Is your Samsung dishwasher not draining properly? A puddle of water sitting at the bottom of your appliance after a cycle can be frustrating and worrying. Fortunately, you don’t always need to call in a technician right away. There are a number of simple fixes you can try yourself to get things running smoothly again.
In this post, Express Repair will help you explore the top 7 troubleshooting steps you can take when your Samsung dishwasher won’t drain.
The most common reason a Samsung dishwasher is not draining is a clogged filter. The filter traps food particles and debris to prevent them from entering the drain pump.
What to do:
Locate the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher (usually under the lower spray arm).
Twist and lift it out.
Rinse it thoroughly under warm water, using a soft brush if needed.
Reinsert the filter securely.
Cleaning the filter regularly can prevent future drainage issues.
The drain hose carries wastewater from the dishwasher to your sink’s drain or garbage disposal. If it’s kinked, clogged, or improperly installed, your Samsung dishwasher may not drain properly.
What to do:
Check behind the dishwasher for kinks or bends in the hose.
Detach the hose and run water through it to check for blockages.
Clear any debris and reinstall it firmly.
Ensure the hose has a high loop or is connected to an air gap to prevent backflow.
If your dishwasher has an air gap (a small cylindrical fixture near the sink), it can become clogged with grease and food residue, leading to drainage problems.
What to do:
Twist off the cap of the air gap.
Remove any visible debris or gunk.
Clean with warm water and a small brush.
Regular cleaning helps maintain proper water flow and drainage.
If your Samsung dishwasher is connected to a garbage disposal, a clog in the disposal could be the culprit. Often, food waste can block the drain connection between the dishwasher and the disposal.
What to do:
Turn on your garbage disposal and run cold water for 15–30 seconds.
Ensure it’s draining completely.
Avoid putting grease or fibrous foods down the disposal to prevent future clogs.
The drain pump helps push the water out of the dishwasher. If it’s clogged with debris or a small object (like broken glass or food), it may stop working.
What to do:
Unplug the dishwasher or turn off the circuit breaker.
Access the drain pump (underneath the unit or through the base).
Remove any visible blockages.
Spin the pump impeller manually to ensure it’s not jammed.
Note: This step may require basic appliance repair knowledge.
Sometimes, the problem isn’t physical—it’s electronic. A reset can help if a software glitch is causing your Samsung dishwasher not to drain.
What to do:
Turn off the dishwasher and unplug it from the outlet (or turn off the breaker).
Wait 1–2 minutes.
Plug it back in and run a short cycle to see if the problem is resolved.
Some models may have a dedicated reset button—refer to your user manual.
Modern Samsung dishwashers display error codes when something goes wrong. Codes like 5C, SC, or OC typically indicate a drainage issue.
What to do:
Refer to your dishwasher’s manual to interpret the error code.
Follow the recommended steps for that specific issue.
This can guide you toward the exact cause and solution.
If you’ve tried all the above steps and your Samsung dishwasher is still not draining, it’s time to call a professional appliance repair technician. There could be a faulty drain pump, control board, or another internal issue that requires advanced tools or replacement parts.
A Samsung dishwasher not draining can be annoying, but with a little troubleshooting, you might be able to solve the problem without a service call. From cleaning filters and hoses to resetting the unit and checking for error codes, these simple steps can save you time and money.
Pro tip: Regular maintenance—like cleaning the filter and checking the drain hose—can help prevent drainage issues from happening in the first place.
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