What do you do when you turn on your Hoover washing machine and get an E20 error code on the display screen?
You could buy a brand-new washing machine, but this is probably unnecessary. In most cases, you can resolve such error codes with some problem-solving and some home DIY tools.
The resolution to an E20 error code depends on the root cause of the issue and which part of the appliance is affected.
There are a seemingly endless number of things that can go wrong with all types of washing machines, but the E20 error code usually indicates that there is a problem with the drain pump or drain hose.
In other words, either the drain pump has cracked, broken, burst, or become clogged up to the point at which it causes drainage failure.
This article will cover the most common causes of the dreaded E20 error code in Hoover washing machines, and how to fix such issues and reset your appliance if necessary.
What Are the Most Common Causes of an E20 Error Code?
As we mentioned briefly above, if your washing machine has an E20 code on the screen when you turn it on, it means there has been a failure in the drainage system.
Drainage System Failure
A drainage system failure might be an issue in one of the pipes, pumps, or hoses inside the appliance or a combination of each of these things. There’s also a possibility that there is a blockage in one of the filters.
So, why exactly does a failure occur in the draining system? The most common causes of this common washing machine problem include the following.
Burst or Broken Drain Pipes
The drain pipes inside a Hoover washing machine can start to crack over time due to ongoing use. The high water pressure that a washing machine produces can strain the pipes to the point at which they start to wear away.
Eventually, these small cracks can give way, causing the pipe to break completely and burst open. This sends a signal to the control panel inside the washer and results in an E20 error code appearing on the screen.
Blocked or Clogged Drain Pipes
Another common reason for drainage system failure is blocked or clogged pipes. As water passes through the hoses inside a washing machine, it leaves deposits of minerals, dust, and dirt along their inner lining.
After a while, these deposits can get trapped and build up to a point where they restrict water flow. If you don’t clean the drains, they will eventually become completely blocked or clogged, leading to system failure.
Drain Hose Disconnection
If a drain hose inside your appliance becomes loose or fully disconnected from its attachment points, it can cause water to pass out of the drainage system and into other areas of the washer. Free-flowing water can cause serious damage to your washer before you realise there’s a problem.
Luckily, most modern-day washing machines have internal sensors that detect hose connection issues or drainage failure. These sensors will signal to the control board, causing an E20 error code to appear.
Blocked or Clogged Filters
The filters inside a washing machine can quickly become clogged with dust and dirt, especially if you run a wash cycle multiple times a week or you tend to load the machine to its full capacity each time you do a wash load.
When the filters become partially or fully blocked, it limits the movement of water through the drainage system, which can lead to total system failure if left unresolved.
How Do You Fix E20 Error On Your Hoover Washing Machine?
When you’ve got an E20 error code, there are a few different ways that you can fix it.
The first thing that you need to do is find the root cause of the issues. Once you know exactly why your machine is displaying this code, you can take the right steps to fix it.
Checking the Drain Hose
You’ll need to check that the main drain hose is properly connected to the machine and the wall. If it’s got even the smallest gap, this can cause a drainage system failure.
If the hose is connected to a spigot under the kitchen sink, remove them both and check inside each one for blockage. If both the hose and spigot are free of blockages, the issue will be related to the pump or filters inside your appliance.
Unblocking the Drain Hose or Spigot
When the hose or spigot is blocked, you’ll need to clean it before reconnecting your washing machine. For a thorough clean, start by pouring boiling water down the drain along with a sprinkle of baking soda or soap powder.
Wait for around ten minutes to allow the mixture to clear the blockage. Pour more water down the drains and the drain pump to check if this has worked. If it has, the water should be flowing smoothly down the piping.
Cleaning the Filter
To clean the filter inside washer dryers, you’ll need to first drain the water from inside. Place a large bowl under the filter, then unscrew it and wait until no more water comes out.
Removing and Cleaning the Filter
Remove the filter from the slot, and clean away excess debris and dust using either your hands or paper towels. Get a soft-bristled brush and use it to brush away any built-up debris that is stuck on the filter.
Running a Cycle
Once you’ve cleaned the filter (and checked that there are no other unresolved issues with your appliance), put it back into its slot and run a short washing cycle.
While the cycle is running, keep an ear out for any unusual noises coming from the drum, the pump, or excess water flushing around the machine while it’s on a spin cycle. You should also check that it is draining satisfactorily.
Calling an Expert Engineer
You might be not able to resolve the issue with your appliance on your own, even after trying all the above steps. In this case, you may need to find an expert engineer to help.
Once you’ve found a great engineer, take a look at their website to check which services they offer and the associated pricing. You’ll also find their contact details on the website, so you can give them a call and book for them to come to your house to take a look at your washer.
How Do You Reset Your Washing Machine?
If you’ve been unsuccessful in fixing the error code on your washing machine, your next option is to reset it. Different washing machine models require different methods to reset the system and it often depends on the manufacturer.
Pulling the Plug Out of the Wall Socket
However, one of the easiest ways to reset any washer is to pull the plug out of the main wall socket outlet to cut its electrical power supply. This will cause the machine to turn off completely.
Leave your washing machine off for around five minutes before plugging it back into the wall socket. The machine will turn back on, and hopefully, the error code will disappear.
Holding Down the Start Button
You can hold down the start switch to reset the appliance if you’re unable to reach the wall socket. Look in your user manual and installation instructions if you’re unsure how to properly disconnect your device.
Final Word
Hoover washing machines are trusted and reliable appliances, but things can still go wrong every now and then. The Hoover E20 error code isn’t uncommon, and it can be pretty simple to resolve the issue at hand as long as you take the right steps.
Investigate the Problem
If you’re getting an E20 error code when you switch your washing machine on, you’ll first need to do some investigative work to determine the cause of the error, such as a disconnected drainage hose pipe or a clogged drain pump.
Hopefully, by following the steps we discussed above, you’ll be able to find a solution for the issue and restore your washer to its full function without needing a full replacement.
Calling an Expert
Remember that you can always call an engineer if you’re struggling to repair your appliance on your own by following the steps in your user manual or a separate installation leaflet supplied by the manufacturer.
It’s better to spend money hiring an expert to repair your appliance than risk your safety and security if you have no idea what to do!
