Fisher & Paykel Washing Machine Showing Error 37? It Is a Drain Fault
If your Fisher & Paykel washing machine has stopped mid-cycle, the drum is still full of water, and the display reads Error 37 (sometimes shown as just “37” or “ER37”), the machine has detected a drainage problem. Error 37 fires when the drain pump cannot empty the drum within the expected time window — usually because something is blocking the path between the drum and your standpipe.
The most common cause is a blocked pump filter, which is fixable in about 15 minutes. When that does not resolve it, the cause is further down the drainage system and needs a technician. Book a Brisbane Fisher & Paykel washing machine repair or call (07) 3062 2377.
What Error 37 Means
F&P washing machines time the drain cycle. The drain pump runs and the pressure switch monitors water level. The control board expects to see “drum empty” within a set timeout (typically 90 to 120 seconds depending on model). If the pressure switch still senses water past the timeout, the cycle halts with Error 37.
Without that protection, the machine would either run dry (damaging the pump) or attempt a spin with water still in the drum (severe vibration, suspension damage). Error 37 is the machine choosing to stop and tell you rather than carry on and break.
Common Causes
Blocked pump filter. By far the most common cause across F&P front-loaders. Coins, hairpins, fabric scraps, and lint accumulate in the filter. When it is full, water cannot reach the pump efficiently.
Foreign object in pump impeller. Smaller objects can pass the filter and lodge in the impeller. The pump motor tries to run but cannot move water.
Kinked drain hose. The corrugated drain hose at the rear can pinch when the machine is pushed against a wall or moved for cleaning.
Drain pump motor failure. The pump motor seizes or burns out. You may hear no drain pump activity during the expected drain phase.
Standpipe or sink drain blockage. If your laundry standpipe or kitchen sink (depending on plumbing) is partially blocked, Error 37 fires even when the washing machine pump is healthy. Test the drainage independently with a kettle of water.
Pressure switch fault. Less common — the switch reports water present when the drum is empty. The board reads “drain incomplete” and triggers Error 37.
Control board fault. Rare, but can happen after power surges or moisture exposure.
DIY Steps to Clear Error 37
1. Power off and water off. Switch the washer off at the wall and turn off the inlet tap.
2. Access the pump filter. On F&P front-loaders, the filter is behind a small kickplate at the bottom-front of the machine. Pop the kickplate off with a coin or flathead screwdriver.
3. Drain the residual water. Place a shallow tray (1 to 2 litre capacity) under the filter. Unscrew the filter slowly anti-clockwise to let water drain in a controlled flow rather than a flood.
4. Clean the filter. Rinse thoroughly under running water. Clear lint, coins, buttons, hair clips, and anything else trapped. Use an old toothbrush on the mesh if there is heavy lint buildup.
5. Inspect the impeller. With a torch, look into the filter chamber. You should see the pump impeller. It should spin freely with light finger pressure. If you see a foreign object jammed in there, carefully remove it.
6. Check the drain hose. Inspect the rear of the machine. The drain hose should run in a smooth curve to the standpipe, not pinched or sharply bent.
7. Test standpipe drainage. Pour a kettle of water down your laundry standpipe or sink (whichever your washer drains into) and confirm it flows away quickly.
8. Reassemble and test. Screw the filter back in firmly (hand-tight plus a quarter turn), replace the kickplate, restore power and water, and run a Spin Only cycle to test drainage.
If the cycle completes, you are done. If Error 37 returns, escalate to a technician.
When to Call a Technician
Book a repair if Error 37 persists after a thorough filter clean and drainage check, if you hear no pump activity during the drain phase, if the machine fills but cannot drain at all, or if Error 37 alternates with other error codes (signal of control board issues).
How Always Prompt Repairs Can Help
We are an independent Brisbane appliance repair business — not an authorised Fisher & Paykel service agent. We service F&P washing machines across Greater Brisbane, Ipswich and the Northern Gold Coast. Our technicians carry common F&P parts including drain pumps, pressure switches, and pump seal kits.
If your F&P is inside the manufacturer warranty period, contact Fisher & Paykel Australia first. For out-of-warranty repairs see Fisher & Paykel repairs Brisbane, washing machine repairs Brisbane, or related: F&P F2 error, washing machine not draining, other error codes.
F&P Washing Machine Repair Pricing
Our callout fee is $219, including the first 30 minutes of on-site labour and diagnosis. Additional time is $45 per 15-minute block. Parts quoted separately. Seniors, pensioners and students receive a $20 discount.
All prices are estimates only. Under Australian Consumer Law, you may have additional consumer guarantee rights if your washer has failed prematurely.
Service Area
Greater Brisbane, Ipswich and the Northern Gold Coast, including North Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, and Northern Gold Coast. No travel surcharges.
Book Your Repair
Book online or call (07) 3062 2377.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Error 37 mean on a Fisher & Paykel washing machine?
Error 37 indicates a drainage problem. The washing machine attempted to drain wash water but did not complete within the expected time window. Common causes include a blocked pump filter, kinked drain hose, jammed impeller, or failed drain pump.
Can I keep using the washer with Error 37?
No. Error 37 halts the cycle and the machine will not progress until drainage is restored. Forcing repeated attempts risks burning out the drain pump.
Will a filter clean fix Error 37?
Often yes — a blocked filter is the most common cause. Clean every 4 to 6 months as routine maintenance. If Error 37 returns after cleaning, the cause is downstream and needs a technician.
Is Error 37 the same on F&P front-loaders and top-loaders?
The error code numbering varies between F&P washing machine series. Error 37 typically appears on front-loaders for drainage faults. Top-loader F&P washers (WashSmart, AquaSmart) may use different codes for the same underlying fault — drainage problems are diagnosed similarly across both.
How much does it cost to fix Error 37 in Brisbane?
Our callout fee is $219, which includes the first 30 minutes of on-site labour and full diagnosis. Additional time is $45 per 15 minutes. Parts are quoted separately. Seniors, pensioners and students receive a $20 discount. All prices are estimates only.
How do I book an F&P washing machine repair in Brisbane?
Book online at /book/ 24 hours a day, or call (07) 3062 2377 during business hours.
For manufacturer guidance see Fisher & Paykel Australia support page.