Why Won't My Samsung Washing Machine Drain?

Medium fix Updated 28 March 2026
Quick Fix

Pull out and clean the pump filter behind the small access panel at the bottom-front of the machine — a blocked filter is the cause in the majority of cases and clearing it restores normal draining immediately (takes about 5 minutes).

Fault description

When a Samsung washing machine won't drain, you'll typically find the drum still full of water at the end of a cycle, or the machine pausing and refusing to move on to the spin phase. On many Samsung models this triggers error code 5E or 5C on the display — both codes mean the same thing: the machine tried to drain but couldn't detect that the water had gone.

The draining system involves three main components working together: the pump filter, the drain pump motor, and the drain hose. A problem anywhere in this chain can stop water from leaving the drum. The good news is that the most common causes are straightforward blockages that you can clear yourself without any specialist tools.

Before assuming the worst, it's worth knowing that this fault appears across more than 12,000 Samsung washing machine models, so there is a well-established set of fixes that resolve the vast majority of cases at home.

Causes

  • Blocked pump filter — The pump filter catches lint, coins, hair grips, and other small items before they reach the pump. When it becomes clogged, water cannot pass through and the machine stops draining. This is by far the most frequent cause of a 5E or 5C error.
  • Kinked or blocked drain hose — The corrugated drain hose running from the back of the machine to the standpipe or sink can become kinked if the machine has been pushed too close to the wall, or blocked internally by a build-up of detergent residue. Either condition restricts or completely stops water flow.
  • Blocked or incorrectly positioned standpipe — If the drain hose is inserted too far into the standpipe or the standpipe itself is partially blocked, the machine cannot create the pressure difference needed to expel water. The hose end should sit no more than 15 cm into the standpipe.
  • Faulty drain pump — The drain pump motor can fail electrically or seize mechanically, often after a foreign object gets past the filter and jams the impeller. You may hear a humming noise as the pump tries to run but cannot turn.
  • Faulty pressure sensor or wiring — The pressure sensor (also called the water level sensor) tells the control board when the drum is empty. If the sensor or its connecting hose is faulty, the board may incorrectly believe water is still present and halt the cycle, even if the pump is working fine.
  • Control board fault — In a small number of cases the main control board fails to send the correct signal to activate the drain pump. This is usually only suspected after all other causes have been ruled out.

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. 1

    Reset the machine

    Switch the machine off at the wall, wait 60 seconds, then switch it back on and run a short spin-only cycle. A temporary software glitch can occasionally trigger a false 5E or 5C code. If the machine drains normally, no further action is needed.

  2. 2

    Clean the pump filter

    Open the small rectangular access panel at the bottom-front of the machine. Place a shallow tray and some towels underneath, then slowly unscrew the filter cap — water will flow out, so do this gradually. Remove the filter completely, rinse it under a tap, clear any debris from the filter housing, then refit the filter firmly and close the panel.

  3. 3

    Check the drain hose for kinks or blockages

    Pull the machine gently away from the wall and inspect the full length of the drain hose. Straighten any kinks and ensure the hose is not crushed. If you suspect an internal blockage, disconnect the hose from the standpipe and flush water through it from a tap to confirm it is clear.

  4. 4

    Check the standpipe connection

    Confirm the drain hose end sits no more than 15 cm inside the standpipe and that the standpipe itself is not blocked. Pour a bucket of water directly into the standpipe — if it drains away slowly, the blockage is in your household plumbing rather than the machine.

  5. 5

    Inspect the pump impeller for obstructions

    With the filter removed, shine a torch into the filter housing and look for the pump impeller — a small plastic fan. Try turning it gently with your finger; it should rotate freely. If it is jammed, carefully remove the obstruction (a coin or hair grip is common). Do not force the impeller if it will not turn.

  6. 6

    Check the pressure sensor hose

    The small rubber hose connecting the pressure sensor to the drum can become blocked with detergent residue or come loose at either end. With the machine unplugged, locate the hose (usually running from the lower side of the drum up to a small round sensor on the top panel) and check both connections are secure and the hose is clear.

