves.
* You hear **no sound** at all when the machine should be draining.
**Testing the Pump:**
1. **Safety:** Unplug the machine again.
2. **Access the Pump:** The drain pump is usually located right behind the sump filter you accessed in Step 1.
3. **Visual Inspection:** Check the wiring harness connected to the pump. Ensure the wires are secure and not burnt or corroded.
4. **Resistance Check (Multimeter Required):** If you have a multimeter, disconnect the wiring plug from the pump and set the meter to measure ohms (Ω). Touch the probes to the terminals on the pump motor. A healthy pump should typically show a resistance reading between **100 and 200 ohms** (check your specific model manual for exact values).
* **If the reading is 0 or OL (Open Line):** The pump motor is electrically dead and must be replaced.
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### Final Action
If you have cleaned the filter, confirmed the drain lines are clear, and the error persists or the pump fails the electrical test, the drain pump needs replacement.
**Check the price for a replacement Drain Pump here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Electrolux+Drain Pump&tag=trivian-20**