Why won't my Bosch washing machine drain?

The most common cause is a blocked drain pump filter behind the small flap at the bottom front. Drain the residual water into a shallow tray, unscrew the filter, clear it and check the hose for kinks.

Is a 7 kg drum big enough for a family?

A 7 kg drum suits most households of two to three people. Larger families who wash bedding often usually prefer an 8 kg or 9 kg model.

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Bosch WAJ28008GB 7 kg washing machine: specs, problems and error codes

By the Cheylesmore Appliances editorial team · Reviewed October 2026

Bosch WAJ28008GB Serie 2 7 kg washing machine

The WAJ28008GB is Bosch’s entry-level Serie 2 front-loading washing machine with a 7 kg drum and a maximum spin of 1400 rpm. It is aimed at smaller households that want a dependable, well-built machine with the programmes people use day to day, rather than steam functions or app control.

Key specifications

Type	Freestanding front loader
Range	Bosch Serie 2
Drum capacity	7 kg
Maximum spin	1400 rpm
Colour	White

Who it suits

A 7 kg drum handles a typical load for one to three people and a double duvet cover, but not a king-size duvet. Households that wash bedding or sportswear daily often find an 8 kg model such as the Bosch WAN28281GB more practical.

Common problems

Not draining (F18 / E18)

The single most common fault on any front loader is a blocked drain pump filter. On Bosch machines it sits behind the small flap at the bottom right of the front panel. Unplug the machine, place towels and a shallow tray below, release the emergency drain hose to empty the water, then unscrew the filter and remove coins, hair grips and lint. Check that the drain hose is not kinked behind the machine.

Slow filling (F17 / E17)

If the machine takes too long to fill, check that the tap is fully open, the inlet hose is not kinked and the small mesh filter at the hose connection is not clogged with limescale.

Door will not open

The door stays locked while there is water in the drum or for a short time after the cycle ends. If it remains locked with an empty drum, the door-lock assembly may have failed.

Musty smell

Frequent 30 °C washes with liquid detergent leave residue in the drum and detergent drawer. Wipe the door seal, clean the drawer and run an empty 90 °C wash once a month.

Maintenance checklist

Clean the pump filter every two to three months.
Leave the door and detergent drawer ajar between washes.
Do not overload — leave a hand’s width of space at the top of the drum.
Check that the machine stands level; a rocking machine wears bearings faster.

Verdict

The WAJ28008GB is a sensible, no-frills washing machine. Most service calls on machines like this involve the drain pump, door lock or, after many years, the drum bearings. The first two are relatively inexpensive repairs; worn bearings on an older machine are often the point where replacement makes more sense.

Questions owners ask

Why won't my Bosch washing machine drain?: The most common cause is a blocked drain pump filter behind the small flap at the bottom front. Drain the residual water into a shallow tray, unscrew the filter, clear it and check the hose for kinks.
What does F17 or E17 mean?: The machine is not filling fast enough. Check that the tap is fully open, the inlet hose is not kinked and the small mesh filter where the hose meets the machine is clean.
Is a 7 kg drum big enough for a family?: A 7 kg drum suits most households of two to three people. Larger families who wash bedding often usually prefer an 8 kg or 9 kg model.