  7. 7

    Test the drain pump directly

    If all the above steps are clear and the machine still won't drain, the pump motor itself may have failed. You can test the pump's resistance with a multimeter — a reading outside the 5–10 ohm range typically indicates a failed pump that needs replacing. If you are not comfortable using a multimeter, this is the point to contact a service technician.

Related error codes

  • 5E The 5E error code on a Samsung washing machine indicates a drainage problem that prevents the washer from spinning and completing its cycle. The most common cause is a clogged drain pump filter or blocked drain hose. As a first step, try cleaning the pump filter located at the bottom front of the washer, which resolves about 80% of cases; if that doesn't work, check that your drain hose is properly positioned 6–8 inches into the standpipe and clear of any obstructions.
  • 5C The 5C error code on a Samsung washing machine indicates a drainage problem—the machine has detected that water is not draining properly. This is most commonly caused by a blocked drain filter, a kinked drain hose, or debris obstructing water flow. As a first DIY step, turn off the machine, locate and clean the drain pump filter (accessed via the hatch at the bottom left), inspect the drain hose for kinks or blockages, and ensure the machine is level.

When to call a service technician

Contact a service technician if the pump impeller is jammed by an object you cannot safely remove, if you can hear the pump humming but water still won't move after the filter and hose have been cleared, or if the machine shows the 5E or 5C error immediately at the start of every cycle regardless of what you have tried. These symptoms point to a failed pump motor, a wiring fault, or a control board issue that requires proper diagnostic equipment.

You should also seek professional help if water is leaking from the filter housing after you have refitted it, or if you notice any burning smell coming from the machine during a drain attempt — switch the machine off at the wall immediately in that case and do not use it until it has been inspected.

Prevention

The most effective way to prevent drain faults on a Samsung washing machine is to clean the pump filter every one to three months, depending on how often you wash. Always check pockets before loading — coins, hair grips, and small clips are the leading cause of pump damage. Use the correct amount of low-foaming HE detergent; excess suds can overwhelm the drain system and leave residue that gradually narrows the hose and filter housing.

The parts most commonly replaced when this fault cannot be resolved by cleaning are the drain pump motor, the pump filter and housing assembly, and the pressure sensor. You can find compatible parts for your specific Samsung model using the tool below.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does error code 5E or 5C mean on a Samsung washing machine?

Both codes indicate a drain error — the machine attempted to pump out water but could not confirm the drum had emptied within the expected time. They are the same fault displayed differently depending on the model's software version. Clearing the pump filter resolves the error in most cases.

Can I use my Samsung washing machine if it won't drain?

It is best not to run further cycles until the fault is fixed. Running the machine with standing water in the drum puts extra strain on the motor and bearings, and if the water is from a hot wash it can become a hygiene issue fairly quickly. The fix is usually quick, so it is worth resolving it before the next wash.

How do I get the water out of the drum before I can fix the machine?

Use the emergency drain function if your model has one — check your user manual for the small emergency drain hose, usually stored next to the pump filter. Place a shallow tray underneath, pull out the hose, remove the cap, and let the water drain out slowly. If there is no emergency hose, unscrew the filter cap very slowly to release the water in a controlled flow.

How often should I clean the pump filter on my Samsung washing machine?

Samsung recommends cleaning the filter approximately every two months under normal use. If you wash frequently, have pets, or regularly wash heavily soiled items, clean it monthly. A quick clean takes about five minutes and is the single most effective maintenance task you can do to prevent drain faults.

Could too much detergent cause my Samsung washing machine not to drain?

Yes. Excess detergent — particularly non-HE detergent used in a high-efficiency machine — creates a large volume of foam that the drain pump struggles to expel. Over time, detergent residue also builds up inside the drain hose and filter, narrowing the passage for water. Switching to the correct HE detergent and using the recommended dose usually prevents this from recurring.