Washing machine not draining properly - easy to fix, or do I need a new one?

[HolidaysQueen]

My washing machine isn't draining properly at the moment. It will drain, but very slowly so cycles are taking a long time, and I often have to switch it to a drain cycle before putting it back on the normal programme. This morning I had to set the drain cycle 3 times before it drained properly.

We've checked in the little drawer at the bottom which is meant to hold trapped objects but didn't find anything. I think it may be blocked up from washing powder and limsecale (we live in London) and maybe even poo(ugh!)from our washable nappies.

Any ideas on what I can do to fix it? Or will we just need to buy a new one?

[girlandboy]

Check the outlet pipe, there could be a build up of something partially blocking it.

[katiepotatie]

Is your sink draining okay? Might be the waste pipe is blocked further along.

[Pruners]

Message withdrawn

[ZoeC]

Running empty is fine, I used to run an empty 90 degree wash every now and again when I was washing nappies a lot - cleaned the drum out of any soap residue etc. else it could start to smell.

Am hoping it's not the pump that's failing - try the hot wash first and if not you may have to call someone out.

[ZoeC]

(running empty is louder when it spins btw, just to warn you! Rattles much more as no weight in the drum.)

[HolidaysQueen]

Thank you ladies. Will check outlet pipe and then wash with soda crystals tomorrow and see how we get on.

[broguemum]

Just had this last week actually. DH took apart the outlet thingie and dug out a HUUUGE mass of horse hair from it (no, I haven't been washing horse rugs, honestly) and voila - washing machine fixed! He is my hero .

[mowbraygirl]

Holidays Queen any luck with your washing machine? I agree with broguemum look at your outlet pipe if possible as when I took mine apart once when having draining problems it was blocked up with thick white gunge.

[HolidaysQueen]

we ran a hot wash and also had a look at the back. drainage pipe wasn't attached to the clips around the machine and seemed squashed/contorted, so reattached it and it seems to have been working better - guess a mixture of blockage and not having a smooth exit!
so seems okay for now, although i'm convinced it is on its last legs.

[HolidaysQueen]

meant to say, thanks for the advice!