Washers Medium Severity
35 Appliance Error Code

Fisher & Paykel Washers 35 Error: Drain fault

Fisher & Paykel washer error code 35 is a mid-severity fault meaning Drain fault — pump not clearing water. Do not run further cycles with standing water remaining in the drum. Manually drain the machine using the hose or a sponge, clear the blockage, and then power-cycle to reset the fault.

By Denis Yuzhaev Lead Appliance Repair Specialist & Technical Writer

~75%

DIY Fixable

From $80

Typical Repair Cost

30 min–2 hrs

Pro Repair Time

Quick Assessment

Answer to continue safely

Is it safe to keep using?

No. Do not run further cycles with standing water remaining in the drum. Successive cycle attempts with a blocked or failed drain will not resolve the issue and may cause water to overflow.

Can I reset the code?

Yes. Manually drain the machine using the hose or a sponge, clear the blockage, and then power-cycle to reset the fault. The code will clear once the drain system is functioning.

When to stop immediately?

Stop if you notice: Water level is at or near the top of the drum, Water is leaking from the machine base.

Symptoms You May Notice

Code 35 at end of wash or rinse

The fault appears when the machine tries to drain and the water level sensor does not confirm the tub is empty within the allotted drain time.

Standing water in drum

Clothes are sitting in water at the end of the cycle, or the machine pauses mid-cycle with the tub still full.

Drain pump hums but tub does not empty

An audible pump motor hum indicates the pump is receiving power but is blocked or has failed mechanically.

Possible Causes

1

Blocked drain pump filter or impeller

Coins, lint, small garments, or debris have lodged in the drain pump impeller or the pump sump, blocking flow.

DIY Possible
2

Kinked or blocked drain hose

The drain hose at the rear of the machine is kinked, or the standpipe into which it drains is blocked.

DIY Possible
3

Failed drain pump motor

The pump motor winding has failed, preventing the impeller from spinning despite the pump receiving voltage.

DIY Possible
4

Drain hose installed too low

If the drain hose end is lower than the tub base, water siphons back before the controller registers an empty-tub condition.

DIY Possible

Safe Checks You Can Do

These checks are safe for homeowners. No disassembly required. Do not remove panels or access internal components.
  1. 1

    Check drain hose routing

    Ensure the drain hose is routed up and over a standpipe at least 60 cm (24 inches) above floor level before entering the drain. Check for kinks along the full length.

    A siphon effect from a hose that drops straight to a floor drain is one of the most frequently missed causes of code 35.

  2. 2

    Clear the drain pump access

    Unplug the machine and bail or sponge excess water from the tub. Tilt the machine back and locate the drain pump at the base. Remove the pump sump hose clamp and check for lodged debris in the pump inlet.

    Keep a towel and shallow tray ready — residual water will spill when the sump hose is removed.

    Tools required
  3. 3

    Test the drain pump motor

    With the machine unplugged, disconnect the pump motor wires and measure resistance across the motor terminals. A working pump motor typically reads 5–30 ohms; open circuit confirms motor failure.

    Also spin the impeller by hand — it should turn freely. A seized impeller caused by debris may read normal resistance but still fail to pump.

    Tools required

When to Call a Professional

Contact a qualified technician if:

  • Pump motor tests open circuit and you need a confirmed part number for your specific WL or GWL model
  • Drain sump or pump bracket requires removal of the full base assembly

Need Professional Help?

Find qualified technicians in your area for proper diagnostics and repair.

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