John Lewis drain filter inaccessible

Very late in responding, but in case it helps anyone else, had the same problem with our Zanussi once (John Lewis washing machines are, or at least were also made by Electrolux as is AEG).

The drain pump comes out quite easily, which would give access to the back of the filter, so you can push and pull at the same time, don't push too hard though because you'd buckle the filter. On mine from underneath, you ease back the two locking tabs and twist the pump anticlockwise.

If it will drain, I'd suggest descaling the machine with a large scoop of citric acid on a 90 degree C wash first and pause it a while during the heating cycle to allow the acid extra time to work, which may make it easier to remove.

Best to descale the machine annually to avoid that problem, also does seem to have extended the element life.

I found a way to get at this filter. This is a poor design. You're supposed to be able to use that cap to pull out the drain filter but it shouldn't be in 2 parts like the way it is. So we ended up pulling out the cap but the rest of the filter stayed in the machine. My son ended up using the claw part of a smallish hammer and wedged it against the grey visible part of the filter that was stuck inside then a set of pliers to yank out the filter which was clogged up real bad.

The operation made a hot mess of the end of the filter but we were so frustrated we'd be happy to get a replacement part. The reason I think it was stuck is that after a few years in a hard water area (and probably a fair amount of abuse to the machine!) a cement like substance forms along the insides of the washing machine, the likes of which I've never seen before. No amount of calgon seems to help. That cement like material (plus all the gunk) was wedging the filter inside.

The other design flaw (I guess) is that the filter is hidden behind a skirting panel in our kitchen which is hard to take out. Probably not much we can do about that since it is an integrated machine. Hence we had not been cleaning out the filter regularly. I live, I learn...

Hi Andy - yes to both!

Thanks,

Nick

Have you tried refitting the main cap and instead of unscrewing it fully just give it 1/2 turn or so and see if you can pull the whole thing out? Also have you checked the instruction manual?

Hi Andy. Thanks for taking the time to respond again. Good to have my suspicions confirmed that something isn't quite right! At this stage I guess we will need to call in a professional. If I remember, I will update again once the issue has been resolved for the benefit of future readers

Hi: I've never heard of one needing a special tool. The pump filter is supposed to be totally customer accessible. Double check the instruction manual for exactly how to take it out if still unsure. If you don't have the manual you can try here appliance user manual download page

Hi Andy,

Many thanks for your response.

I had wondered that myself. I've tried partially unscrewing and then pulling with pliers (and a fair amount of force) but no luck. But then looking more closely at where the "outer" cap would interface with the "inner" one, I just can't see how it would properly screw in so as to be able to pull the whole thing out.

So I guess there is no special tool that I am missing?

Any further thoughts much appreciated.

Thanks,

Nick