Filter apparatus and clothes treating apparatus having the same

A filter apparatus positionable outside a washing machine, the filter apparatus being connectable to a drain device of the washing machine, the filter apparatus comprising:

• a filter case including a case inlet and a case outlet;
• a filter detachably installable inside the filter case, the filter through which water flowing from the case inlet to the case outlet passes;
• a sensor configured to detect the water introduced into the filter apparatus from the drain device and to produce a corresponding signal;
• and
• a filter cleaning device configured to clean the filter in accordance with the corresponding signal produced by the sensor, and
• wherein the sensor includes:
• a first electrode portion positioned in the case inlet, wherein the first electrode portion includes a first sensor cable, and
• a second electrode portion spaced from the first electrode portion, wherein the second electrode portion includes a second sensor cable and
• wherein the sensor, through the first sensor cable and the second sensor cable, is configured to detect conduction between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion based on a current produced upon contact of the water to the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion.