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?

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

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

Message withdrawn

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.

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

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

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 .

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.

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.

meant to say, thanks for the advice!