A Samsung washing machine not draining properly is almost always caused by a clogged pump filter, a kinked or blocked drain hose, or a faulty drain pump. Common Samsung error codes for this issue include 5E, 5C, ND, or SC.
A Samsung washer not draining properly is almost always caused by a clogged drain filter, an obstructed drain hose, or a faulty drain pump. Resolving this usually involves draining the machine manually, clearing the debris, and inspecting the pump.
From door seal leaks to error codes like 1E or UE, addressing these problems promptly is crucial for maintaining your washing machine's efficiency. Broken Samsung washer signs can be leaks, unusual noises, failure to spin or drain, error codes or lights, overheating, lack of hot water, door or lid issues, no power.
A washing machine not draining often traces back to one of these common causes:
To quickly check if your washer's drain pump is bad, first ensure the drain hose and filter are free of blockages. If the washer still fails to drain, is making loud grinding noises, or the pump impeller is loose, use a multimeter to check the electrical continuity.
Samsung washers typically last between 10 to 14 years, though with heavy use or poor maintenance, this can drop to 7–8 years. Reaching the upper end of that lifespan requires proper upkeep, as modern appliances feature complex electronics that are sensitive to wear and tear.
Samsung washers do not have a dedicated "Reset" button. Instead, you can reset the machine by performing a power cycle (unplugging it to clear residual electricity and error codes) or by using specific button combinations depending on your model.
Samsung has issued two major recalls for top-load washing machines due to severe fire hazards and potential detachment issues. Front-load washers are completely unaffected.
HOW TO MANUALLY DRAIN WATER FROM A FRONT LOAD WASHER
Reset your washing machine
What you can do instead is power cycle it: Unplug it (or turn off power at the circuit breaker), wait some time for the electrical charge to clear out of the washer (usually 1 to 5 minutes at most), and then power it up again. This is the closest you can get to a "reset" of the washer.
Common drain pump failure symptoms include: Incomplete cycles: Have you recently checked a wash load only to discover a full reservoir or soaked clothes? These issues indicate incomplete cycles, a hallmark of a failing drain pump. Stinky smells: You might detect rotten or decay odors wafting from your washing machine.
Perform a Master Reset
Unplug your washer for about one minute. Then, plug the appliance back in.. This may not work on all machines, but it's an easy fix for a washer not draining if yours is compatible with this technique.
If your washer's touchscreen or control panel is unresponsive, the lights are out, or it is malfunctioning, resetting the washing machine can sometimes resolve the issues you are experiencing, much like resetting a computer. Follow these steps to try to reset your washer's touchscreen and other controls.
To calibrate your Samsung washer, remove all clothes from the drum and close the door. Turn the washer on, then press and hold the Temp and Delay End buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds. Once the display shows Cb or CLB, press Start/Pause. The drum will spin for about 3 minutes, then automatically shut off.
A Samsung washer usually stops draining because of a clogged pump filter, a kinked or blocked drain hose, or a failed drain pump. These common blockages frequently trigger the 5C (or Ndcap N d𝑁𝑑, SEcap S cap E𝑆𝐸) error code on your display.
If you own one, this might save you a service call.
As a general rule, you should repair your washing machine if it is less than 5 to 8 years old and the repair cost is less than 50% of the cost of a new machine. If your machine is older than 10 years or requires back-to-back, costly repairs, replacing it is usually the better investment.
Here are the seven most common warning signs that your washing machine needs professional attention, along with practical advice on what to do about each one.
Early signs of a failing water pump include visible coolant leaks, a high-pitched whining or grinding noise from the front of the engine, a slow but steady drop in the coolant reservoir, and an engine temperature gauge that occasionally creeps higher than normal.
How to Tell if Your Washer's Coin Trap/Drain Filter is Clogged
For the least amount of mechanical issues, Speed Queen is universally praised as the most reliable brand due to its heavy-duty, commercial-grade build. For modern, feature-rich machines, LG consistently ranks at the top for front-load reliability, and Whirlpool/GE are top choices for traditional top-loaders.