Samsung Washing Machine: not draining properly

Possible Causes

Clogged drain pump filter

How to Identify: Water remains in drum; visible debris in filter area; musty smell; noise from pump but no water removed.

Part: Drain pump filter

Blocked or kinked drain hose

How to Identify: Slow or no drainage; hose visibly bent, kinked, or clogged; water may back up if hose is blocked.

Part: Drain hose

Faulty drain pump

How to Identify: Pump makes little/no noise when draining should occur; testing shows no continuity; visible damage to pump.

Part: Drain pump assembly

Malfunctioning door lock or lid switch

How to Identify: Washer doesn’t initiate drain if lid/door safety interlock isn’t activating; error codes.

Part: Door lock/lid switch

Incorrect drain hose installation or level issues

How to Identify: Drain hose inserted incorrectly or washer unlevel; hose depth or height outside specifications.

Part: Drain hose installation, machine leveling

DIY Solutions

Clean the drain pump filter

Moderate 15–30 minutes

Tools Needed: Flathead screwdriver, Bucket or towels

1. Turn off washer and unplug it
2. Open the access panel (front or bottom) to reach the pump filter
3. Place a towel/bucket to catch water, unscrew filter cap
4. Remove debris and rinse filter under running water
5. Reinstall filter and run a test drain cycle

⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before accessing internal components

Check and clear drain hose

Moderate 15–30 minutes

Tools Needed: Pliers, Bucket, Long flexible brush or plumbing snake

1. Unplug washer and pull it away from wall
2. Disconnect drain hose at washer and drain point
3. Inspect hose for kinks or blockages
4. Run water through hose or use brush/snake to clear obstructions
5. Reattach hose ensuring proper height and no sharp bends

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure hose is correctly reattached to avoid leaks

Verify washer is level and hose installation height

Easy 10 minutes

Tools Needed: Level

1. Use a level on top of washer
2. Adjust feet to level machine
3. Confirm drain hose is properly seated and within Samsung height guidelines

Next step

Choose the next step for not draining properly

Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.

Based on diagnostic data

Most relevant component to inspect

Drain Pump

Pumps waste water out of the appliance during the drain cycle.

Typical part-only price

$35 - $80

DIY difficulty

Easy

Estimated time

15-30 mins

Optional: enter your model number

Apply

Where can I find the model number?

Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.

Find a part that fits my model

Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.

Also check

RepairClinic

Other parts options

Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.

Possible related component

Drain Hose

Carries waste water from the drain pump to your home's standpipe or sink drain.

$15 - $30 · Easy · 15-30 mins

Check fit & price

Model number required

Model-compatible Washing Machine parts

Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.

Find a part that fits my model

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Optional routine care

Maintenance supplies

These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.

Maintenance supply

Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets

Routine tub-cleaning supplies for residue and odor control. They do not repair a mechanical, drainage, or electronic fault.

View maintenance supply

Maintenance supply

Braided Washer Inlet Hoses

A maintenance replacement option for visibly worn external fill hoses. Verify thread size, length, and hot/cold connection requirements.

View maintenance supply

Maintenance supply

Washer Drain Hose Holder

Helps secure an external drain hose at the standpipe. It does not correct an internal pump or control fault.

View maintenance supply

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.

Professional Repairs

Replace faulty drain pump

Estimated Cost: $70–$200 parts; $150–$300 labor

Repair or replace door lock/lid switch assembly

Estimated Cost: $30–$100 parts; $100–$250 labor

When to Call a Professional

Drain filter and hose cleaning do not restore drainage

Drain pump makes abnormal noise or fails electrical tests

Internal water remains after clearing external blockages

Error codes relating to motor or control board appear

Preventive Maintenance

• Clean drain pump filter: Clogs leading to drainage issues
  Frequency: monthly
• Inspect drain hose: Blockages and kinks that impede water flow
  Frequency: every 3–6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Samsung Washing Machine not draining properly?

Common causes include a clogged drain pump filter, blocked drain hose, or issues with the drain pump.

How do I fix Samsung Washing Machine not draining properly myself?

You can clean the drain pump filter, check the drain hose for blockages, and ensure the washer is level.

How much does it cost to fix not draining properly?

Professional repair costs range from $70–$200 for parts and $150–$300 for labor.

When should I call a technician for not draining properly?

Call a technician if DIY solutions don't work or if the problem seems complex.

References & Sources

• Samsung washing machine does not drain (US support) Official
• Steps to resolve water drainage issues with your Samsung washer Official
• Samsung Washing Machine Not Draining? Here’s What to Do Repair-Blog

Common Issues Reported by Users

• Clogged drain filter (1 mentions)
• Faulty drain pump (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

1. Check drain hose insertion depth, clean drain filter, and inspect drain pump.

Community Discussions

have to empty little hose after every wash

Check drain hose insertion depth, clean drain filter, and inspect drain pump.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair