Black+Decker Washer E4 — What It Means & How to Fix It
Your Black+Decker washer can't drain — E4 appears when draining takes over 10 minutes or the tub can't empty completely, usually a kinked or badly placed drain hose or a clogged filter.
What this code means
E4 on a Black+Decker washer means draining didn't complete: the manual raises it when the washer takes over 10 minutes to drain or cannot drain totally empty. The drain hose and pump filter are the first checks, and on these portables the hose position over a sink or standpipe matters as much as the hardware.
BLACK+DECKER's instruction manual for the BPWM09W lists E4 as taking over 10 minutes to drain, or being unable to drain completely. It says to make sure the drain hose isn't kinked, is no higher than 4 ft above the bottom of the washer and is no more than 5 ft away from it. Other BLACK+DECKER washers may number their codes differently, so check the table in your own model's manual.
Most likely causes
| Cause | How likely | DIY-fixable? |
|---|---|---|
| Kinked or crushed drain hose | Very common | Yes — no tools |
| Drain hose hung too high or slipped out of place | Common | Yes — reposition |
| Clogged pump filter or trapped object | Common | Yes — towel, 15 min |
| Blocked sink or standpipe | Occasional | Partly — check the drain |
| Failed drain pump | Less common | No — technician job |
What you can try yourself
- Switch off and check the drain hose for kinks or crushing along its length.
- Make sure the hose sits at the right height and hasn't slipped down a standpipe or out of the sink.
- If your model has a lower access flap, lay a towel down and clean the pump filter, removing any trapped item.
- Run the sink to confirm the drain itself isn't blocked.
- Clear E4 (Start/Pause or a brief unplug) and run a Spin/Drain to retest.
Seeing the symptom rather than the code? Washer won't drain: checks that apply across brands.
When to call a technician
- The hose and filter are clear but water won't pump out.
- The pump runs but no water moves.
- The sink or standpipe backs up when the washer drains.
Typical professional repair cost: Drain pump replacement on a Black+Decker washer typically runs $100—$200 including labor.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my Black+Decker washer full of water with E4?
The pump couldn't clear the water, so it's left in the tub. Check the drain hose for kinks and the right height, clean the filter if there is one, then run a drain/spin to empty it.
Where is the drain filter on a Black+Decker washer?
On models that have one, it's behind a small flap at the lower front — lay a towel down before opening it, as water will come out. Many compact units don't have one, in which case focus on the hose.
Could a small object cause E4?
Yes — coins, buttons, and hairpins that slip past the tub can lodge in the pump or filter and block the drain. Cleaning the filter clears most of them on models that have one.
Sources checked
- BLACK+DECKER BPWM09W Portable Washer Instruction Manual, troubleshooting page (hosted by ManualsLib)
Error meanings can vary by model. This guide was checked against the documentation above; use the manual for the model number on your own appliance when it differs.
Related Black+Decker codes
- Black+Decker Washer E1 Your Black+Decker washer didn't fill in time — E1 appears after about 30 minutes of filling without reaching the set level, nearly always a supply problem.
- Black+Decker Washer E3 Your Black+Decker washer shows E3 when the spin has gone out of balance three times — open the lid, spread the wet load evenly and make sure the machine sits level.
- Black+Decker Washer E2 Your Black+Decker washer shows E2 when the top lid is open — close the lid fully and the cycle can carry on.
- Black+Decker Washer E5 Your Black+Decker washer shows E5 when the water has filled past its preset level — turn off the taps, and call the manufacturer's service line as the manual directs.
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