Electrolux Washer E20 Error — Drain Fault Fix

What it means

Electrolux washer E20 error means the machine cannot drain within the allowed time.
Clean the pump filter behind the bottom access panel — this resolves the majority of E20 errors on Electrolux washers.

Affected Models

Electrolux Front Load Washer
Electrolux Top Load Washer
Electrolux EWF Series Washer
Electrolux PerfectCare Washer
Electrolux UltimateCare Washer

Common Causes

Blocked pump filter — lint, coins, or hair clogging the filter
Kinked or blocked drain hose
Drain hose pushed too deeply into the standpipe — siphon effect
Blocked household standpipe or drain
Failed drain pump motor

How to Fix It

Clean the pump filter.

Open the access panel at the front bottom of the machine.
Place towels and a shallow tray underneath to catch water.
Unscrew the filter cap slowly — water will pour out.
Remove the filter and clear all lint, coins, or debris.
Replace and run a Drain/Spin cycle.
Check the drain hose.

Pull the machine away from the wall and inspect the drain hose.
Straighten any kinks.
Ensure the hose enters the standpipe by no more than 15 cm — inserting it more deeply creates a siphon that prevents drainage.
Test the household drain.

Pour a bucket of water directly into the standpipe.
If it drains slowly or overflows, the household drain is blocked — this is a plumbing issue, not a washer fault.

When to Call a Professional

If the pump filter is clean and the drain hose is unobstructed but E20 persists, the drain pump motor has failed and needs professional replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Electrolux washer E20 and E40 both appeared — what do I fix first?

E20 (drain fault) and E40 (door fault) sometimes appear together when the machine stops mid-cycle. Fix E20 first: clean the pump filter and drain the machine. Once the drum is empty and drained, the door should unlock and E40 may clear on its own.

How do I find the pump filter on my Electrolux washing machine?

The pump filter is behind the small rectangular access panel at the front bottom of the machine — usually on the right side. Pry it open with a flat-head screwdriver. The round pump filter cap is inside — have towels ready as water will spill when you unscrew it.