E20
Electrolux Washing Machine
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
Electrolux E20 means the washing machine has a drainage problem — water is not draining within the expected time. The drain pump filter is usually clogged with lint, coins, or debris. Cleaning the filter resolves this error in the majority of cases.
Affected Models
- Electrolux EWF series
- Electrolux EWS series
- Electrolux EWT series
- Electrolux washing machines with digital display
Common Causes
- Drain pump filter blocked with lint, hair, coins, or small items
- Kinked or blocked drain hose
- Drain pump impeller jammed by a foreign object
- Drain hose installed too high — creates a siphon
- Clogged household drain pipe (not the machine itself)
- Faulty drain pump motor
How to Fix It
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Clean the drain pump filter.
The pump filter is located behind a small panel at the bottom-front of the washing machine. Place a shallow bowl and towels on the floor first — water will come out. Twist the filter cap anti-clockwise to remove it. Clean out all debris (lint, coins, hair, small items). Reinsert firmly and twist clockwise to seal.
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Check the drain hose for kinks or blockages.
The grey corrugated hose at the back of the machine leads to the household drain. Check it is not kinked, squashed, or bent sharply. Also check the hose is inserted to the correct depth in the standpipe — typically 15–20 cm (6–8 inches) into the pipe, not deeper.
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Check the household drain for blockage.
Pour a bucket of water into the standpipe or sink where the drain hose empties. If it drains slowly or backs up, the household drain is blocked — not the washing machine. Use a drain cleaner or plumber's snake to clear the household drain.
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Run a short cycle after cleaning.
After clearing the filter and checking the hose, close the filter cap firmly and run a short Spin or Rinse + Spin cycle. If the machine drains successfully and the E20 error is gone, the problem is resolved. If E20 returns, the pump itself may be faulty.
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Test or replace the drain pump.
If the filter is clean and hoses are clear but E20 persists, the drain pump motor may have failed. Listening during the drain phase — if you hear the pump trying to run (humming), it may be jammed. A jammed pump can sometimes be cleared by removing the filter and manually rotating the impeller with a thin tool. A silent pump indicates electrical failure — the pump needs replacement by a technician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is E20 on an Electrolux washer serious?
E20 is a drainage error — the machine will not spin or complete a wash cycle while the error is active. It is not a serious or dangerous fault, but the machine is inoperable until the drainage issue is resolved. In 80% of cases, cleaning the drain pump filter (the small cap at the front bottom of the machine) clears the error within 10 minutes.