Wascomat Washer Error Code 10: Drum Not Drained
Code 10 means the water in the drum was still above the set level when a drain period ended. Check for a blocked drain or too many machines draining into narrow pipes. If it returns, the drain valve or level system needs service.
Medium: the cycle stops until the drum drains, and the cause is often outside the machine.
What does Wascomat error code 10 mean?
At the end of each drain period, the Compass control checks that the level system shows the water below the set level. If it does not, the control shows ERROR 010 / DRUM NOT DRAINED and stops the cycle rather than carry on with a drum still holding water. The manual lists six causes. A blocked drain and restricted drain lines slow the outflow. Too many machines draining into narrow drain pipes can overload the line when several washers drain together. A blocked level hose, a water drop in the level hose or a defective level control can make the machine think water remains when it has already gone. The service steps are to check the drain installation for free flow, clean the drain valve, blow through the level hose and check the level control in the service program.
Affected models and control systems
Wascomat washer-extractors W465H-W4300H, W475S-W4330S and W475N-W4330N with the Compass Control.
Code numbers and their meaning can change between control generations. We match the full model and control before acting on a code.
What you may notice
- ERROR 010 / DRUM NOT DRAINED appears after a drain step
- Water is visible in the drum or door glass after draining
- The drain is slow or gurgles when several machines empty
- The cycle will not move on to spinning
Possible causes
Listed in Wascomat's documentation
- Blocked drain
- Blocked level hose
- Water drop in level hose
- Defective level control
- Restricted drain lines
- Too many machines draining into narrow drain pipes
Other likely causes — what usually sits behind error code 10 on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- A drain valve that sticks partly closed from lint and debris
- Foam from excess detergent that keeps the level reading high after the water drains
Safe checks before calling for service
- Look at the drum through the door to see whether water really remains.
- Check whether other machines draining at the same time are also slow, which points to the building drain.
- Look at the floor drain or standpipe for visible lint or overflow.
- Do not open the door with water inside. Note the program and what you saw, and call us.
How a technician diagnoses error code 10
- Read the code and history, and confirm whether water remains in the drum.
- Check the drain installation and drain lines for free flow.
- Clean the drain valve and confirm it opens fully.
- Blow through the level hose to clear water drops and blockages.
- Check the level control in the service program against actual water level.
- Replace the valve or level control only after it fails its test.
- A blocked building drain may need a plumber, and we tell you if the machine is not the cause.
- Cleaning the drain valve and checking the level control means working behind panels with live parts.
- Reading and adjusting level values takes the service program and not guesswork.
How error code 10 differs from similar codes
Code 06 WATER IN MACHINE is the similar level check at the end of a rapidly advanced program, while code 10 is checked after each drain period.
Technical reference
- Maker documentation
- Wascomat owner support
- Edition
- 438 9228-61/EN, 2011.08.25
- Models / control
- Compass Control W-series washer-extractors (MCU motor control)
- Section
- Troubleshooting, Description of error codes and causes (manual pp. 108-138)
- Checked
- October 2026
We use the maker's document to read the code and do not reproduce it. Always confirm the complete model and control before applying these steps.
Related Wascomat washer error codes
Can I drain the machine by hand?
Only a technician should do it. Opening the door with water inside can flood the floor.
Why do several washers draining together cause this?
Narrow drain pipes cannot carry the combined flow, so each drum empties too slowly for the time limit.
Will cleaning the drain fix it?
If a blockage was the cause, yes. If the code persists after the drain is clear, the level system needs testing.
Need help with Wascomat error code 10?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.