Samsung Dishwasher Not Draining: Step-by-Step Fix Guide

Opening your Samsung dishwasher to find a pool of dirty, standing water at the bottom is never a welcome sight. Whether you own a Samsung DW80R9950US (linear wash), DW80R5061US (StormWash), or a budget-friendly DW80N3030US, a drainage failure usually indicates a blockage or a component failure that prevents the drain pump from evacuating water. The good news: most Samsung dishwasher drainage issues can be resolved without replacing expensive parts.

This guide walks you through every cause of drainage failure, from the simplest clog to component replacement, with specific instructions for Samsung's dishwasher lineup.

Before You Start: Safety and Quick Checks

1. Cancel and drain: Press the Cancel/Drain button (or press and hold Start for 3 seconds) to initiate a manual drain cycle. If the pump activates and drains successfully, the issue may have been a mid-cycle interruption rather than a mechanical failure.
2. Check for error codes: A Samsung dishwasher showing 5E (or SE on some displays — they look similar) indicates a drain error. Error code OC or 0C indicates an overfill condition, which can also be related to drainage.
3. Power cycle: Turn off the dishwasher, wait 60 seconds, and turn it back on. Run a quick rinse cycle to see if the drain problem persists.

1. Clogged Drain Filter (Most Common Cause)

Samsung dishwashers use a multi-level filter system at the bottom of the tub that catches food particles and debris. When this filter clogs, water can't reach the drain pump efficiently.

How to clean:

1. Remove the bottom dish rack.
2. Locate the filter assembly at the center-bottom of the tub. Samsung uses a cylindrical fine filter and a flat coarse mesh filter.
3. Turn the cylindrical filter counterclockwise and lift it out.
4. Lift out the coarse mesh filter beneath it.
5. Rinse both filters under running water. Use a soft brush (old toothbrush works well) to remove stuck food particles, grease, and mineral deposits.
6. Inspect the sump area (the well beneath where the filter sits) for any debris — broken glass, food remnants, labels from jars, etc.
7. Reinstall the coarse filter first, then the cylindrical filter (turn clockwise to lock).

Maintenance: Samsung recommends cleaning the drain filter after every wash cycle or at minimum once per week. Most drainage problems can be prevented by consistent filter cleaning.

2. Blocked or Kinked Drain Hose

The drain hose carries wastewater from the dishwasher to your kitchen drain (either through the garbage disposal or a direct connection under the sink).

Common issues:

• Kink in the hose: The hose may have been kinked when the dishwasher was pushed into its cabinet space. Pull the dishwasher out slightly and inspect the full length of the hose.
• Clog in the hose: Food particles, grease, and soap residue can accumulate inside the hose over time.
• Improper installation: The drain hose must have a high loop — it should rise to the level of the countertop before descending to the drain connection. Without this high loop, dirty water from the sink can backflow into the dishwasher.

How to check and clean:

1. Turn off the dishwasher and the water supply.
2. Disconnect the drain hose at the sink/disposal end.
3. Hold the hose over a bucket — any trapped water will drain out.
4. Run water through the hose from the dishwasher end to check for blockage. If water flows freely, the hose is clear.
5. If blocked, use a long, flexible brush or a straightened wire hanger (carefully) to dislodge the clog.
6. Reconnect the hose, ensuring a proper high loop.

3. Garbage Disposal Knockout Plug

If your Samsung dishwasher was recently installed or your garbage disposal was recently replaced, there's a very common installation oversight that causes drainage failure: the knockout plug inside the disposal's dishwasher inlet port was not removed.

What is it? New garbage disposals come with a plastic knockout plug blocking the dishwasher drain port. This plug must be knocked out during installation if the dishwasher drain hose connects to the disposal.

How to check:

1. Disconnect the drain hose from the disposal's dishwasher inlet (the small nipple on the side of the disposal, near the top).
2. Look into the inlet port on the disposal. If you see a solid plastic disc blocking the opening, the knockout is still in place.
3. Use a screwdriver and hammer to knock the plug inward (into the disposal).
4. Reach into the disposal (with power OFF at the breaker) and remove the knocked-out plug. Failure to remove the plug can damage the disposal.
5. Reconnect the drain hose.

This is one of the most common causes of drainage failure on newly installed dishwashers and is a completely free fix.

4. Clogged Air Gap or Drain Connection

If your kitchen sink has an air gap (a cylindrical device mounted on the countertop near the faucet), a blockage in the air gap can prevent the dishwasher from draining.

How to clean the air gap:

1. Remove the chrome cap from the air gap.
2. Remove the inner cover.
3. Use a bottle brush or stiff wire to clean the air gap body.
4. Check the hose running from the air gap to the disposal for blockage.

If you don't have an air gap: Check the drain connection at the sink tailpiece or disposal for buildup. Disconnect and clean if necessary.

5. Failed Drain Pump

If the filter is clean, the hose is clear, and the connections are open, the drain pump itself may have failed.

Symptoms:

• No humming or buzzing sound during the drain portion of the cycle (the pump isn't activating at all)
• A loud buzzing but no water draining (the pump motor runs but the impeller is jammed or broken)
• Error code 5E persists after cleaning all filters and hoses

How to diagnose:

1. Start a cycle and listen during the drain phase. A working pump makes a distinct humming/whirring sound.
2. If no sound, the pump motor may be burned out or the control board isn't sending power to it.
3. Access the pump from underneath the dishwasher (remove the kick plate and the bottom panel).
4. The drain pump is a small motor with an impeller, connected to the sump with a hose.
5. Check the impeller for blockage — broken glass is a common culprit.
6. Test the pump motor with a multimeter: disconnect the wires and measure resistance across the terminals. A good pump motor typically reads 5–40 ohms. Open circuit = burned out motor.

