Samsung Washer Drain Pump
Replacement pump when the filter and hose are clear but 5E persists.
$55
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A 5E error on a Samsung washer means it couldn’t drain within the time limit. Your clothes are sitting in standing water and the machine won’t continue. On older Samsung display panels this same error shows as SE — same problem, different display.
Quick Reference
| Code | Meaning | Severity | DIY or Call |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5E / SE | Water not draining | Low | DIY — 5 min |
| 5E repeat | Pump or hose blockage | Medium | DIY |
| nd | No drain detected | Medium | DIY |
Most 5E errors are caused by a clogged pump filter, and cleaning it takes about five minutes.
What This Error Means
At the end of the wash cycle and between the wash and spin phases, the washer runs its drain pump to remove the water. If the pump can’t clear the water fast enough — or at all — within about 5 minutes, the machine throws 5E and stops.
It’s a self-protective shutdown to avoid running the pump dry or pumping indefinitely.
Common Causes
- Clogged pump filter — The most common cause by far. Small objects like coins, hair ties, lint, and fabric debris collect in a filter designed to protect the pump impeller. Over time it gets fully blocked.
- Kinked drain hose — The hose that runs from the back of the machine to the standpipe or sink drain can kink, especially if the machine was recently moved.
- Drain hose too high — Samsung requires the drain hose to be no more than 96 inches (8 feet) off the floor. Higher than that and the pump can’t push water up.
- Clog in the standpipe or drain — The household drain itself may be slow or blocked.
- Failed drain pump — If the filter is clean and everything else checks out, the pump has worn out.
Step-by-Step Fix
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Find the pump filter access panel. On Samsung front-loaders, it’s a small door at the bottom front of the machine — usually on the right side. It may have a flat-head screw or just a pop-open tab.
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Prepare for water. Lay down several old towels or put a shallow pan under the filter door. There will be water — potentially a full drum’s worth if the machine didn’t drain at all.
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Drain the machine first using the small hose. Behind the access door there’s usually a small rubber drain hose with a cap. Pull the cap off into your pan to drain the standing water slowly before opening the main filter. This prevents a flood.
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Remove and clean the filter. Unscrew the filter cap counterclockwise. Pull the filter out. You’ll likely find a collection of coins, hair ties, lint, and whatever else went through the drum. Rinse the filter under the faucet, scrub the mesh with a brush, and wipe out the filter housing.
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Check the pump impeller. Reach into the filter housing and feel the impeller — the spinning component inside. It should rotate freely. If it’s jammed with something, remove the obstruction. If it’s broken or doesn’t spin, the pump has failed.
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Check the drain hose. Pull the machine out slightly and trace the drain hose from the back of the machine to where it connects to the standpipe or drain. Look for kinks, check that it’s not pushed more than 6 inches into the standpipe, and confirm it’s not elevated more than 96 inches.
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Reinstall and test. Screw the filter back in, close the access door, and run a Drain+Spin cycle.
Parts You May Need
- Samsung washer drain pump
- Washing machine pump filter replacement cap
- Washing machine drain hose extension
When to Call a Technician
If the filter is clean, the hose is clear and properly routed, and the machine still won’t drain, the drain pump has failed. Replacing a Samsung washer drain pump is a moderate DIY repair — it requires removing the front or back panel depending on the model. If you’d rather not take the machine apart, an appliance technician can do it quickly.