How To Fix Samsung Dishwasher Not Draining

A Samsung dishwasher that won’t drain usually has a clogged filter, a kinked drain hose, or a blocked garbage disposal connection. Before calling for service, you can fix this yourself in most cases by working through the steps below — starting with the easiest checks and moving to more involved repairs.

As of 2026, Samsung dishwashers display specific error codes when they detect a drainage problem. Identifying your code first will save you time by pointing you toward the exact component that needs attention.

Samsung Dishwasher Drain-Related Error Codes

Error Code	Meaning	Most Likely Cause
5C / 5E	Drain error — water is not pumping out	Clogged filter, blocked drain hose, or faulty drain pump
OC / OE	Overflow — water level is too high	Drain hose backflow (no high loop or air gap), stuck check valve
LC / LE	Leak detected — moisture sensor triggered	Loose hose connection, cracked sump, or damaged door gasket

If your dishwasher displays 5C or 5E, that’s the most common drain-specific code. OC/OE often accompanies drain failures because water that can’t exit backs up and trips the overflow sensor. LC/LE means water is escaping somewhere it shouldn’t — check beneath the unit for pooling water.

Quick reset before you start: Unplug the dishwasher (or flip the breaker) for 5 minutes, then restore power. If the error was caused by a temporary sensor glitch, this clears it. If the code returns after running a cycle, move on to the fixes below.

How To Fix a Samsung Dishwasher That Won’t Drain

Work through these fixes in order. Each step addresses a progressively less common — but more serious — cause.

1. Clean the Drain Filter and Sump Area

This is the #1 cause of Samsung dishwasher drain failures and fixes the problem for the majority of users.

The drain filter sits at the bottom of the dishwasher tub. On most Samsung models (DW80R, DW80K, DW80B, DW60 series), it’s a cylindrical mesh filter that twists counterclockwise to remove.

1. Open the dishwasher door and remove the bottom rack.
2. Locate the cylindrical filter assembly at the base of the tub — it’s usually near the back-center or slightly off to one side.
3. Turn the filter counterclockwise and lift it out. On newer models (2022+), you may need to lift a cover plate first.
4. Rinse the filter under warm running water. Use a soft brush (an old toothbrush works well) to scrub away grease and stuck food particles.
5. While the filter is removed, check the sump area beneath it for debris — bits of broken glass, food chunks, or label stickers commonly lodge here and block the drain path.
6. Reinstall the filter by inserting it and turning clockwise until it locks.

Tip from community forums: Toothpicks, small bones, and fruit pit fragments are common culprits that wedge in the sump grate. If you hear a grinding noise during the drain cycle, something hard is likely caught in the drain pump impeller — which the next section covers.

2. Check the Drain Hose for Kinks and Clogs

The drain hose connects the dishwasher to your sink’s drain or garbage disposal. It runs from the back of the dishwasher under the countertop.

1. Pull the dishwasher out slightly (unplug it first, and turn off the water supply valve under the sink).
2. Inspect the full length of the drain hose for kinks, pinches, or sharp bends — especially where it passes through the cabinet wall.
3. Disconnect the hose from the sink/disposal side and blow through it or run water through it to confirm it’s clear.
4. Check that the hose has a high loop — meaning part of the hose rises above the point where it connects to the sink drain. Without this high loop (or a proper air gap fitting), dirty water from the sink can backflow into the dishwasher and prevent proper draining.

Installation issue to watch for: If the dishwasher was recently installed or moved, confirm it’s not sitting on top of its own drain hose. Samsung’s official support notes this as one of the most common post-installation drain failures.

3. Clear the Garbage Disposal Connection

If your dishwasher drains through a garbage disposal, two things commonly go wrong:

Knockout plug still in place: New garbage disposals ship with a plastic knockout plug blocking the dishwasher inlet port. If the plug wasn’t removed during installation, water has nowhere to go. You’ll need to remove the drain hose, then use a screwdriver and hammer to punch out the knockout plug from inside the disposal. Remove the loose plug so it doesn’t cause a blockage further down.

Disposal is clogged: Run the garbage disposal for 15–20 seconds with water flowing to clear any food buildup. If the disposal itself isn’t draining, the problem is in your plumbing — not the dishwasher.

