How do I get my fisher and paykel washing machine Pride smart drive 8 to empty. When I checked on a load I found it full of water and spin cycle making a humming noise. Would not empty, have tried running the cycle through again, works fine just wont empty. What do i do?

Felicity, November 2009

The humming noise is the drain pump trying to spin. Bail as much water out of tub using a small jug as you can. Turn power off, tip machine back against wall as far as you can. Look under at front right corner of outer plastic bowl & locate drain pump. Try turning the plastic fan by hand back & forward a few times to see if it comes free. Stand machine up & advance to final spin. Press start & see if pump runs. If it won't come free & still hums then the pump will have to be taken out to clear the obstruction.

Lincoln Appliance NZ, November 2009

the pump has gone, approx £25 plus the labour to fix it. You will not be able to empty the machine with out getting to the underneath where the pump is. Get a man in.

mandy carr, November 2009