Samsung Washer SE, 5E, or ND Error: How to Fix Drainage Issues

Is your Samsung washer showing a SE, 5E, SE, or ND error code? These codes mean your washer isn’t draining correctly. Learn how to quickly clean the debris filter, check for hose clogs, and troubleshoot the drain pump to get your laundry moving again

When your Samsung washing machine shows a 5E error code (which can look like SE instead), it’s experiencing a drain problem. The most likely causes are a clogged drain pump filter, a damaged/faulty drain pump, or even an unbalanced washer. Adjust the washer so it’s perfectly level, clean the drain filter, and inspect the drain pump. Then, reset the washer and test to ensure it can drain as it should.

The Nd error code on a Samsung washer is triggered when it experiences a no-drain condition. That means the washer has failed to drain water after trying for at least 15 minutes. This problem can be caused by a clogged drain filter or drain hose, as well as a faulty drain pump. Externally, the same issue can be triggered by a blockage in your household drain or standpipe.

In the following sections, we will take a deep dive into the 5E (or SE) error code on your Samsung washing machine. Then, we’ll explore the most likely causes of this problem and the solutions that you can use to make things work correctly again.

Let’s get started.

What The SE or 5E Code Means On A Samsung Washer

The 5E or SE error code that you see on your Samsung washer indicates a drain problem. That means the washing machine is not able to drain water out of the machine and into your household’s drainage system as it should.

Remember: for any Samsung washer to function correctly, it must let water in and drain it out. So, the 5E error code is not something to take lightly, as it could prevent you from using the washing machine at all.

To troubleshoot this issue, you’ll need to inspect the washing machine’s adjustable legs, its drain filter, and its drain pump as well. A fault at any of these parts will trigger the 5E error to appear on your washer.

Other Symptoms Accompanying the 5E Error Code

Thankfully, the 5E error code does have some accompanying symptoms that you can look out for. These signs are useful in helping you to confirm that there is indeed a problem with the washer’s drain function.

Some tell-tale signs that go along with the 5E error code include:

• When the wash cycle ends, the machine takes longer than usual to drain all the water out.
• The washer stops right in the middle of a wash cycle for no apparent reason.
• Whenever the washer stops, there’s still water left behind inside the drum.

These signs confirm that the 5E error code points to a real problem instead of a false positive. So, in the next section, we’ll identify some of the most likely causes of these problems and what you can do to fix them.

Possible Causes and Solutions

Washing Machine Is Not Level

How this happens: Your Samsung washing machine must always be perfectly level. These machines are designed so that gravity plays a crucial role in helping the water drain. Of course, this happens with the help of the drain pump, which we will discuss later.

There are two reasons why your washer might not be level. Firstly, the washer might have been placed on a surface that isn’t perfectly flat. Second, and more likely, the adjustable legs of the washer haven’t been adjusted correctly.

How to fix it: For this first reason, the fix is pretty straightforward. First, make sure that you’ve placed the washer in a spot where the floor is perfectly level. If not, you can move it to another part of your laundry room or home that’s more suitable.

Next, turn the adjustable legs underneath the washer until the machine becomes balanced. Using a spirit level or something similar will help you determine when you get it adjusted perfectly.

Clogged Drain Filter

What it is: The drain filter is located at the front of the washer, closer to the floor. It is kept out of sight behind a small panel that’s easy to open without any tools. 

As the name suggests, it filters the washing machine’s drain water. The filter catches lint, dirt, and foreign objects that fall from clothes pockets inside the washer.

Ideally, this filter should be cleaned at least once every few months.

How it fails: As mentioned above, the drain filter captures lint, dirt, and foreign objects in the washing machine’s drain water. Over an extended period, that filter will become saturated with the things that it catches.

If the filter isn’t cleaned, it will begin to obstruct the flow of drain water and trigger the 5E error code.

How to fix it: To fix this problem, you will need to clean the drain filter. Follow these steps:

• Firstly, open the small panel so you can access the filter. It’s the only panel on the front of your washer, so you can’t miss it.
• Next, lay a few pieces of cloth on the floor around that filter. Excess water will flow out when you remove the filter.
• Then, gently twist the drain filter open and pull it out. From there, you can pick out any of the dirt, lint, and foreign objects trapped inside the filter.
• Lastly, give the filter a good wash in the sink before putting it back again.

Debris Filter Locations

Look for a small square or rectangular plastic door near the floor.

• Front-Load Models: The access door is almost always visible on the front exterior. You can typically pop it open using your finger or a flat-head screwdriver.
• Top-Load Models: Most modern Samsung top-loaders do not have a user-accessible front filter. Instead, the “filter” is often a mesh screen located inside the drum or a trap accessible only by removing the back panel or tipping the machine (which usually requires a technician).
• Bespoke & AI Models: On the newest high-end models, the door is designed to be “seamless” with the chassis. Look for a small indentation at the top of the bottom plastic trim where you can hook your finger to pull it down.

Damaged Or Faulty Drain Pump

What it is: The drain pump sits at the bottom of your washer, and it helps to drive water out of the drum and out through the drain hose. This pump will turn on several times throughout a wash cycle and once more towards the end.

How it fails: In this case, the drain pump could be damaged internally, or a foreign object might be jammed inside. These problems will prevent the washer from draining water effectively, thereby triggering the 5E error code.

