Washing Machine
E23
The E23 error code on an Electrolux washing machine indicates a drainage pump relay fault or a failure in the triac controlling the drain pump — meaning your machine has detected that the pump circuit isn’t operating correctly. It’s a moderately serious fault that will stop your machine mid-cycle, but it’s not always an expensive fix.
What does this error mean?
The E23 code points to a problem with the electronic control board’s ability to activate the drain pump — specifically, the triac (a type of electrical switch on the PCB) that controls power to the pump has either failed or is not responding as expected. In plain terms, the machine’s brain is trying to tell the drain pump to run but isn’t getting confirmation that it’s working. This can be caused by a failed pump, a wiring fault, or a burned-out component on the control board itself.
Est. repair cost
£20–£50 DIY drain pump replacement; £80–£150 professional repair (pump or PCB triac); £150–£250+ if full PCB replacement is needed
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Power off and unplug the machine immediately — never work on a washing machine with it connected to the mains.
Locate and clean the pump filter: it’s usually behind a small access flap at the bottom front of the machine. Place a towel down, unscrew the cap slowly, drain the residual water, and remove any debris (coins, lint, hairgrips) from the filter and pump housing.
Once the filter is clear, replace it securely, plug the machine back in and run a short drain or spin cycle to see if the E23 clears. A blocked filter can overload the pump and trigger the fault.
Check the pump wiring: unplug the machine again, carefully pull the machine out and remove the back panel (four or six screws). Locate the drain pump — it’s at the bottom rear — and check that the wiring connector is firmly seated on the pump terminals. Reseat it if loose.
If the wiring looks intact and the filter was clean, the fault is most likely a failed drain pump or a blown triac on the PCB. A replacement drain pump for an Electrolux machine costs £20–£50 from UK appliance parts suppliers (e.g. eSpares, 4ourhouse). If you’re confident replacing a pump, this is a DIY-viable job — disconnect the hoses, unscrew the pump, swap it out.
If replacing the pump does not clear the E23 code, the issue is the PCB triac. Do not attempt to repair the PCB yourself — call a qualified engineer at this point.
📞 When to call a professional
Call an appliance engineer if cleaning the filter and reseating the wiring connector doesn’t resolve the fault, or if you suspect a PCB issue — PCB repair or replacement requires specialist diagnostic tools and soldering skills. When you call, tell them: ‘My Electrolux washing machine is showing error code E23, which I understand relates to the drain pump triac or relay on the control board.’ This saves diagnostic time and money.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for an E23 fault — whether a pump replacement or PCB triac repair — typically costs £80–£150 in the UK including labour. If your machine is under 5 years old, repair is almost always worth it. If it’s 8 years or older and the PCB needs replacing (parts alone can be £80–£150+), weigh this against a new mid-range Electrolux or equivalent machine costing £400–£550 — replacement may make more financial sense.