Hoover Washing Machine E03 Error: Meaning, Causes & Safe Checks

E03 Check carefully Safe checks first

Quick answer

Hoover E03 (or E3) means the machine couldn’t drain quickly enough. Unplug it, then clear the drain pump filter behind the small door at the front. If the machine drains into the kitchen sink waste, clean food debris out of that connection, and check the black bung was removed if the sink pipework was recently replaced.

Also shown as E3

Check your model

This code can mean different things on different model series. Check your manual, or Hoover UK support with your model number.

What E03 means on a Hoover washing machine

The machine hasn’t been able to drain the water away quickly enough.

Applies to: Hoover washing machines and washer dryers on the model list in Hoover’s advice centre.

What you might notice

Likely causes

What you can safely check yourself

Stop and call a qualified engineer if:
  • The code or problem comes back after you’ve done the safe checks on this page.
  • The next step would mean removing a cover or panel, or working on the pump, valves, heater, motor, door lock or wiring. That is a job for a qualified engineer.
  • Water is leaking from inside the appliance or is near the plug or socket. Don’t touch the plug with wet hands or while standing in water. Switch off at the consumer unit instead.
  • The appliance is still under warranty. Contact the manufacturer first, because DIY work can affect your cover.

Work through these in order. Stop as soon as one of the signs above applies.

Clean the drain pump filter Take care

Before you start
  • Switch off and unplug the appliance at the wall socket before you touch hoses, filters or the back of the machine. Make sure your hands and the plug area are dry.
  • Water inside can be hot after a hot wash. Wait for it to cool before opening a filter.
  • Expect water to come out. Put towels and a shallow tray or baking dish down first.
  • Never force a locked door, a stuck filter cap or a seized part. Forcing it usually causes more damage.
Where the drain pump filter usually is Filter flap bottom front, one side Shallow tray + towels drain slowly, a bit at a time Filter cap turn anticlockwise slowly Some models have a small emergency drain hose here too
Where the drain pump filter usually is. Positions vary by model — check your manual.
  1. Find the small flap at the bottom front of the machine. Your manual shows the exact location and whether there is a small emergency drain hose.
  2. With towels and a tray in place, release the water slowly, using the emergency hose if there is one, or by turning the filter cap a little at a time. Expect more water than you think, and empty the tray as often as you need to.
  3. When the water has stopped, unscrew the filter fully and remove fluff, coins, hair grips and other debris. Rinse it under the tap.
  4. Look into the opening to check the pump blade can turn freely. If you can see it, manufacturers suggest turning it gently with a pencil, never with your fingers.
  5. Refit the filter firmly in its locked position and close the flap. Check for drips the next time the machine runs.

Don’t reach in with fingers past the filter opening.

Don’t open the filter while the machine is running or the water is hot.

Check the sink trap, spigot or standpipe isn’t blocked

  1. If the machine drains into the sink waste, run the sink tap and check the sink empties normally.
  2. Food debris often builds up where the machine’s drain hose joins the sink pipework. With the machine unplugged, you can undo that connection and clear it.
  3. If the machine was just installed, or the sink waste was replaced, check the blanking cap or bung has been removed from the spigot the hose connects to.
  4. If the sink itself drains slowly, the household drain is blocked rather than the machine. Clear it as you would any blocked sink.

When to call an engineer

If the checks above don’t clear E03, or any of the stop signs apply, contact Hoover or a qualified appliance engineer. Have the model and serial number from the rating label ready, and start with Hoover UK support.

Repair or replace?

Most E03 cases are cleared by the safe checks above. If they don’t help, the remaining causes are parts an engineer has to diagnose. We don’t publish repair prices because they vary by area, part and model.

Related problems

Related codes

Different code or symptom? Use the fault finder, see all Hoover washing machine codes, or read how Hoover codes work. Not sure it’s safe? Read our safety information.

Sources

Last checked against these sources: .

We write every page in our own words from manufacturer guidance and check it against the sources above. If your manual says something different, follow your manual. How we check.