If only everything could be repaired as easily as a dishwasher. Unfortunately, not all problems are that simple. However, you should always start by checking out the basic stuff first.
So as we’re used to hearing, there are a few things to check before contacting your local appliance repair company.
Before getting started, though, let’s first explain what you can expect with Samsung dishwashers in general.
If your Samsung dishwasher is not draining, this can be a very frustrating issue.
There are several factors that can cause the problem, and each of them requires a different solution.
Samsung Dishwasher Not Draining Error Codes and What do they mean?

Samsung dishwasher not draining can happen for a variety of reasons. Sometimes all that is needed is to reset the circuit breaker, and it is fixed.
At other times, the dishwasher is not draining because it has developed a problem at the pump or in the drain hose.
Sometimes it is a combination of the two as well. If your Samsung dishwasher isn’t draining, here are the most common error code and solutions.
For drain and overflow error codes: Samsung dishwashers have error codes to help you troubleshoot. You might see the following error codes on your dishwasher’s display: 5C, 5E, OC, E24, or OE.
This means there is a drain or overflow error. It can also mean that a heating element is not working as it should, so check to make sure dishes have been removed after the cycle has ended.
Moreover, if you see a certain combination of error codes or flashing lights (such as Heavy and Auto), it means your dishwasher has a drain or overflow error.
This occurs when there’s a clog in the drain hose and/or an obstruction in the drain pump. Understanding what causes this type of drain error can help you prevent it from happening again.
The basic step is to try running through another cycle without dishes being put into the machine to see if that resolves the problem.
In most cases, if the error code isn’t immediately resolved by taking action to clear it (such as unblocking the drain), your machine will need to be serviced.
Error E24
The most common code displayed on a Samsung dishwasher is Error E24.
This error can occur for several reasons, but it basically means that the water inlet valve was activated and it should have completed its job during the wash cycle, but for some reason, the drain hose is still full of water.
Error 5C or 5E
The Samsung Dishwasher Not Draining Error Codes 5C or 5E means that the dishwasher is unable to drain.
When the Samsung dishwasher experiences a drain error (5C or 5E), it’s likely that there is an object in the drain hose or in the connection to the sink.
This could be caused by food debris clogging the drain hose or a severe kink that can block drainage.
Error OC or oE
The OC or the oE error on Samsung dishwashers indicates a malfunction in the water supply system.
These codes usually indicate too much water in the dishwasher and can be fixed by checking various sections of the dishwasher.
Further, you will have to run water in the sink to dispel any clogs, then try running another cycle.
Samsung Dishwasher Not Draining Solutions
- 1. Check the drainage Connection
- 2. Check the Drain Hose
- 3. Try running the water throughout the sink
- 4. Clean the Sink Overflow Hose
- 5. Clean the filter
- 6. Clean the Sump in the tub
- 7. Machine Failure
1. Check the drainage Connection
If your dishwasher is not properly draining, check the sink’s drain. After that, the first thing you should do is check the drainage connection.
This connection is responsible for draining water from your dishwasher and into your sink. If it’s clogged with food or debris, your dishwasher won’t be able to drain properly.
To clear the connection, use a plunger to push water through the connection.
You can also use a wet/dry vacuum or a long-handled brush to clean out any debris.
If you have a dishwasher hose, you can also unclog it by using a plunger on the hose end.
- First of all, make sure that the drain hose is not blocked by the machine. Keep it open.
- Also, keep in mind that the hose should be connected with a high loop over the sink connection, or it should have an air gap.
- Ensure that the hose is not damaged or kinked. Make sure there is no kink in the hose. Gently remove it by straightening the hose.
2. Check the Drain Hose
Check your dishwasher drain hose. If it’s clogged or kinked, your dishwasher won’t be able to drain properly.
To clear the hose, use a plunger or a wet/dry vacuum. You can also unclog it with a long-handled brush. If the hose is kinked, remove it out and see if that solves the problem.
