Hotpoint Washing Machine Not Draining? How to Fix It

It’s not uncommon for a Hotpoint washing machine—or any brand of washer, for that matter—to experience a drainage issue. Dirt, lint, foreign objects, grime, and detergent residues can build up and cause blockages, or drainage components might wear out and fail over time.

Fortunately, most drainage issues are fixable—and that’s where this guide comes in. Below, we’ve listed the most likely reasons your Hotpoint washing machine isn’t draining, along with some practical steps to help you fix the problem.

Why is my Hotpoint washing machine not draining?

Here’s why your Hotpoint washer isn’t draining.

The filter is clogged

Your Hotpoint washing machine may not be draining because the filter is clogged with hair, fabric, and grime. This restricts the flow of water, meaning the machine can’t drain properly, leaving water sitting in the drum.

Cleaning out the filter regularly helps keep your Hotpoint appliance running efficiently. Here’s how you do it on front-load models:

1. Unplug the washing machine.
2. Open the door and use a sponge or small container to remove any standing water in the drum.
3. Remove the bottom access panel. You can carefully pull it off with your hands or pry it off with a flathead screwdriver.
4. Place towels and a shallow pan down beneath the filter to catch the water that spills out.
5. Locate the filter at the bottom front of the washer, and turn it counterclockwise to remove it.
6. Remove any gunk from the filter, rinse it under running water, and scrub it until it’s sparkling clean.

The pump impeller is obstructed

Right after cleaning the filter, you should check the pump impeller for obstructions. The impeller is located in the housing where the filter sits, so it makes sense to check it while the filter is removed.

According to Hotpoint, nine times out of ten, a blocked pump is the reason a washing machine won’t drain, so this is a step you don’t want to skip. Essentially, a foreign object like a hair clip or coin can obstruct the impeller (the fan-like component on the pump), preventing it from spinning and stopping wastewater from being pumped out.

To check for obstructions, simply reach into the housing where the filter goes and feel for any foreign objects. You should be able to feel the impeller and spin it manually. Use a flashlight to get a visual look at the filter housing and impeller.

If you found anything in there, chances are this was the cause of the drainage issue. Now that it’s removed, your washing machine should be good to go.

• Note: If you have a less common top-load Hotpoint washer, you’ll need to lay the appliance on its back and disconnect the short hose connected to the pump to access the pump impeller.

The drain hose is clogged or kinked

If the filter and pump impeller are clear, the next obvious suspect is the drain hose. It could be clogged and need unclogging, or it might be kinked or pinched and need straightening. If it’s damaged with holes or cracks, it will need replacing.

Follow these steps to check the drain hose:

1. Unplug the washing machine and turn off its water supply.
2. Locate where the drain hose connects to the home’s wastewater drainage system.
3. Place a bucket and some towels down to catch any water, then disconnect the drain hose from the drainage system.
4. The drain hose may simply pull out of the standpipe, or you may need to loosen or remove a clamp if it’s attached to a sink drain.
5. Check inside the drain hose for blockages, and use a straightened wire coat hanger to remove any you find.
6. Inspect the entire drain hose up to where it connects to the washing machine for kinks or pinching, and straighten any problematic areas you find.

The drain system isn’t installed correctly

If your Hotpoint washing machine drain hose connects to a standpipe, it should be installed at a recommended height to ensure proper drainage and prevent siphoning or backflow.

In the UK, where Hotpoint is a popular washing machine brand, a standpipe with a trap (U-bend) should typically be 600mm to 900mm (24 to 35 inches) from the floor.

In the USA, The standpipe should be positioned 18 to 30 inches (450 to 760mm) above the trap (P-trap), with a total height of 30 to 48 inches (760 to 1220mm) from the floor. The P-trap should be 6 to 18 inches (150 to 450mm) above the floor.

The pump is faulty

If you’ve checked the filter, pump impeller, and drain hose, but your Hotpoint washing machine still isn’t draining, the pump itself might be faulty. Over time, the pump can wear out or become damaged, preventing it from effectively pumping water out of the drum.

Here are the general steps to access, test, and replace the pump:

1. Unplug the washing machine and turn off the water supply.
2. For front-load models, remove the back panel using a screwdriver to access the pump near the bottom.
3. For top-load models, tilt the washer on its back and remove the bottom panel to reach the pump.
4. Disconnect the hoses attached to the pump by loosening the clamps and sliding the hoses off.
5. Disconnect the electrical connections from the pump.
6. Use a multimeter to test the pump’s terminals for continuity; replace the pump if there’s no reading.
7. Remove the screws securing the pump, then take out the pump and replace it with a new one.

Final considerations

If the steps above have helped you get your Hotpoint washing machine draining again, that’s great! If not, don’t hesitate to call in an expert for help—most drainage issues are usually fixable.

Keep in mind that the process for accessing the filter, drain hose, and pump can vary slightly across models, so check your user manual or model-specific instructions when needed.