Code: F05🧺 Indesit Washer

Indesit Washer F05 Error Code: Won't Drain (Blocked Pump Filter, Hose or Pump)

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Based on 3 manufacturer & service sources

What the code means

Indesit Service UK's washing machine error code guide lists F05 as "Waste pipe blockage or pump issue". The symptom it gives is that the door will not open, or the door opens but water remains in the drum. Indesit's advice is to check the pump filter for blockages (if your model has one, see the handbook), then the waste water hose, then any under-sink plumbing, and it says that if none of those fix it, it's likely a pump failure that needs an engineer. Indesit instruction booklets (for example the IWE range) have a matching troubleshooting row, "The machine does not drain or spin or F05 error code in the display", with these causes: the pump filter is blocked; the drain hose is kinked; on a new installation, the blanking cap or spigot hasn't been removed where the hose connects under a sink; the drain hose or sink trap is blocked; the wash cycle doesn't include draining (some cycles need the drain started manually); the Easy Iron option is on (press Start/Pause to finish the cycle); or the spin speed is set to Off. The last three are settings, not faults, so check them before taking anything apart. Indesit's Arcadia service manual defines F05 more precisely: the pressure switch never reached its empty condition, or the drain pump is jammed. Its repair order is to check the pump filter, drain hose and wall drain outlet, then the pressure switch and its wiring, then the pump (about 170 ohms across its terminals), and only then replace the drain pump, the pressure switch or, last, the main board. F05 is the same drain fault on Hotpoint machines, which share Indesit's electronics.

Likely causes

Safe DIY checks

⚠ Before you start

Unplug the appliance (or switch off its breaker) and shut off the water supply valves before removing panels or disconnecting hoses. Keep towels handy for residual water.

  1. Check the settings first: if Easy Iron is on, press Start/Pause to finish; if spin is set to Off, choose a spin or drain cycle and run it.
  2. Switch the machine off and unplug it. If it was mid-wash the water can be very hot, so let it cool before draining.
  3. Lay towels down and put a shallow tray or baking dish under the bottom-front panel. Open the cover flap (on many models it levers off with a flat screwdriver).
  4. Unscrew the pump filter slowly to let the water out a bit at a time, emptying the tray as it fills. A full drum holds more water than you expect.
  5. Remove everything from the filter and the chamber behind it, then check the pump impeller turns (slightly stiff is normal, jammed isn't). Rinse the filter and screw it back in firmly so it doesn't leak.
  6. Pull the machine out and check the drain hose along its whole length for kinks or flattening. If the machine is newly fitted, take the hose off the sink spigot and make sure the blanking cap has been removed.
  7. If the kitchen sink is also slow to drain, clear the sink trap or standpipe, since the blockage may be in the house plumbing.
  8. Plug back in, switch off and on to reset, and run a rinse and spin or drain cycle to test.

🛠 When to call a pro

  • The filter, hose and plumbing are all clear and F05 still comes back: Indesit says it's likely a pump failure and recommends booking an engineer.
  • The drum empties fine but F05 still shows: the pressure switch, its tube or the wiring needs testing.
  • You hear the pump hum but no water moves, or there's no pump sound at all during draining.
  • Water leaks from under the machine after you refit the filter, or the machine is under warranty: contact Indesit service rather than opening it up.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

⚙

Drain pump

Only after the filter, drain hose and sink plumbing are proven clear. Match your exact model number.

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Pump filter

If the filter is cracked, missing or won't seal. Match your exact model number.

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Pressure switch

Only if the drum is empty and F05 persists; best tested by an engineer first.

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⚙

Drain hose

If the old hose is split or permanently kinked.

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Sources

  1. Indesit Service UK: Washing Machine Error Codes (F05 waste pipe blockage or pump issue; check pump filter, waste hose and under-sink plumbing; likely pump failure if none work)
  2. Indesit IWE instruction booklet, troubleshooting (does not drain or spin or F05: pump filter, kinked hose, blanking cap, blocked hose or trap, cycle without drain, Easy Iron, spin Off)
  3. Indesit Arcadia service manual, fault codes (F05 pressure switch empty condition not reached or drain pump jammed; check order through pump, pressure switch, PCB)

Last reviewed 2026-10-26. Always confirm against the manual for your exact model number.