What this error means
Drain fault — the washing machine cannot empty water from the drum within the expected time.
The E20 error on an AEG washing machine means the machine has failed to drain the drum within the programmed time window. AEG machines monitor the drainage process continuously and will display E20 if water has not been removed successfully. The most common causes are a blocked or dirty pump filter, a kinked or obstructed drain hose, a foreign object jamming the pump impeller, or a faulty drain pump motor. A blocked household standpipe or sink waste will also prevent drainage and produce this code.
What you'll need first
Add all tools to Amazon basket →Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Step-by-step
Symptoms to look for
- Water clearly visible in the drum at the end of a wash or rinse cycle
- Machine stops mid-programme with water still remaining inside the drum
- Gurgling, straining, or loud humming noise from the pump area during the drain phase
- E20 displayed near the end of a wash, rinse, or spin phase
How to fix it
Unplug the machine from the mains — this is not optional and must be done before any hands-on work. Lay several old towels across the floor in front of the machine and place a shallow baking tray or wide bowl directly beneath the pump filter access flap. Even after a failed drain attempt there can be three to five litres of water remaining inside the drum and hose.
At the bottom front of the machine open the small rectangular access flap — it usually pulls open with a tab or can be levered gently with a flat coin. Position your tray directly under the round filter cap. Turn the cap anti-clockwise by a quarter turn only to begin releasing water as a slow, controlled trickle. Empty the tray as it fills, then continue turning the cap anti-clockwise until it comes free fully. Pull the filter out completely. If the machine is equipped with an emergency drain hose use this to drain the water before opening the filter housing.
Rinse the filter body under warm running water and scrub the mesh with an old toothbrush to clear all lint, hair, and debris. Reach carefully into the filter housing cavity with a torch and feel around the pump entrance for any trapped objects — coins, hair grips, and buttons frequently reach this area.
Shine a torch into the empty filter cavity. At the rear you will see the impeller — a small plastic rotor. Try to rotate it gently with one finger. It should turn with smooth, light resistance. If it is stiff, will not move at all, or catches repeatedly in one position, there is a foreign object jammed in the pump body or the impeller is cracked or broken.
Trace the corrugated drain hose from the machine connection to the standpipe or sink waste. Straighten all kinks and bends along its full length. The open end of the hose must be inserted no more than 15 centimetres into the standpipe and must not be sealed against the pipe walls — air must be able to enter around the hose for drainage to work correctly. The lowest point of the hose must be at least 60 centimetres above the floor.
Refit the filter and tighten it firmly clockwise until it stops. Plug the machine back in and select the Spin or Drain programme. You should hear the pump motor activate within seconds of starting and water should begin flowing clearly from the drain hose.
When to call an engineer
- Pump impeller is cracked or will not rotate by hand after the filter has been removed
- Pump motor hums continuously but produces no water movement — motor winding has failed
- E20 returns immediately after filter cleaning and drain hose inspection
- Burning smell or scorch marks visible in the pump compartment beneath the machine
Frequently asked questions
Can I drain the drum manually when E20 stops the machine mid-cycle?
How often should I clean the AEG pump filter?
Why does E20 reappear even though I cleaned the filter recently?
Can a persistently blocked filter damage the pump permanently?
🎯 What is likely causing this fault?
⚠️ Estimates based on common faults — not a guaranteed diagnosis. Always verify before ordering parts.
Parts you may need
Enter your model number to filter results to your exact machine
Usually found on a label inside the door frame or on the back panel of the machine.
| Part | Approx. UK Cost | Find it |
|---|---|---|
| AEG Drain Pump | £15 - £30 | 🛒 Amazon UK → |
| AEG Drain Pump | £15 - £30 | 🏷️ eBay UK → |
ℹ️ Prices are approximate. Always check the part number matches your model before ordering. Not sure of your model number? Find out how to locate it here.