Zanussi washing machine does not drain water and does not spin
Zanussi washing machines are considered quite reliable, but they do have their weaknesses, and, as always, these weaknesses manifest themselves at the most inopportune moments. If your Zanussi washing machine isn't spinning or draining, it's likely due to one of these weaknesses. What malfunctions cause draining and spinning problems in Zanussi washing machines, and how can they be fixed? We'll discuss these issues in this article.
The most common causes
Where do I start to look for the reason why my Zanussi washing machine refuses to drain or spin?
You need to start with the simplest and most obvious thing that does not require disassembling the washing machine, And then, gradually, move on to more complex and rare causes. Let's start with the dust filter. Unscrew it and inspect it for dirt and foreign objects. This should be done even if you clean the filter regularly, as socks and other small items often get sucked into it during washing.
If you don't find anything in the dust filter, unplug the Zanussi washing machine from the power supply, water supply, and sewer line, and move it to a clear area where it's easy to disassemble. Turn the washing machine over and remove the back panel. Check the belt tension.
Remember! A loose belt can cause problems with the drain and spin cycle. This is a common problem with Zanussi washing machines, so check the belt immediately after the waste filter.
If the belt is OK, put the back wall of the machine back in place and do the following.
- We take out the powder tray.
- We place the Zanussi washing machine on its left side.

- If your model has a bottom, unscrew it; if there is no bottom, then we immediately gain access to the components we need.
- The most accessible parts from the bottom of the washing machine are the pump and drain hose. Loosen the clamps, remove the hose, and then remove the pump. Before removing the pipe, place a rag under its base to prevent any remaining water from getting on the electrical system.
- We inspect the drain hose for any stuck objects or blockages, disassemble the pump, and carefully examine the impeller. If even the slightest damage is detected, the impeller must be replaced. If replacing just the impeller is not possible, we replace the entire drain pump.
- If you find no mechanical damage to the drain pump, you should check its electrical system. Use a multimeter to measure the resistance. If the display shows 0 or 1, the pump is faulty.
Engine and tachometer
After removing and inspecting the pump and hose, we can also access the motor and tachometer through the bottom of the Zanussi washing machine to check their functionality. We pull off the drive belt, disconnect the tachometer wires, unscrew the bolts holding the motor in place, and remove the motor. It's possible to inspect the motor without removing it, but that's too inconvenient.
Zanussi washing machines are typically equipped with inexpensive brushed motors, which can wear out the brushes. Unscrew the screws holding the brushes in the housing and remove them. If the brushes are even partially worn, they need to be replaced. Arm yourself with a multimeter again and check the resistance of the tachometer and the motor winding. This requires partially disassembling the motor housing.
When you install the motor in place, do not forget to screw it in properly and connect the wires.
Pressure switch
If your Zanussi washing machine doesn't drain or spin, it's possible the water level sensor is at fault, especially if you've already checked the belt, pump, and motor with the tachometer. The pressure switch is located at the top of the Zanussi washing machine body, This means you'll have to put it back on its feet and remove the top cover. Under the cover, you'll almost immediately notice a plastic device that looks like a washer with a tube attached to the bottom—this is the pressure switch.
Remove the water level sensor, remembering to disconnect its wires, and inspect its tube. Often, the pressure switch tube becomes clogged with limescale, causing the device to stop functioning. If this is the case, simply cleaning the tube will restore operation. If the tube is clean, inspect the electrical component of the pressure switch. Set the resistance tester we used earlier and check the pressure switch contacts. A 0 or 1 reading on the display indicates a faulty water level sensor.
Electrics or electronics?
Having checked all the above-mentioned sensors and components and failed to find the cause of the problem, we continue our meticulous inspection of the Zanussi washing machine. At this stage, we should carefully inspect all terminals, contacts, and wires, marking any suspicious elements with a marker. Usually, there are several such electrical components, so we have to replace them all, hoping that this is the cause of the problem. If replacing the wires doesn't help, the problem most likely lies in the control module.
Problems with the electronics of a washing machine are the most insidious; they can only be detected at home if some semiconductor components have burned out, making the malfunction visible. What should you do if you have a reasonable suspicion that your Zanussi washing machine isn't spinning or draining because of the control board? There can only be one answer: contact a qualified technician. Self-repair may make the problem worse.
To repair the control module, you must first locate the faulty triac, then desolder it correctly without damaging the circuit, and then solder a similar part. Without experience working with electronics, this is impossible to do accurately.
In conclusion, it should be noted that a Zanussi washing machine may stop draining and spinning for a number of reasons. It's impossible to predict which of these reasons applies to you, so you'll need to carefully check all suspicious parts according to the instructions in this article. If you're interested in the causes of similar problems in washing machines of other brands, please read the article. My washing machine won't drain, how can I fix it?? Good luck!
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8 reader comments
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My door is locked.
If it doesn't drain, remove the bottom plug, plug in the machine, start the spin cycle, look into the bottom plug, and see the impeller. If it's stopped, push it with a screwdriver. If it spins and then stops (this can happen several times), the pump bushings are worn out and are simply blocked by the electrical field when turned on (they can't be repaired, otherwise they'll work for a week and then break again). Replace the pump!!!
Good advice!
Andrey, you're a genius. Thank you for saving me from having to completely dismantle my car.
My Zanussi ZWS1101 washer shuts off during washing. What should I do?
Thanks! Fixed it!
The rubber seal on the drain at the bottom of my Zanussi washing machine broke. Where can I get it?
Hello. I have a problem. The water isn't draining. What could be the cause? I'm not sure about the spin cycle and have been pondering it for a long time.