Samsung Washer Not Draining
A Samsung washer left full of water is most often blocked rather than broken. The drain pump filter — behind a small hatch at the front base of most front-loaders — traps coins, hair and lint and is the first thing to check. If the filter is clear and the pump does not run at all during the drain step, the pump or the door lock circuit is the likely fault.
Typical repair
$225–$470
incl. $75–$120 call-out
Usual part
Drain pump
$150–$350 parts & labour
Safe to check yourself
3 of 5
causes, before calling out
Want it diagnosed today?
1-888-298-3714Why a Samsung washer stops draining
Ordered by how often each one turns out to be the cause.
Blocked pump filter or coin trap
You can check thisCoins, hair clips, buttons and lint collect in the filter ahead of the pump impeller. Most front-loaders have an access hatch at the bottom front.
What to do: Put a shallow tray and towels down first, open the hatch, drain via the small hose, then unscrew the filter and clear it.
Kinked or clogged drain hose
You can check thisThe hose crushes against the wall when the machine is pushed back, or a detergent and lint plug forms at the standpipe.
What to do: Pull the machine forward and check the hose run for kinks. Detach it at the standpipe and check for a blockage.
Drain hose pushed too far into the standpipe
You can check thisIf the hose end sits below the water line in the standpipe it siphons, and the machine appears never to finish draining.
What to do: Confirm the hose end sits above the standpipe water level and is not sealed into it airtight.
Failed drain pump
TechnicianThe impeller seizes or the motor winding opens. A pump that hums without moving water is usually jammed.
How it is diagnosed: A technician checks the impeller turns freely, then tests the winding resistance.
Door lock or lid switch fault
TechnicianThe machine will not advance to the drain and spin step unless it sees a locked door. A failed lock reads as a drain fault.
How it is diagnosed: A technician tests the lock assembly and its circuit — often stored as a specific error code.
Before you start
- Unplug the machine before opening the pump filter hatch.
- A full front-loader holds several gallons. Drain through the small bleed hose into a shallow tray before unscrewing the filter, or it will flood the floor.
- The water may still be hot after a warm cycle. Let it cool first.
- Do not force the door open on a front-loader that is still full — it will empty across the room.
What is specific to Samsung
Samsung washers report drain faults as 5C, 5E or nd depending on the range, and water-supply faults as 4C. The debris filter at the bottom front is the usual cause.
All Samsung washer repairWhat the repair costs
| Diagnostic call-out | $75–$120 |
|---|---|
| Drain pump — parts and labour | $150–$350 |
| Typical total | $225–$470 |
| Comparable new unit | $600–$1,600 |
| Typical service life | 11 years |
Typical national ranges, not a quote. True Appliance Repair connects you with independent local technicians — the price depends on your model and what the technician finds.
Common questions
Why is my Samsung washer not draining?
Blocked pump filter or coin trap is the most common cause. Coins, hair clips, buttons and lint collect in the filter ahead of the pump impeller. Most front-loaders have an access hatch at the bottom front.
How much does it cost to fix a Samsung washer that is not draining?
Expect roughly $225–$470 for a typical repair, covering the drain pump plus labour and the $75–$120 diagnostic call-out. Parts and labour alone run $150–$350. These are typical national ranges, not a quote — the actual price depends on your model and what the technician finds.
Is it worth repairing, or should I replace it?
A repair at $225–$470 is well under half the $600–$1,600 cost of a comparable new unit, so repair is usually the economical choice within the 11-year typical service life. Past that age the calculation shifts toward replacement.
Can I fix this myself?
3 of the 5 common causes are safe to check yourself, starting with blocked pump filter or coin trap. The remainder involve testing components under power and should go to a technician. Unplug the machine before opening the pump filter hatch.
How long does the repair take?
Most washer repairs of this type are completed in a single visit once the fault is confirmed, provided the part is a common one. Parts for this repair are usually stocked or available quickly.
Is there anything specific to Samsung with this fault?
Samsung washers report drain faults as 5C, 5E or nd depending on the range, and water-supply faults as 4C. The debris filter at the bottom front is the usual cause.
Still not fixed?
Tell us what your Samsung washer is doing and we will connect you with a local technician who repairs Samsung washers every day.
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