What does Samsung Dishwasher Not Draining - Causes & Fix mean?

Usually a blocked sink drain, disposal knockout cap, or kinked drain hose. Check sink flow first, then hose routing and filter.

How do I fix Samsung Dishwasher Not Draining - Causes & Fix?

Follow the step-by-step diagnosis below. The most likely fix is identified by checking power, sensor resistance, and control-board signals in order — using a multimeter and the part numbers documented in the parts reference table.

Can I keep running the equipment with this fault active?

Generally no. Faults on Appliance units are emitted when a sensor, safety, or control circuit is outside its operating envelope. Running through an active fault risks compressor, heater, or control-board damage. Diagnose and clear the fault first.

What part is most commonly replaced for Samsung Dishwasher Not Draining - Causes & Fix?

The most frequently replaced parts for Samsung Dishwasher Not Draining - Causes & Fix are listed in the Parts Reference section of this guide with OEM part numbers and typical price ranges. Check the table for direct replacements.

Is Samsung Dishwasher Not Draining - Causes & Fix a DIY repair or do I need a technician?

Sensor swaps, fan motor replacements, and condenser cleaning are typical DIY-level repairs. Anything involving refrigerant, gas, or high-voltage (>240V) work requires a licensed technician for both safety and code-compliance reasons.

Samsung Dishwasher Not Draining - Causes & Fix

Samsung Dishwasher Not Draining — What’s Happening

When your Samsung dishwasher won’t drain, water remains standing in the tub at the end of a cycle or after a drain attempt. Samsung treats this as a drain-path problem rather than an automatic pump failure. On some models you may also see a 5E or 5C error related to drainage, but the underlying issue is the same: water cannot evacuate from the tub through the normal drain system.

Samsung’s official guidance points to installation and plumbing issues first, then restrictions in the hose or filter, and only after that internal drain components. The problem is almost never the pump itself until you’ve ruled out every blockage and routing fault upstream.

Jump to Fix

Most Likely Causes

Blocked sink drain or garbage disposal The house drain line, sink trap, or disposal is clogged with food waste and prevents the dishwasher from pushing water out.
Missing disposal knockout cap If the disposal or dishwasher was recently installed, the knockout cap inside the disposal inlet may not have been removed.
Kinked or crushed drain hose The drain hose is pinched by the dishwasher cabinet, sharply bent, twisted, or the machine is sitting on its own hose.
Missing high loop or air gap The drain hose lacks the required high loop or air gap, allowing backflow or siphoning that interferes with proper drainage.
Clogged dishwasher filter or drain area Food debris has accumulated in the filter assembly or drain sump and blocks water from reaching the pump.
Frozen drain line In cold conditions, water or the drain line itself has frozen and blocks flow until thawed.
Obstructed check valve or pump impeller A plastic fragment, bone, or other debris has jammed the check valve or impeller inside the drain pump housing.

How to Diagnose and Fix

Run water in your sink for about 30 seconds and confirm it drains freely. If the sink does not drain, the problem is in your house plumbing or disposal, not the dishwasher.
If you recently installed the dishwasher or disposal, remove the disposal and verify the knockout cap on the dishwasher inlet port has been punched out and removed completely.
Pull the dishwasher forward slightly and inspect the drain hose for kinks, sharp bends, twists, or compression. Confirm the hose has a proper high loop (secured near the countertop underside) or an air gap fitting if your local code requires it.
Remove and clean the dishwasher filter assembly and any debris in the drain area according to your model’s manual, then reassemble all parts exactly as shown to avoid incorrect seating.
If the unit or drain line has been exposed to freezing temperatures, allow it to thaw completely before retesting. Samsung notes that warranty service does not cover damage from frozen lines.
If all external causes are ruled out, disconnect power and water, tip or remove the lower access panel, and inspect the check valve and drain pump impeller area for debris or damage. Look for plastic fragments, bone chips, or a stuck flapper valve.
Reassemble all tabs, covers, and hose connections carefully, restore power and water, then run a drain or cancel cycle to verify the pump primes and water exits the tub normally.

Parts You Might Need

Part	Notes
Samsung dishwasher drain hose	Amazon \| If the original hose is damaged, split, or too short to route correctly.
Samsung dishwasher filter assembly	Amazon \| If the filter or its housing is cracked, warped, or missing locking tabs.
Samsung dishwasher drain pump	Amazon \| Only after confirming the impeller or check valve is broken or the pump motor itself has failed electrically.

If your appliance also shows a code on the display, these match this problem:

When to Call a Pro

Call a pro if you’ve verified the sink drains freely, the hose routing is correct, the filter is clean, and water still won’t leave the tub. Internal teardown to access the check valve and pump impeller requires removing base panels and working around electrical connections. A technician can also test the pump motor electrically and replace the drain assembly if the impeller or housing is damaged. If your dishwasher is still under warranty, contact Samsung or an authorized service provider before opening the base, since improper disassembly can void coverage.