Washing machine drain error code

Gothicfairy

I am hoping someone might have some bright ideas cos I am all out.

Last night my Hoover Optima stopped draining through the cycle and returned an error code of E03. I checked that on the Hoover site and it is the drain blocked, not draining.

OK no problem, with 3 dogs and 3 cats I can accpet that and I read how to clean it and what to do so I am not really worried about that side but and it is a big wet but..The drain hole ( to remove the filter) is right at the bottom of the washing machine and it needs to be removed and of course it is full of water that I can not get out by any other means.
The drain cover is so low down that I can not get a bucket or anything other then a towel under the machine and water goes everywhere when I turn the cover.
I can't tip the machine as it is just to heavy for me and I can't work out a way to get it empty without it going everywhere.

Once it is empty I am guessing it is a simple job of cleaning the filter and making sure the main hose is clear ( I need to move the machine for that so am praying it is the filter as that I can reach without breaking something > I mean breaking me )

Does anyone have any thoughts or sneaky tips ?

Ta

gas4you

I have used a roasting tray to slide under the drain and take it very slowly.

Gothicfairy

I tried my roasting tray and it just will not fit. All I can get (and this is after an hour and a half of going through almost everything in my kitchen) under it is the lid off one of those click boxes (lunch box things)
I am scared to try and lift it to put anything else under it because I am not sure I will be able to hold it.

Honest this is the lowest drain I have seen in a washing machine

Gothicfairy

Update:

I have drained the water out (it wasn't pretty but it worked) and I have taken out the filter which is clear, the motor type thing that the filter fits into spins freely and nothing is caught or making funny noises.

Now what ? Do I have to pull the whole thing out and check the main out hose ? Is there anything else I have missed ? The web site is neither use nor ornament.
I don't want to call them as it is not a cheap number and I can just hear how it will go..They are sure to want me to pay for someone to come and look and then tell me as I have dogs and cats it is my fault and I will need to pay for the whole lot.