4. Test the Sink Drain

Run water in the sink for 30 seconds. If the sink doesn’t drain properly, the issue is your home’s plumbing, not the dishwasher. The dishwasher shares the same drain path as your sink, so a plumbing clog downstream will prevent both from draining. Call a plumber in this case — no amount of dishwasher troubleshooting will fix a plumbing blockage.

5. Inspect the Check Valve

The check valve (also called a flapper valve) sits in the drain path and prevents water from flowing back into the dishwasher after it’s been pumped out. Over time, food residue, grease, and mineral buildup can cause the flapper to stick in the closed position, blocking drainage.

1. With the filter removed, locate the check valve in the sump area — it’s a small rubber or plastic flap.
2. Gently move it with your finger. It should swing freely.
3. If it’s stuck, clean away buildup with warm water and a soft brush. A brief soak in white vinegar helps dissolve mineral deposits.
4. If the flapper is cracked, warped, or won’t stay sealed, it needs replacement. The part is model-specific — check your owner’s manual for the correct part number.

6. Clean or Replace the Drain Pump

If you’ve cleared the filter, hose, and check valve and the dishwasher still won’t drain — or you hear a humming sound but no water movement during the drain cycle — the drain pump itself may be clogged or failed.

Cleaning the drain pump:

1. Disconnect power to the dishwasher.
2. Remove the filter and sump cover to access the drain pump area.
3. On many Samsung models, you can see the pump impeller through the sump opening. Check for debris (glass shards, bones, plastic bits) jamming the impeller.
4. Remove any obstructions carefully — the impeller blades can be sharp.
5. Spin the impeller by hand. It should rotate freely. If it’s seized, the pump motor has likely burned out and needs replacement.

Replacing the drain pump:

If the pump motor is dead (no humming at all during drain, or a burning smell), you’ll need a new drain pump assembly. The most common Samsung drain pump part numbers are DD31-00016A (fits DW60/DW80 series) and DD31-00005A (fits older DMT and DW models).

Replacement drain pumps at different price points:

• DD31-00016A Upgraded Drain Pump (third-party, 1-year warranty) — Buy on Amazon
• Samsung DD81-02635A Genuine OEM Drain Pump Assembly — Buy on Amazon
• Supco DW0005A Drain Pump (USA-made, fits older models) — Buy on Amazon

Note: Amazon listings change frequently — verify the part number matches your specific Samsung dishwasher model before purchasing.

⚠️ Safety warning: Always disconnect power at the breaker before accessing the drain pump. The pump connects to mains voltage. If you’re not comfortable working with electrical components, hire a qualified appliance repair technician.

7. Check the Water Inlet Valve Assembly

In rare cases, a malfunctioning water inlet valve can cause draining issues by allowing water to continuously trickle into the tub even during the drain cycle. If the dishwasher seems to drain but water reappears at the bottom shortly after, suspect the inlet valve.

The water inlet valve is typically located behind the lower front panel. You’ll need to remove the kick plate (usually 2–4 screws) to access it. Look for dripping or mineral buildup around the valve. If it’s leaking, replacement is the only fix — inlet valves cannot be repaired.

8. Run a Diagnostic Cycle

Samsung dishwashers have a built-in diagnostic mode that can help identify drain issues:

1. Press and hold Sanitize + Dry (or Heavy + Delay Start on older models) simultaneously for 3 seconds.
2. The dishwasher will cycle through each component, including the drain pump.
3. Listen for the drain pump to activate — you should hear it hum and then water should flow out through the drain hose.

If the drain pump doesn’t activate at all during the diagnostic test, the pump motor or the main control board may be faulty. At this point, professional diagnosis is recommended.

When to Call Samsung Support

Contact Samsung if:

• Your dishwasher is under warranty (standard coverage is 1 year; Samsung is offering a warranty extension promotion through July 8, 2026, at participating retailers that adds an extra year)
• The drain pump doesn’t activate at all (possible control board failure)
• You see error codes that persist after cleaning all drain components
• There are signs of electrical damage (burning smell, scorch marks)

Samsung Support: Call 1-866-726-7864 (1-866-SAM-SUNG) or visit Samsung Support to schedule in-home service. Samsung provides in-home repair for dishwashers — you won’t need to transport the appliance. You can also check your warranty status and file claims at Samsung Warranty.

For out-of-warranty repairs, expect to pay $150–$300 for a drain pump replacement (parts + labor) from a local appliance repair service. Doing it yourself with the parts linked above runs $20–$50.