Samsung drain pump part numbers:

• DD31-00005A — Most Samsung dishwasher models
• DD81-02109A — Some newer StormWash models

Cost: $30–$60 for the pump. Professional repair runs $150–$275 total.

6. Check Valve Stuck Closed

The check valve (also called a flapper valve or backflow preventer) sits in the drain path and prevents water from flowing back into the dishwasher after draining. If debris causes the check valve to stick in the closed position, water can't drain out.

Location: The check valve is typically integrated into the drain pump assembly or located at the connection point between the sump and the drain hose.

How to fix:

1. Remove the drain pump assembly from the sump.
2. Inspect the check valve for food debris, calcium buildup, or a foreign object preventing it from opening.
3. Clean the valve and verify it moves freely — it should open easily in one direction and close in the other.
4. If the valve is damaged or warped, replace the entire check valve assembly.

Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes Related to Drainage

• 5E / SE — Primary drain error. The dishwasher couldn't drain within the expected time.
• OC / 0C — Overfill error. Water level is higher than expected, possibly due to continuous fill from a stuck inlet valve or inability to drain.
• LC / LE — Leak detected. The leak sensor in the base pan has activated. This can be caused by a drain hose leak or pump seal failure.
• HE / HE1 — Heater error. While not directly a drain issue, if the heater fails mid-cycle, the dishwasher may stall before reaching the drain phase.

To clear error codes: Press and hold the Start button for 3 seconds to cancel the cycle, then start a new cycle. If the code returns, the underlying issue still needs to be resolved.

How to Manually Drain a Samsung Dishwasher

If your dishwasher has standing water and won't drain through normal operation:

1. Sponge and bucket method: Place towels on the floor, open the door, and use sponges or towels to soak up the standing water. Wring into a bucket.
2. Wet/dry vacuum: If you have a shop vac, use it to vacuum the water directly from the tub.
3. Gravity drain: If accessible, disconnect the drain hose at a point lower than the dishwasher tub. Water will flow out by gravity. Have a large bucket or pan ready.

Preventing Future Drainage Problems

• Scrape plates before loading — You don't need to pre-rinse, but scrape large food debris into the trash.
• Clean the drain filter weekly — Or at minimum after every 5 wash cycles.
• Run the garbage disposal before starting the dishwasher — Clears the shared drain path.
• Use quality dishwasher detergent — Cheap detergent leaves more residue that clogs filters and hoses.
• Run a monthly cleaning cycle — Empty dishwasher with a cup of white vinegar placed upright on the top rack. Run a hot cycle.
• Inspect the drain hose annually — Look for kinks, cracks, or buildup. Replace if the hose is deteriorating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is there standing water in the bottom of my Samsung dishwasher? A: A small amount of water (about 1 cup) in the sump area below the filter is normal — it keeps the seals from drying out. If there's significantly more water (covering the filter or visible when you open the door), you have a drain problem. The most common cause is a clogged drain filter, followed by a blocked drain hose or a failed drain pump.

Q: How do I fix Samsung dishwasher error code 5E? A: Error 5E means the dishwasher can't drain. Start by cleaning the drain filter (bottom of the tub). Then check the drain hose for kinks and the garbage disposal connection for the knockout plug. If these are all clear, the drain pump may need replacement. Cancel the cycle (hold Start for 3 seconds) and restart after addressing the issue.

Q: Can I use Drano to unclog my dishwasher drain? A: No. Chemical drain cleaners like Drano are not safe for dishwashers. They can damage rubber hoses, gaskets, and the pump components. For drain clogs, physically remove and clean the filter, flush the drain hose with water, and clean any connected air gap or disposal. For stubborn clogs in the drain line, a plumber's snake is safer than chemicals.

Q: How often should I clean my Samsung dishwasher filter? A: Samsung recommends cleaning the filter after every cycle for best performance. Realistically, cleaning it once a week or after every 4–5 cycles prevents most drainage issues. If you notice food particles on your clean dishes or slow drainage, clean the filter immediately.

Q: Why does my Samsung dishwasher smell bad? A: Bad odors usually come from food debris trapped in the drain filter, standing water in the sump, or mold growth on the door gasket. Clean the filter thoroughly, run a hot cleaning cycle with vinegar, and wipe down the door gasket (especially the bottom) with a bleach solution (1 tablespoon bleach per quart of water).

When to Call a Professional

Most Samsung dishwasher drainage issues are DIY-friendly, but call a professional when:

• The drain pump has failed — While the part is affordable, accessing and replacing it requires tilting or laying the dishwasher on its back and working with electrical connections.
• The error code returns after cleaning everything — This may indicate a control board issue or a wiring problem between the board and pump.
• Water is leaking from the base — A leak from underneath indicates a failed pump seal, cracked sump, or loose hose connection that should be diagnosed professionally to prevent water damage.
• The dishwasher won't turn on at all — If the unit is completely unresponsive, the issue extends beyond drainage and requires electrical diagnosis.
• You've checked everything and can't find the cause — A technician can test voltage to the drain pump and check the control board's output to isolate the failure.

Samsung dishwasher leaving a pool of water at the bottom? EasyBear's technicians resolve Samsung dishwasher drainage problems fast. We offer a free diagnostic visit — our tech will identify the exact blockage or component failure and fix it on the spot. We carry common Samsung dishwasher parts on our service vans. Every repair includes our 90-day parts and labor warranty. Book your free diagnosis today.