If your Samsung dishwasher isn’t draining properly, you’ll likely find standing water at the end of a cycle — a frustrating problem that can interrupt dish cleaning and even lead to odors or leaks. Fortunately, most drainage issues can be diagnosed and fixed with systematic checks and simple repairs.
A Samsung dishwasher that won’t drain is usually caused by a clogged filter, blocked drain hose, faulty drain pump, or a disposal connection issue. Cleaning the filter and checking the drain system often solves the problem without a service call.
Common Symptoms of a Drainage Problem
Before troubleshooting, determine which of these applies:
- Slow draining with partial water at the bottom.
- Water remains after the wash cycle.
- Dishwasher displays a drain-related error code (like 5C, 5E/SE, OC/OE). Or, the Delicate light keeps flashing.
- Dishwasher runs but never empties.
Why Your Samsung Dishwasher Won’t Drain (Top Causes)
1. Clogged Filter or Drain Basket
Food scraps, grease, and debris build up in the filter and drain area over time. A blocked filter commonly prevents water from entering the drain pump.
2. Blocked or Kinked Drain Hose
A drain hose that’s bent, pinched, or clogged can restrict water flow from the dishwasher to the sink drain or garbage disposal. Without proper hose routing (such as a high loop or air gap), water may backflow.
3. Garbage Disposal Clog or Kick-out Plug
If your dishwasher drains into a garbage disposal, a clogged disposal or an unremoved disposal plug from installation will stop drainage.
4. Faulty Drain Pump or Check Valve
If the drain pump or its internal check valve fails, water can’t exit the dishwasher even if there’s no visible clog. These parts may need testing and replacement.
Some older Samsung dishwashers rely on a drain solenoid (located at the bottom near drain hose). That is an electrical component that opens and closes to control the draining of water out of the appliance. A faulty solenoid could get stuck in the closed position, preventing the dishwasher from draining.
5. Something Stuck in Impeller or Pump
Objects like broken glass or food particles can jam the impeller (the part that pushes water out), blocking drainage.
6. Water Inlet Assembly Clogged
When draining your Samsung dishwasher, the water will flow through the water inlet assembly on the way to the drain hose and out of the appliance. If you have checked the above possibilities, the water may get stuck in debris in this area.
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Step-By-Step Troubleshooting & Fixes
🛠️ Step 1 — Check and Clean the Filter
- Slide out the bottom dish rack.
- Remove the filter (usually twists out).
- Rinse it under warm water and remove debris.
- Replace and test a new cycle.
Tip: Clean the filter every few months to prevent clogs.
🛠️ Step 2 — Inspect the Drain Hose
- Turn off power and water.
- Check under the sink where the hose connects to the disposal or drain.
- Look for kinks, sharp bends, or crushed sections.
- If blocked, disconnect and clear debris (wire or small drain snake).
- Ensure a proper “high loop” or air gap is installed per dishwasher instructions.
🛠️ Step 3 — Clear the Air Gap (if equipped)
If there’s an air gap on your countertop:
- Remove the cap.
- Clear out any debris inside with a brush.
- Reassemble and test draining.
A blocked air gap can stop drainage and cause water to back up.
🛠️ Step 4 — Check Sink and Garbage Disposal
Run water in the sink:
- If sink water doesn’t drain quickly, the issue may be with your plumbing, not the dishwasher.
- If disposal is used, run it for a few seconds to break up any clog.
🛠️ Step 5 — Inspect the Drain Pump
If all else checks out:
- Unplug the dishwasher and access the drain pump (usually at the bottom).
- Listen during a drain cycle — a working pump should hum.
- If silent or grinding, test with a
multimeter for continuity. - Replace the pump if it fails electrical tests.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve checked filters, hoses, and visible blockages and the dishwasher still won’t drain:
- The internal drain pump, check valve, or electronic controls could be failing.
- Error codes that persist after cleaning often require expert diagnosis.
Preventing Future Drainage Issues
✅ Scrape and pre-rinse dishes before loading.
✅ Clean filters regularly.
✅ Avoid dishwasher detergent or dish soap residues.
✅ Check plumbing connections annually.
Samsung Dishwasher Drainage FAQs
Q: Why does water stay in the bottom but slowly drain later?
A: Partial hose restriction or slow pump performance can cause delayed draining.
Q: Can incorrect installation cause drainage problems?
A: Yes — improper hose routing or a missing high loop can lead to backflow.
False Error codes
Occasionally, a dishwasher will displays a code suggesting a draining issue, even though the appliance is draining normally. You’ll know it is a false error code if the dishwasher stops mid-cycle after 9 minutes, for no apparent reason. If this happens, the problem might not be with the drain, but with the Drain or ECS Sensor.
