Washing Machine
F02
The F02 error code on an Indesit washing machine signals a drainage fault — meaning your machine is struggling or completely failing to pump water out during the wash or spin cycle. It’s one of the most common Indesit error codes and, reassuringly, it’s often something you can fix yourself in under 30 minutes without calling an engineer. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what’s causing it, the safest DIY steps to try first, and when it’s time to pick up the phone.
What does this error mean?
F02 is Indesit’s drainage error code. When your washing machine displays F02 (sometimes shown as a flashing light sequence on older models without a digital display), it means the control board has detected that water is not draining away within the expected time — typically around 3–4 minutes. The appliance is essentially telling you: ‘I tried to empty, but the water is still here.’ This triggers the machine to pause the programme and alert you, rather than continuing to run with water sitting in the drum. The component at the heart of this fault is usually the drain pump, the drain filter, or the drain hose — all of which work together to remove used water from the machine. Because this is a drainage issue rather than an electrical or mechanical one, there’s a good chance the fix is straightforward.
Est. repair cost
DIY fix (filter clean + drain hose check): £0–£5. Replacement drain pump (DIY part): £18–£35. Professional repair including call-out and parts: £80–£140.
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Step 1 — Perform a reset first: Turn the machine off at the power socket, wait 5 minutes, and switch it back on. Select a spin-only or drain programme and run it. Occasionally, a temporary sensor glitch causes a false F02 and a reset clears it completely. If the code returns, move to the next step.
Step 2 — Prepare to drain the machine manually: Before you touch the filter, you need to get rid of the water still sitting in the drum. Place several old towels on the floor in front of the machine. Locate the small access panel at the bottom-front of your Indesit machine — it either clips or screws off. Inside, you’ll find a short rubber emergency drain hose (usually black) and the filter cap. Pull the emergency hose out, remove its stopper, and let the water drain slowly into a shallow tray or bowl. This may take several minutes.
Step 3 — Clean the drain filter: Once drained, slowly unscrew the large circular filter cap anti-clockwise (have more towels ready — some water will escape). Pull the filter out fully and rinse it under a tap, removing all fluff, debris, coins, and any foreign objects. Use an old toothbrush to clean the filter mesh thoroughly. Also shine a torch into the filter housing cavity and remove anything visible inside. Refit the filter firmly — a loose filter cap will cause a leak.
Step 4 — Check the pump impeller: With the filter removed, reach a finger carefully into the filter housing and feel for the pump impeller — it’s a small plastic fan-like rotor at the back of the cavity. Try to rotate it gently with your finger. It should spin freely. If it’s stiff, jammed, or won’t move, there is likely a foreign object lodged in the pump. Try to locate and remove it with long-nose pliers or tweezers. Do not use excessive force.
Step 5 — Inspect and straighten the drain hose: Pull the machine forward carefully (ensure it’s unplugged first) and locate the drain hose at the back — it’s the corrugated hose leading to your standpipe or under-sink connection. Check the full length for kinks, sharp bends, or obvious crushing. Straighten any kinks and ensure the hose is not inserted more than 15cm into the standpipe, as over-insertion creates a siphon effect that prevents drainage.
Step 6 — Check the standpipe or sink drain: Run your kitchen tap or test the sink or standpipe your washing machine drains into. If water backs up slowly or doesn’t clear, the household drain itself is blocked. Use a drain unblocker or contact a plumber — this has nothing to do with the washing machine and no amount of appliance repair will fix it.
Step 7 — Run a test cycle: Refit the filter, replace the access panel, push the machine back, and run a cotton cycle at 40°C or a dedicated drain/spin programme. Stay nearby and listen. The machine should drain quietly and efficiently. If it completes without displaying F02, the issue is resolved.
Step 8 — Listen for the pump during the drain phase: If F02 returns, listen carefully during the drain phase of the cycle. If you hear a loud humming or buzzing with no water movement, this strongly suggests the drain pump motor has failed and needs replacing. Replacing a drain pump on an Indesit machine is a moderate DIY task — the pump is accessible from the front on most models after removing the filter housing — but it does involve disconnecting electrical connectors and hose clips. If you’re not confident working around live appliance wiring (always unplug first), this is the point to call a professional.
Step 9 — Check for error codes on older dial models: On Indesit models without a digital display, F02 is indicated by the first wash light and spin light flashing alternately. If you’re unsure which fault is being signalled, count the flashes carefully and cross-reference with your model’s manual, available free from Indesit’s UK support website using your model number (found on the door frame sticker).
📞 When to call a professional
Stop DIY attempts and call a qualified appliance repair engineer if: the drain pump is humming but not pumping and you’ve cleared all visible blockages (the pump motor has likely burned out and needs replacing); you find water underneath the machine that isn’t explained by filter removal; the F02 code persists after cleaning the filter, clearing the hose, and resetting the machine; or you’re not comfortable disconnecting electrical connectors or hose clips when accessing the pump. When you call, tell the engineer: ‘My Indesit washing machine is showing an F02 error code, which is a drainage fault. I’ve already cleaned the filter, checked the drain hose for kinks, and confirmed the standpipe is clear, but the fault persists.’ This will save time and may reduce your call-out charge. Use a Which? Trusted Trader or a Domestic & General-approved engineer for peace of mind, and always confirm the call-out fee upfront.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
If your Indesit washing machine is under 5 years old: a professional repair almost always makes financial sense, as drain pump replacements are straightforward jobs for an experienced engineer and Indesit parts remain widely available through suppliers like Espares, 4ourhouse, and Qualtex. If your machine is between 5 and 8 years old: weigh the repair cost against a new mid-range model. Indesit machines retail from around £279–£399 new, and a pump repair typically costs £80–£140 all in — so repair is still usually the right call if the machine is otherwise in good condition. If your machine is over 8 years old or has had multiple faults in the past 12 months: replacement is likely the smarter financial decision. Older Indesit models (particularly pre-2017) are more prone to control board issues and can become a recurring money pit. Look at Indesit’s current IWC or BWSA ranges, or consider stepping up to a Hotpoint (same parent company, Whirlpool Group) for better longevity.