Unplug the machine from the mains — this must be done before any hands-on work. Lay several old towels across the floor in front of the machine and place a shallow tray directly beneath the pump filter access flap. Even after a failed drain there can be three to five litres of water remaining in the drum and hose.

At the bottom front of the machine, open the small rectangular access flap. 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 anti-clockwise until the cap comes free. Pull the filter out completely.

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 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, or catches repeatedly, there is a foreign object jammed in the pump body or the impeller is damaged.

Trace the drain hose from the machine to the standpipe or sink waste. Straighten all kinks 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. The hose must loop to at least 60 centimetres above floor level.

Refit the filter and tighten firmly clockwise. Plug in and select Spin or Drain. You should hear the pump motor activate within seconds and water should begin flowing from the drain hose.