Unclean dishes and leftover water can lead you to wonder, “Why is my Samsung dishwasher not draining?” While a drain clog is the most likely answer, the drain hose, its connections, or the dishwasher’s filter can also pose problems. We’ll provide simple steps to troubleshoot these components and resolve drainage issues.
Samsung Dishwasher Not Draining? Follow These Troubleshooting Steps
It can be hard to know where to start when you find your Samsung dishwasher not draining. Our troubleshooting steps can pinpoint the problem for a fast fix. But, first, we’ll identify common dishwasher error codes that may alert you to a draining issue.
Samsung Dishwasher Not Draining Error Codes
Sometimes an error code can indicate why your Samsung dishwasher won’t drain. These codes use a combination of specific letters and numbers to correspond to a particular problem.
Here are common Samsung dishwasher not draining error codes and their meanings:
5C or 5E: Dishwasher is unable to drain. Check the drain hose and its sink connection for clogs. Make sure the dishwasher filter and drain are free of blockages.
OC or oE: There is a water level error, usually indicating too much water in the dishwasher. Check the drain hose, its sink connection and the dishwasher filter and drain. Run water in the sink to dispel any clogs.
Step 1: Check Sink Drain
If you have a garbage disposal that shares the dishwasher’s drain, make sure it’s empty of food waste and free of blockages. Sometimes a newly-installed disposal may still be capped, prohibiting dishwasher water from draining. Make sure the cap is removed so water can flow freely. If you don’t have a disposal, check the sink drain for visible blockages and remove them.
Step 2: Inspect Samsung Dishwasher Drain Hose
Wondering why is there standing water in the bottom of my dishwasher? Puddles in the dishwasher can indicate improper positioning of the drain hose.
Here’s how to check if your Samsung dishwasher drain hose is positioned properly:
- Make sure the dishwasher isn’t sitting on the drain hose, pinching it shut.
- Ensure that the hose is either connected to an air gap or has a high loop above it’s sink connection.
- Check the hose for kinks or damage. While kinks can be gently straightened, a damaged hose may need replacement
Step 3: Verify Sink Drains Properly
Make sure the sink is draining sufficiently by running the water for 30 seconds. If water backs up or is slow to drain, a home plumbing issue, and not the dishwasher, may be the cause.
Clean Samsung Dishwasher Drain, Filter & Sump
To unclog a dishwasher that won’t drain, a thorough cleaning of the drain, filter and sump may be necessary.
Follow these steps to clean a Samsung dishwasher filter, drain, and sump:
Filter: If the filter is removable, rinse it under warm running water, brushing with a soft brush to remove stubborn particles.
Drain: Leave the filter out to access the drain pump cover. Push the handle upwards to pull up the drain pump cover and remove any visible debris.
Sump: After cleaning around the drain make sure the sump at its bottom is free of debris. If there are any visible blockages inside the sump, use a straightened clothes hanger to remove them.
Possible Failed Parts When Your Dishwasher Won’t Drain
If you still find your Samsung dishwasher not draining after these troubleshooting tips it’s possible a part has malfunctioned.
The following part malfunctions can result in a Samsung dishwasher not draining:
Failed Drain Impeller: The impeller pushes water through the drain pump and into the disposal or sink drain. If the impeller fails, it requires replacement.
Faulty Drain Pump Motor: The motor powers the drain pump, leaving the pump unable to operate without it. If the motor exhibits no continuity with multimeter testing the whole pump must be replaced.
Broken Drain Solenoid: The solenoid opens the drain valve so water can exit. If it breaks it requires replacement.
Need a professional dishwasher repair? Call Apex Appliance Service for any dishwasher malfunction.
