Samsung Washer Not Draining But Pump Runs? 7 Simple Fixes You Can Do Today
Introduction: why this happens and what you will learn
You turned on the washer and heard the pump, but water stayed in the drum. Frustrating, yes, and surprisingly common. When a Samsung washer not draining but pump runs, the motor is trying to do its job, but something is blocking flow or the impeller is jammed with debris.
Most often the culprit is a clogged drain pump filter, a kinked or clogged drain hose, or small objects trapped in the pump impeller. Electronics and lid switches can also fool the machine into running the pump without actually evacuating water.
In the steps below you will get simple, step by step fixes you can do today. I show safe beginner moves like cleaning the filter and straightening the hose, plus intermediate checks such as removing the pump to clear the impeller and testing with a multimeter. Follow the safety tips and you will often avoid a service call.
Quick checklist to try before you start
Before you open anything, try these quick, no disassembly checks. Unplug the washer or switch off the breaker for 60 seconds, then power it back on, this resets electronics and often clears faults. Look at the control panel for error lights or blinking codes, note them and check Samsung’s manual or a quick web search. Verify the drain hose is not kinked and sits between about 24 and 39 inches above the floor; also make sure it is not pushed too far into the standpipe. Run a short spin or drain only cycle while watching the drain point for flow. Check the load, redistribute heavy items like towels so the tub spins balanced, then try again. If your Samsung washer not draining but pump runs, these steps fix most common causes.
Tools you will need and safety tips
Before troubleshooting a samsung washer not draining but pump runs, gather a few basic tools: bucket, old towels, a plastic drip tray, needle nose pliers, Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, a flashlight, and a multimeter if you plan to test the drain pump. Wear sturdy work gloves and safety glasses to avoid cuts from sharp metal or debris.
Safety first, always unplug the machine and turn off the hot and cold water valves, or flip the circuit breaker. Protect the floor with towels or a plastic sheet, keep a bucket handy for water, and keep kids and pets out of the area.
Check and clean the drain pump filter
Unplug the washer, slide a towel and a shallow pan under the small access door at the front bottom right, then open that door. Behind it you will find the drain pump filter, usually a round cap with a grip. Turn it counterclockwise slowly, letting trapped water drain into your pan, then unscrew the cap the rest of the way and pull the filter out.
Inspect the filter and the cavity with a flashlight. Look for lint, coinage, bra underwire, socks, hair clogs, and buildup of soap scum. If the pump runs but the machine does not drain, you will often find a ball of lint or small object blocking flow. Rinse the filter under running water, pick debris out with pliers or tweezers if needed, and check the impeller behind the filter for broken blades or trapped items.
Before you reinstall, wipe the O ring and filter seat clean so the seal sits flush. Reinsert the filter, screw the cap hand tight to avoid cross threading, then close the access door. Run a quick spin or drain cycle to confirm the Samsung washer not draining but pump runs problem is fixed. If water still backs up, the pump or drain hose may need professional attention.
Inspect and clear the drain hose and standpipe
Unplug the machine and pull it away from the wall so you can reach the drain hose and standpipe. If you are dealing with a samsung washer not draining but pump runs, the first suspect is the hose. Loosen the clamp where the hose connects to the standpipe or washer, place a bucket under the connection, then remove the hose and look inside for socks, lint, or heavy detergent buildup.
Straighten any kinks and run water through the hose with a garden hose or a sink faucet, watching the flow. If water backs up or trickles slowly, use a flexible plumbing brush or a small plumber snake to dislodge the clog. A wet dry vacuum on the hose end can also pull out debris quickly.
Check the standpipe for blockages, and make sure the hose has a high loop above the washer cabinet or is secured to the wall so waste water cannot siphon back. After reattaching the hose, run a quick drain cycle while watching for smooth flow and no leaks.
Test the pump and listen for blockages
Put the machine into a drain or diagnostic cycle and stand close to the pump access panel, or the front of the washer if your model has no external door. If you hear a smooth humming and water flows out, the pump is working and the culprit is likely a clog upstream. If you hear grinding, rattling, or a metallic click, that points to a trapped object, such as a coin, bra wire, or sock caught in the impeller. If the motor spins but nothing moves, the impeller may be broken or stripped, or the inlet is blocked. If you hear nothing at all, or a rapid clicking, that suggests an electrical fault.
Avoid tests that open sealed pump housings or disconnect control boards, those steps can void warranty. Instead, check the owner manual for the approved diagnostic mode, and clean the coin trap or emergency drain hose first. If you confirm a jam you can often remove debris through the access panel safely.
Check error codes and run a diagnostic cycle
First, note the exact error code on the display, then look it up on the manual or the sticker behind the panel. Common drainage codes are 5E or SE, OE, and 5C, these all point to water not leaving the tub. LE means a leak or water level problem, which can mimic a drain fault.
Next, run the diagnostic or service mode for your model, following the manual or the service sticker. In diagnostics, run the drain or pump test and watch for pump noise, water flow, and secondary codes. If the pump runs but no water exits, check the drain hose for kinks, the trap or filter for debris, and the standpipe. If diagnostics show a pressure sensor or level error, inspect the pressure hose and sensors, they often cause false drain faults.
When to call a professional and what to expect
If you still have a samsung washer not draining but pump runs after cleaning the filter, checking the hose, and running a diagnostic, call a pro when water remains, the machine leaks, you smell burning, or error codes persist.
Common fixes and ballpark costs, depending on model, include pump replacement $120 to $300, control board repair $200 to $500, and valve or switch work $80 to $200, plus a service call of $75 to $150.
Choose a Samsung authorized or certified tech, get a written estimate, ask about parts warranty, and keep receipts and photos to protect your manufacturer warranty.
Preventive maintenance to avoid future clogs
Make these simple tasks routine and you will cut the chance of a future clog that causes a Samsung washer not draining but pump runs. Clean the front lint filter once a month, turn off power, place a towel and shallow pan under the access cap, open slowly and rinse the filter under warm water to remove hair and coins.
Run a hot water vinegar cycle every 6 weeks, no clothes, one cup of white vinegar, this clears soap scum and residue in the drain pump and hose. Empty pockets and use mesh bags for socks and delicates to keep small items out of the pump inlet.
Inspect the drain hose and clamp every 3 months, remove kinks and replace any soft or cracked hose. Use correct detergent amounts to reduce suds buildup.
Conclusion and quick next steps
Start with the fastest fixes that usually work: unplug and reset the washer, clear the drain pump filter or coin trap, and straighten or lift the drain hose above the standpipe. Those three moves fix most cases of samsung washer not draining but pump runs.
Quick troubleshooting flow to follow now:
- Unplug, wait one minute, plug back in and run drain or spin.
- Open the filter, remove debris, check impeller for damage.
- Inspect the drain hose for kinks and blockages.
- If pump hums or leaks, stop and call a pro.
For deeper help consult Samsung support, your manual, or a trusted repair video, and escalate to a certified technician if the motor smells burned or error codes persist.
