Samsung Dishwasher: Replace Drain Solenoid Valve

Bottom line: On Samsung dishwashers that use one, a stuck drain solenoid valve causes water to sit in the tub or triggers a 3E drain error, and a stuck-open one drains as fast as it fills and throws a 1E. Swapping it is an intermediate 25-35 minute job, and the one detail that must be right is the flow direction.

Disconnect power at the circuit breaker and close the water supply valve. The solenoid operates on 120V AC from the control board. Residual water will drain from hoses during disconnection.

Tools and parts#

Step by step#

1. Disconnect power and water#

Turn off the breaker, close the water supply valve, and lay towels under the dishwasher for the residual water.

2. Remove the kick plate#

Take out the two Phillips #2 screws and release the two plastic squeeze clips, then pull the panel forward. Most DW80 models share this screw-and-clip arrangement.

3. Locate the drain solenoid#

Trace the drain hose from the sump. The solenoid sits inline between the drain pump outlet and where the hose leaves the cabinet — a small cylindrical or rectangular body with a coil and two hose connections.

4. Disconnect the electrical connector#

Find the two-wire connector on the coil, press the locking tab, and pull it straight out. Photograph its orientation for reassembly.

5. Disconnect the inlet hose#

The inlet connects to the pump outlet. Squeeze the spring clamp with pliers, slide it back, and work the hose off the nipple with a pan ready for about a cup of water.

6. Disconnect the outlet hose#

Repeat on the outlet side, noting which nipple is inlet and which is outlet. Samsung marks flow direction with an arrow on the body, and installing it backward stops it working.

7. Remove the solenoid from its mount#

The valve is held by a bracket with one Phillips screw or by a clip on the frame. Remove the screw or release the clip and pull the solenoid out.

8. Inspect the old solenoid#

Look into both ports for debris, scale, or a stuck plunger. If the coil tests good but the valve is merely jammed with debris, flushing it with hot water and freeing the plunger may fix it without a new part.

9. Install the new solenoid#

Mount the new valve in the same position and orientation, making sure the flow arrow points from the pump outlet toward the drain, and secure it with the screw or clip.

10. Reconnect the hoses#

Slide each hose fully onto its nipple — inlet from the pump, outlet to the drain — until about half an inch of nipple is inside, then slide the spring clamps back over each joint.

11. Reconnect the electrical connector#

Plug the two-wire connector in until the tab clicks, routing the wires away from the pump and any heat source.

12. Test for leaks and function#

Restore power and water and run a rinse cycle. During the drain phase, listen for the solenoid's quiet click just before the pump runs, watch the joints for leaks, and confirm the tub empties fully with no water returning.

13. Reinstall the kick plate#

Once it drains cleanly with no leaks, refit the kick plate.

If it still won't drain#

• 3E persists: a stuck-closed solenoid makes the pump run against a blocked path and can overheat it, so diagnose quickly.
• Drains while filling (1E): the solenoid is stuck open — confirm the new valve seats and the arrow points to the drain.
• Water returns after the cycle: the drain hose must loop up to counter height or an air gap before dropping to the disposal.

When to call a pro#

A repeated 3E that has already stressed the pump may mean the pump needs attention too. See our dishwasher repair cost guide or book a same-day repair.