Locate these sensors using the owner’s manual and clean them. If this does not correct the error code, you’ll need to replace the Samsung Dishwasher ECS Sensor. You can get an ECS sensor here.
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Had an OC code, full of water (my fault), didn’t knock out the new garbage disposal plug. Drained fine after fixing the garbage disposal issue but after multiple attempts (including power shut off at breaker) won’t “run” even though power on… can’t change wash “type/cycle” either, only the express wash that it was on.
Thanks for the blog .. really useful. We had a “price sticker” (from a new cup) stuck in the hose connecting the drain pump to the water panel. It was not coming out by blowing as the hose has a one way stopper. We had to pry it out using a wire.
Hi dears,
please need your support ,i have samsung dishwasher DMS300trs still have Error E3 ,while it’s drain water normally and still some inside,i cleaned the drain water and put some water inside for clean ,and check all drains (solt, input water.output water ,
attached pic
https://www.linkpicture.com/view.php?img=LPic6137761d2c2de1951083008
Long time listener, first time caller, yatta yatta …. I’d also like to say thanks for this page as it helped to eventually solve my issues with my Samsung DW80R9950US dishwasher. However, my issue was caused by the dishwasher itself …. Our model of dishwasher comes with a third tier “silverware” rack that has hundreds of plastic tines to help to separate the utensils. We noticed that many of these tines started to break off from the rack itself, and we would find them at the bottom of the dishwasher. We contacted Samsung and they sent out a new replacement rack (which was the same materials) and we thought nothing of it. However, we started getting the “5C” errors, and after MANY attempts and chasing the hose from one end to the other, I realized that a few of these tines had found a way to bypass the filtering system completely, and were stuck in the “drain hose redirect thingy” at the top of the kitchen sink. Once I removed the top plug, I was able to force the broken tines back thru the line to collect them and the line was free again. Just wanted to mention that if you are having tines break off from your silverware rack, you may also want to check the drain lines to make sure you don’t have restrictions in it.
Hello,
We have a Samsung dishwasher, model #DW80R9950US.
We get a SC error code. We cleaned the machine. We called in a repair guy. There are no clogs, kinks of any kind, and the machine drains. We do, however, have a water pressure problem, which we are trying to fix. Would low water pressure trigger the SC error code?
Thank you,
I dont think that low water pressure issue related to “NO DRAIN”. Another thing… how quickly it drains? If nothing is clogged it should drain in 15-20 seconds. If it’s partially clogged it might drain ok, but will not let’s say after a couple of loads and 5C error code will show up. How long your draining?
Thank you for your reply, Eugene. Yes, I would say it doesn’t take too long to drain. Now the repair guy has ordered a new pump, but I’m worried he’s on a goose chase.
j’ai un problème avec mon lave vaisselle j’ai les lumière smart auto et heavy qui clignote toujour j’ai de jas changer la plaque blanche dans le coté et aussi la ompe de vidange et ces toujour pareille je ces pue quoi faire ces un samsung
pdw80f600uts/ca
Daniel Beaudoin
Sorry, i wish, but i cant speak French ))
Ive followed all of the steps above the pump wont remove the water, and the drain cover is missing, model dw80k5050, also it appears as if its pushing fluid inside the machine rather then removing, is the pump by directional if i hooked up the wires wrong will it spin backwards? please help on this part above
pump running on AC power, so it doesn’t matter how you connect wires it will be spinning in right direction
I have a Samsung dishwasher, that us flashing “LC”, and the drain is continuously coming on. I know LC means water leak or moisture. I took out the strainer and cleaned it. The drain at the bottom, under the strainer, will come on, empty, cut off then a small bit of water comes back in from the drain opening, then it kicks on again.
Suggestions? Any ideas?
Many thanks.
What the model number of your dishwasher? Check float switch inside the dishwasher. If it’s stuck in the Upper position and will trigger LC error code. Cause float switch sits in series with the flood switch. if one of them disengages, it will trigger LC error code
I have samsung dw80f600uts. Found water leaking from front of dishwasher. Water will partially drain out when I drain manually (holding start for 3 seconds) so motor is working, but I have to do it like 3-4 times to fully drain all the water. Tried a new cycle, and I can see it draining out the hose but 20mins in it shuts down, and flashes Smart-Auto and Heavy. I checked for hose blockages, cleaned the filter, checked for motor blockages. What am I missing?
There is a partial clog in the drain line for sure. Did you check the drain hose where it’s connected to the sink? Did you check hoses on the left side of the dishwasher (see the picture in the article)?
I have tried every one of the six. The only thing I havent done is replace the ECS. I took it out, cleaned it, put it back in. Still does drain or complete final cycle. What I do notice is that when it went into drain cycle, I would always hear a prominent click, and the drain pump come on. I do not hear that prominent click, and do not hear the drain pump come on.
