AEG Washing Machine Error E20 — Drain Fault

What it means

AEG Error E20 means the drum is not draining within the allowed time.
Clean the drain pump filter, check for hose kinks, and clear any foreign objects in the pump.

How to Fix It

Check the drain hose

Inspect the drain hose from the back of the machine to the standpipe.
Look for kinks, blockages, or a hose that is pushed too far into the standpipe (which can cause a siphon effect).
Clean the drain pump filter

The drain pump filter is behind the small panel at the bottom front of the machine.
Place towels and a shallow tray below it.
Slowly unscrew the cap to release water.
Remove the filter and clear all debris.
Check the pump impeller

After removing the filter, reach into the pump housing and check the impeller — the small plastic fan.
It should spin freely.
A coin, button, or wire stuck in the impeller stops the pump.
Check the drain hose height

AEG recommends the drain hose end is positioned 60–100 cm above floor level.
Too low can cause continuous siphoning.
Too high can prevent the pump from lifting water out.
Test the pump motor

If the filter and impeller are clear but E20 persists, the drain pump motor may have burned out.
During a drain cycle, listen for the pump hum.
No sound indicates a failed pump.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Error E20 mean on an AEG washing machine?

E20 means the drain cycle failed — water remained in the drum longer than expected.
The most common causes are a blocked pump filter, kinked drain hose, or faulty pump.

Can I manually drain an AEG washer showing E20?

Yes — use the emergency drain hose located behind the pump filter panel (a small capped tube).
Point it into a container and remove the cap to drain the drum by gravity.

How often should I clean the AEG drain pump filter?

AEG recommends cleaning the pump filter every 3 months.
Cleaning it monthly prevents E20 errors from occurring.