Samsung Washer Not Draining: Pump Filter, Debris Trap, and Drain Hose Fixes

Quick Answer

Samsung Washer not draining: clean the drain pump filter first - it is the most common cause and takes 5 minutes. Access it from the small panel at the lower front of the machine. Coins, small clothing items, and hair ties collect here and block the pump.

Samsung washer not draining is almost always a clogged debris filter or pump impeller jam. Samsung front-load washers have a dedicated debris filter (also called the pump filter or coin trap) accessible from a small door on the lower front of the machine. This filter catches coins, hair ties, buttons, and small items before they reach the pump. Samsung recommends cleaning this filter monthly, but most users never clean it until the washer stops draining. When opening the filter door, place towels and a shallow pan underneath - the filter housing holds 1-2 gallons of standing water that will pour out when you open the filter cap. On Samsung top-loaders, the debris filter is not as easily accessible - it is inside the pump housing underneath the machine. The second most common cause is a kinked drain hose, especially on washers pushed too close to the wall. Check that the drain hose has a smooth curve with no sharp bends. Samsung washers will display 5E (sometimes misread as SE) when drainage fails.

SamsungWasherSeverity: medium85% DIY Success

Time to Fix

10–60 min

Difficulty

beginner

Parts Cost

$10 – $60

Tools Needed

Towels and shallow pan, Flashlight

What Does the NOT-DRAINING Code Mean?

#1 fix: clean the debris filter (front-load: lower front door. Top-load: under the machine). Place towels first - 1-2 gallons of water will spill out. #2: check drain hose for kinks. Samsung displays 5E/5C when drain fails.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Debris filter clogged with coins, hair ties, small items40%

Drain hose kinked behind washer24%

Small garment jammed in pump impeller14%

Standpipe or drain clogged12%

Drain pump motor failed10%

Symptoms You May Notice

Standing water in drum after cycle
5E or 5C error code on display
Drain pump humming but water not moving
Clothes soaking wet after cycle
Musty smell from standing water
Washer stops mid-cycle
Water draining very slowly

Can you reset a Samsung washer to clear the NOT-DRAINING code?

Unplug 5 minutes. The 5E/5C error clears automatically after the next successful drain. On some models, hold Start/Pause for 5 seconds to cancel the current cycle.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Towels and shallow panFlashlightPliers

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

FOR FRONT-LOAD

FOR FRONT-LOAD: locate the debris filter access door on the lower front panel. Place towels and a shallow pan underneath. Slowly turn the filter cap counterclockwise. Water will flow out - let it drain. Remove the filter and clean all debris.

Check the drain hose

Listen for the drain pump

For softener not draining (separate issue)

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name	OEM Number	Estimated Price
Samsung Drain Pump MotorDC31-00054A · $25–$60	DC31-00054A	$25 – $60
Samsung Debris Filter CapDC97-16991A · $10–$20	DC97-16991A	$10 – $20
Samsung Drain HoseDC97-12534C · $15–$25	DC97-12534C	$15 – $25

Verify part fitment for your Samsung model

Repair vs. Replace Calculator

Appliance Age (Years)7 Yrs

Labor Approach

Our Verdict

REPAIR

Estimated Cost: $35 (Parts) vs $800 (New Machine)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Samsung washer debris filter?

On front-load models: behind a small door on the lower front panel, usually on the right side. On top-load models: inside the pump housing underneath the machine (tilt the washer back to access). The front-load filter is designed for regular user cleaning. The top-load requires more effort.

Samsung washer 5E or SE error and not draining. Same thing?

Yes. 5E is the drain error code. On LED displays, the number 5 looks like the letter S, so many users read it as 'SE.' Both mean the washer cannot drain within the expected time. Clean the debris filter first.

Samsung washer softener not draining. Is that related?

Usually not. The fabric softener compartment has its own siphon mechanism separate from the main drain pump. If softener stays in the tray, clean the siphon cap (small round cap in the center of the softener compartment) and flush with hot water. This is a dispenser issue, not a drain pump issue.

How often should I clean the Samsung debris filter?

Samsung recommends monthly. In practice, every 2-3 months is sufficient for most households. If anyone in your home has long hair, clean monthly - hair ties and hair are the #1 filter clog. Always check pockets before washing.

Related Samsung Washer Error Codes

Code: 5CSamsung 5C: Drain Error Code: NDSamsung ND: Not Draining Code: HUBSamsung Washer Error Codes Code: NOT-SPINNINGSamsung Washer Not Spinning

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Samsung shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

Samsung washerSamsung Washer 3C2 Error Code: Motor Stall Samsung washerSamsung Washer 3E Error Code: Motor Fault Samsung washerSamsung Washer 4C Error Code: No Water Supply Samsung washerSamsung Washer 4E Error Code: Water Supply Fault (Top Load)Samsung washerSamsung Washer 5C Error Code: Drain Error (Older Display)Samsung washerSamsung Washer 8C Error Code: Vibration Sensor Fault

Models Known to Experience NOT-DRAINING Errors

This repair applies to most Samsung washers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

WF45R6100AW, WF45T6000AW, WA45T3400AV, WA50R5400AW, WF42H5000AW

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 15, 2026