Washing Machine
E24
The E24 error code on an Electrolux washing machine indicates a draining fault — the machine isn’t emptying water within the expected time. It’s a common fault that’s often fixable at home without an engineer.
What does this error mean?
E24 signals that the washing machine’s control board has detected water still in the drum at a point in the cycle when it should have drained. The machine is essentially telling you that the pump isn’t shifting water fast enough — or at all. Left unresolved, it will stop mid-cycle and lock the door to prevent flooding.
Est. repair cost
£80–£150 professional repair (pump replacement); £15–£35 DIY drain pump part
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Run a drain/spin-only cycle to see if the machine clears itself — a one-off glitch can sometimes be resolved with a reset by switching off at the plug for 5 minutes, then restarting.
Locate the drain pump filter, usually behind a small access panel at the bottom front of the machine. Place a towel and shallow tray beneath it, then slowly unscrew the cap to release residual water. Remove any debris — coins, hair grips, and fluff are common culprits.
Inspect the drain hose at the back of the machine. Ensure it isn’t kinked, crushed behind the machine, or blocked. The hose end should be positioned between 60–90 cm from the floor — if it’s too low, water can siphon back in.
Check where the drain hose empties (usually into a standpipe or under-sink waste). Clear any blockage and confirm water flows freely from that outlet by pouring a bucket of water down it.
If all of the above check out, listen during a drain cycle for the pump running — a faint humming means it’s getting power but may be seized or obstructed. A complete silence suggests a wiring or pump failure: at this point, stop DIY and call a technician.
If you’re confident the pump is faulty and want to attempt a DIY repair, replacement Electrolux-compatible drain pumps are available from UK parts suppliers (e.g., eSpares or 4ourhouse) for £15–£35. Only attempt this if you are comfortable disconnecting the machine from power and working with water connections.
📞 When to call a professional
Call a professional if the filter and hose are clear but the error persists, if the pump makes no sound during a drain cycle, or if you suspect a wiring or control board fault. When you call, tell the engineer the model number (found inside the door rim), that you’re getting an E24 error, and that you’ve already cleared the filter and checked the hose — this saves time and may reduce your call-out fee.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional drain pump replacement typically costs £80–£150 in the UK including parts and labour. If your Electrolux machine is under 7 years old and otherwise reliable, repair is almost always the better value. For machines 8 years or older, factor in that further faults are more likely — if the repair quote exceeds £120, comparing against a new mid-range machine (from around £350) is sensible.