Likely causes
- Drain hose is kinked or blocked
- Pump filter is clogged
- Drain pump is jammed or failing
- The drain path is frozen or installed too high
Quick checks, in order
Pause and drain safely
Unplug the washer and prepare towels or a shallow tray before opening any drain access.
Inspect the drain hose
Straighten kinks and verify the hose is not pushed too far into the standpipe.
Clean the pump filter
Use the model's drain procedure because retained water may escape quickly.
Run a drain-only cycle
Listen for pump operation after the filter and hose are checked.
What do you hear during drain?
A blockage in the filter, hose, or pump inlet is likely.
The pump, wiring, or control may require service after basic checks.
Look for a partial hose restriction, clogged filter, or installation issue.
Stop and get qualified help when
- Water is near electrical connections
- The pump smells burned or the breaker trips
- The washer must be tilted or dismantled
Frequently asked questions
Can too much detergent cause an OE error?
Excess foam can interfere with draining on some cycles, but hose, filter, and pump restrictions are more common.
Why is water released when I open the filter?
The filter sits low in the drain path, so retained tub water can flow out. Use the emergency drain procedure first where provided.