If your clothes are still sitting in water at the end of a wash cycle it’s likely your washer has a draining issue. Why is a Bosch washer not draining water as usual? The drain pump may be obstructed by lint, dirt, or debris. Cleaning the pump and removing any obstructions should solve the problem. Learn more Bosch washing machine troubleshooting tips to resolve drainage issues.
Common Causes for a Bosch Washer Not Draining Water
As alarming and messy as draining problems can seem, there are usually straightforward causes for a Bosch washer not draining properly. While most issues can be resolved with a simple fix, our tips can also help determine if a professional repair is required.
Drain Water Manually If Needed
If your Bosch washer does not drain the first step may be to remove any remaining water in the washer tub. Is there a way to drain lingering water without making a mess? Draining the water directly from the drain hose can remove it quickly and neatly.
Here’s how to drain water from a Bosch washing machine drain hose:
- Turn off the washer’s water tap or valve.
- Unplug the washer.
- Open and remove the service flap on the bottom right corner of the washer.
- Unfasten the black drainage hose.
- Place a shallow container under the hose to capture draining water.
- Remove the hose plug and allow water to drain into the container.
- Fasten the hose plug back in its housing.
- Replace the service flap.
- Restore power to the washer and turn on the water tap or valve.

Drain Pump Obstruction
Many Bosch washer drain pump problems are caused by obstructions like dirt and lint or small foreign objects. Cleaning the pump and removing any visible blockages can resolve drainage problems, while regular cleanings can prevent them from recurring.
Follow these steps to clean the drain pump and remove any obstructions:
- Turn off the washer’s water tap or valve.
- Unplug the washer.
- Open and remove the service flap.
- Place a towel under the pump cover to absorb any water.
- Unscrew the drain pump cover and slowly remove it to wipe down or rinse under running water.
- Remove the rubber thread and gently wipe down or rinse to remove any visible dirt.
- Wipe down the drain pump housing, removing any dirt or residue.
- Make sure the impellers at the rear of the compartment can easily rotate and are free of blockages.
- Replace the drain pump cover.
- Reattach the service flap.
- Plug the washer back in and turn on the water tap or valve.

Drain Hose Blocked or Kinked
A blocked or kinked drain hose can also be responsible for a Bosch washer not draining properly. Kinks or blockages won’t allow water to flow freely through the hose when draining, causing it to back up into the washer.
Here’s how to check the hose for kinks or blockages:
- Turn off the water tap or valve.
- Unplug the washer.
- If necessary, move the washer away from the wall to access the drain hose.
- Loosen the pipe clamp with a screwdriver.
- Carefully remove the hose and gently untwist any kinks.
- Check the hose for obstructions such as lint or coins, carefully removing any blockages.
- Twist and remove the hose connection to assess for any blockages.
- Reattach the hose connection and drain hose, making sure to tighten the pipe clamp.
- Reposition the washer and restore water and power connections.
Bosch Washer Part Failure
If problems persist it’s possible a part failure is responsible for your Bosch washing machine not draining. If the lid switch assembly has failed, the washer won’t spin and drain even if the door is properly closed. In other cases, the drain pump may have malfunctioned or a drain hose clog can’t be removed. While the drain hose can be easily replaced, other part failures are best assessed and replaced by a professional service.
The experts at Advance Appliance Service can help with any Bosch washer repair. Schedule a repair with us today!