Introduction
The F05 error on many Indesit washing machines appears when the washer can't drain. A blocked pump filter, also called a drain pump filter or filter pump, can trap coins, hair clips, and other small items before they reach the drain pump. This guide shows you how to diagnose a likely drainage blockage, clean the pump filter, reassemble it, and test the washer. This procedure may also apply to similar Hotpoint and Whirlpool models, though panel locations and cycle names may differ. On some Hotpoint models, F05 can also point to a pressure switch fault, so confirm the washer has drainage symptoms before focusing on the filter.
What you need
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Step 1 Make the washer safe
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If the plug is behind the washer, pull the washer out slowly and only far enough to unplug it.
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Turn off the power supply water supply feeding the washing machine.
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Step 2 Confirm the F05 drainage symptoms
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Look for an F05 error with the washer stopped mid-cycle and water still inside the drum.
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Treat a full drum or very wet laundry as a sign that the washer hasn't drained.
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Listen for grinding, banging, or other harsh noise from the pump area.
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Step 3 Check the external drain path
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Pull the washer out just far enough to reach the back and lower front.
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Check the drain hose at the back of the washer for kinks or blockages.
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Look into the wall drain pipe that leads outside and clear any visible blockage.
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Step 4 Access the pump filter
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Place the large washing bowl in front of the lower front panel.
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Use a flat-bladed screwdriver to pry off the lower front panel.
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Tilt the washer backward and slide the empty bowl under the pump filter opening.
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Step 5 Unscrew the pump filter
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Turn the pump filter counterclockwise until it comes out.
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Let the water run into the bowl, and empty the bowl if it fills.
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If the filter won't turn or won't pull out, wiggle the filter and washer to loosen trapped debris.
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Step 6 Clear the filter and pump opening
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Pull the pump filter out and remove any debris caught in it.
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Reach into the filter opening and feel toward the back for the pump propeller.
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Remove any objects touching the propeller, such as hair clips or coins.
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Check the filter cavity until you can't feel any loose debris.
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Step 7 Reinstall the pump filter
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Tilt the washer forward to drain the remaining water into the bowl.
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Wait until water stops flowing from the filter opening.
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Screw the pump filter back in until it is fully tight.
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Step 8 Reconnect the drain hose and water
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Put the drain hose back into the household drain pipe.
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Clip the hose into the u-bend bracket at the top of the drain connection.
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Turn the power supply water supply back on.
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Step 9 Test the drain repair
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Start a rinse cycle or continue the interrupted cycle with the washer still pulled out.
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Watch the pump filter and rear hoses for leaks while the washer fills and drains.
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Check the outside drain or household drain outlet to confirm that water is flowing out.
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Use a rinse-only setting if the clothes are still very wet.
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Step 10 Refit the washer
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Push the washer back into place once it drains correctly and there are no leaks.
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Snap the lower front panel back into place.
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Step 11 Prevent future F05 blockages
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Check pockets before putting clothes in the washer.
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Remove hair clips, coins, and other small items that can jam the pump propeller.
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Clean the pump filter once a year if possible.
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Clean the filter sooner if you hear unusual noise around the pump filter.
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The washer should now drain without the F05 error. Check pockets before each wash, and clean the pump filter yearly to reduce the chance of another blockage. Repair didn't go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.