I should probably add that it is a Samsung dishwasher model
Dw80k5050.
Hi guys, so The water does not drain from my dishwasher. I’ve only been using it for one year but just ran out of warranty. I replaced the check valve. I cleaned the filters and the entire machine thoroughly.I also checked the hose connected to the sink and everything is clean. I was able to do this while the machine was open and I just unscrewed everything that I had access to at the bottom of the machine. I’m nervous about taking the machine out of its space and moving it upside down because that has electrical connections and other things that I know nothing about. I saw a couple of videos online but they are not specific enough for me and they assume that the person knows about electrical connections and water pipes connections and I do not. If you know of any online videos that Can explain it to me like I’m a five-year-old I would really appreciate it. And by the way I did have one plumber come in and check it out and tell him if he thinks it’s the pump and I should just buy a new machine. Since the machine is so new I thought I would buy the pump and maybe hire somebody to put it in but it turns out that’s too small of a job for a company to take on. Anyway.Many thanks
Agnes, there are enough information provided in the article what to check in case if your machine stopped draining.
I wish you could add images or pictures. I know, that is a lot to ask. Just it is not self explanatory and I do not know what some of the parts you mention look like…
I hope this video will help you https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOQ2XrpwC4c
Thanks for this page. It is incredibly helpful. My Samsung dishwasher is draining, but after several hours I will find water in the bottom of the unit. If we do not check it and manually and drain it by pressing two buttons, it will overflow eventually onto the ground. The drain line is clear and connects to our disposal. I am guessing since the drain motor works that it might be the check valve. Thoughts?
Then, Check valve or water inlet assembly (on the left side of the dishwasher, plastic housing)
Thanks! I received the check valve for my SAMSUNG DMT300RFS/XAA. The part number is DD66-00019A. Unfortunately is was smaller than the one I removed from my machine. It appears to be the right part number. Should I order another one or move on to the water inlet assembly? Thanks for your help.
This part should fit your dishwasher? How much smaller new one?
I tried to paste a picture to this reply box but it would not work. It is visibly smaller and I noticed, once I installed it, that I can push it through the hole. They refunded it so I order another one from another parts distributor.
This link might show you the picture.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/pntb5z6a3u67j27/IMG_6518.heic?dl=0
yeah i see that… That weird
It is visibly smaller. I tried to paste a photo here but was unable. I ordered another one from another distributor. Just this morning, I found half an inch of water at the bottom. I perform the drain function and it all works well, but eventually the water left in the hose slowly returns.
I am getting 5c error on DW80R9950US dishwasher. I checked the drain hose, filter, sump for clog. Most of the water drain and I can see water running thru the sink/garbage disposal but only a little of water ( 1/2″) left in the filter/sump pocket. What could be the problem ? Thank you.
Partially Restriction in the drain line. Check the article again to see what to check
I am get 5C error on DW80R9950US. I checked the drain hose, the filter, the sump for clogged. It drained most of the water and I can see the water draining thru the garbage disposal/Sink but it still have just a little bit of water (1/2″) left in the filter/sump pocket. What could be the cause ? Thank you.
Partially restricted drain line. Check drain hose connected to the sink and also read the article again, pretty much everything covered there
I have a “dC” code on a DW80K5050UG and Samsung cannot tell me what that is.
It starts fine by draining which I can see is clear water. It sounds like it then fills with water (which it does b/cit also drains it when I cancel) It then clicks a few times originating from what seems like the panel below the door- but never starts the wash.
Wash motor stuck? Here is a video for you https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaF22tJASos
On 1:37 min , you will see a white wheel. This is wash pump impeller. Try to turn it. If it turns then possibly wash motor is failed. But if it not turns, it jammed.
MY SAMSUNG DISHWAHER NOT DRAINING. CLEANED THE FILTER. TURN OFF AND ON FROM MAIN SUPPLY. ERROR CODE OE IS COMING, WATER IS STAYING ON THE BOTTOM.
i described everything in the article what you need to check.
I have a model DW80R5060US and I get an OC error code but it all seems to be draining properly. Filters are clean, there’s no clog in the sink drain, no kink in the drain hose, pulls in water no problem…not sure what I should be looking for next.
If nothing helped so far, try to replace the drain pump
Hi there,
I have the 5c error on my Samsung DW80K5050UG. It isn’t filling. I suspect there is a blockage. Is there a filter on the water inlet or a place to verify water supply?
Disconnect water hoses from the washer and you will see plastic screens, if they are dirty clean them
I broke the “drain pump cover” I cannot find a replacement on the internet. Can you help?
Whats the model number of the dishwasher?