How to fix it: To fix this, you will need to access the drain pump. This task can be quite a challenging job to do as a DIY, but here’s what the process will look like:

• Firstly, the power and water supply to the washer must be removed.
• Next, the washer must be placed on its side to access the bottom panel that conceals the drain pump.
• Then, with the bottom panel removed, you’ll be able to access the drain pump. The unit can be removed by unplugging the electrical connectors and water hoses and unthreading the screws holding it in place.
• Now, with the drain pump removed, you can inspect it closer. Any foreign objects stuck inside can be removed easily. However, if the pump is damaged, it will need to be replaced.

Backed Up Drain Hose

What It Is: The drain hose is how water exits the washer and flows into your household’s drain or standpipe. This component is a flexible hose that is connected directly to the back of your washing machine. The drain hose is detachable and can be removed without using any tools.

Source: Samsung Community

How It Fails: Unfortunately, the drain hose can also get backed up in many ways. For instance, the drain hose is likely clogged with dirt or foreign objects, preventing the smooth flow of water. Besides that, the hose might be kinked or pinched by a heavy object that has fallen onto it.

All of these possibilities will cause the drain hose to back up with water. When your Samsung washer senses this, it will trigger the Nd error code to appear on the machine’s display.

How To Fix: Fixing this problem will require you to clear out the drain hose. Firstly, detach the hose from the back of your washing machine. Next, keep a bucket nearby to capture any water that was trapped in that hose.

Next, take the hose somewhere to flush out any blockages. For example, you can do this with a garden hose to ensure that water enters and exits the hose at both ends without any obstructions.

When reattaching the hose, be sure that there are as few bends as possible. Doing this will prevent kinks and allow water to flow smoothly.

EcoBubble Recirculation Pump Clog– Newer Models Only

On newer Samsung washers, there is often a second pump—the circulation pump.

• The Issue: While the main drain pump might be clear, the smaller recirculation pump can get clogged with detergent buildup or small debris. This triggers a drainage code, even if the main filter looks clean.
• The Fix: If you have a Bespoke or EcoBubble model and the main filter is clear, you need to inspect the internal sump hose (the large black bellows hose) that leads to both pumps.

Stopped Up Drain and Standpipe

What It Is: Once the drain water makes its way out of the washer through the drain hose, it must flow to your household drainage system. Depending on how your home is built, the hose might be inserted into a standpipe behind the washing machine, creating a clear path for that water to flow.

How It Fails: When experiencing the Nd washer error code, it’s also likely that the problem isn’t in the washing machine at all. Instead, your household drainage might be blocked. The drain water will back up to the standpipe and the washer’s drain hose when that happens.

Even though that blockage is external to the washer, it will still prevent the machine from draining. Therefore, the Nd error code will be triggered.

How To Fix: To fix this, you will need to clear the blockage in your household drain, including the standpipe where your drain hose is placed. You should be able to do this yourself, though a severe blockage will require the attention of a qualified plumber instead.

Software & Firmware “dn” or “AS” Updates

Samsung has pushed critical firmware updates to address drainage timing. If the washer’s software is out of sync, it might flag a drainage error too early (before the pump has finished its cycle).

• The Fix: Check the SmartThings app. If an update is available, the washer might display “dn” (downloading) or “AS” during the process.
• No Wi-Fi? Some 2024-2026 models require a Service Dongle from Samsung for critical updates if the machine isn’t connected to the internet.

Samsung Washer Drainage Error Codes

How To Clear The SE or 5E Error Code

Once that’s completed, you can then perform a reset on your Samsung washing machine using the steps described below.

How To Reset A Samsung Washer

Resetting your Samsung washer will clear all of its error codes, as well as resolve most other glitches that might be present. Here’s how you can do that:

• Firstly, disconnect the washer from its power supply completely. That means removing the plug from the wall socket or shutting off its dedicated circuit breaker at the main electrical box in your house.
• Next, the washer must be left alone for 1-5 minutes. During this time, the washer will get rid of any remaining electrical charge it might be holding.
• After that time has elapsed, the last step is to plug the washer back in or turn on its circuit breaker and then use it like normal.

Remember: Resetting your washer will clear the error codes, but those codes will return unless the root cause has been addressed.

How To Enter Diagnostic Mode

Entering the Diagnostic Mode on your Samsung washer is helpful to see how many error codes are active. To enter diagnostic mode, follow these steps:

• Firstly, turn the washer on. Then, press and hold the Delay Start and Soil Level buttons simultaneously.
• Keep holding both buttons until the display shows all zeros and the washer chimes.
• Press the Soil Level button once more until you see the letter D appear on display. That means you are now in Diagnostic Mode.
• Turn the dial to scroll through all of the active error codes (if any). Once you see the alphabet D again, that means you’ve reached the end.

If you do not see any error codes after following this process, that means your Samsung washing machine is free from any problems.

How To Test Samsung Washer After Fixing It

The most effective way to perform a thorough test of your Samsung washer after a repair is to run a complete wash cycle and see if any error codes appear. However, you can save time by choosing the shortest cycle available, such as the Rinse+Spin cycle available on Samsung washers.When testing your machine, pay extra attention to ensure that water drains out altogether at the end of the cycle without any issues.

Common Samsung Washer Error Codes

Click on the link for additional information specific to clearing each code.