- First of all, make sure to lose the dishwasher drain hose clamp.
- After that, disconnect the drain hose. It generally has ridges. Disconnect the drain hose from the pump.
- Next, try to blow the hose and ensure it is clear from inside as well.
- If the hose is blocked, make sure to check the kinks. If there is a kink, try to straighten and remove the kink and fix them up.
Check the Dishwasher Drain Hose Extension: If this isn’t working, you might have a problem with your dishwasher’s drain hose extension. This is the piece of tubing that runs from the dishwasher to the sink.
It’s possible that this extension has kinked or become clogged, which is preventing your dishwasher from draining properly.
To check it, remove it from both the dishwasher and sink and check for kinks or clogs. If you find any, remove them and reinstall the hose.
3. Try running the water throughout the sink
Ensure that your dishwasher is draining properly by running the water in the sink that it’s connected to.
Pull down your dishwasher’s drain hose and allow the water to run for one minute, then check the drainage connection at the bottom of the dishwasher.
4. Clean the Sink Overflow Hose
If the dishwasher is still not draining properly, it’s possible that there’s a problem with the sink overflow hose.
This is the hose that runs from the sink to the wall or floor. If this hose is kinked or clogged, your dishwasher won’t drain properly. Remove the hose and check it for clogs or kinks.
Furthermore, make sure the sink is draining properly, It should start draining within 30 seconds, and if it doesn’t then, you have to check for the issues.
And if the water is coming up and slowing down to drain, then you may need to call the technician, as it can be an internal problem in the dishwasher.
5. Clean the filter
Luckily, most of the time, it’s just a clogged filter. Unscrew the old one and remove all the gunk inside by hand or using a long-handled scrubber brush.
Rinse thoroughly before putting back together again.
The pump filter is located inside the dishwasher, against the rear wall. When you remove the filter, you’ll probably find that it’s clogged with food and debris.
To clean it, use a small brush or your hands to remove the food and debris. Once it’s clean, reinstall the filter.
If you find that the pump filter is clogged, it’s time to remove it and clean it in your sink or bathtub.
6. Clean the Sump in the tub
If your dishwasher still isn’t draining properly, it’s possible that the sump in the tub is dirty.
This is the part of the dishwasher where water and debris accumulate. To clean it, remove the bottom rack and use a brush or vacuum to clean it out.
It’s also a good idea to clean the dishwasher tub. This can be done by running a cycle with nothing but hot water and vinegar.
Be sure to rinse the dishwasher tub well after cleaning it with vinegar.
7. Machine Failure
As previously discussed, there can be a variety of reasons why your Samsung Dishwasher is not draining. And the most common of them can be a critical part failure.
Yes, you heard it right. A Samsung Dishwasher can have a part, or two malfunction, due to which it will stop working properly.
However, most of the machine failures do not represent the drainage of the dishwasher. Only 3-4 parts can cause issues in the drainage system.
The first one is failed drain Impeller, the second one is the drain pump motor, and the third one is the drain solenoid.
Further, modern dishwasher machines can have more parts that are responsible for this issue.
- Drain Impeller: The drain impeller is the component that pulls the water out of the drain pump. The impeller pulls out all the water from the drain pump into the sink drain or the disposable, and if it somehow fails to work, then you will have to replace it.
- Drain Pump Motor: The drain pump motor is powered by the motor, which leaves the pump to work without fail. If the motor fails to work without any continuity along with the multimeter testing, then you have to completely replace the drain pump motor.
- Drain Solenoid: It is a component in the Samsung Dishwasher that opens the drain valve so the water can come out. And if this component breaks, then it must be replaced.
If none of this works, it’s possible that you have dishwasher failure. This is when your dishwasher stops draining altogether.
The problem could be with the electrical system or the drain pump. If this happens to your dishwasher, contact a service technician for repairs.
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Conclusion
Hopefully, the tips that we shared in this article can help you get your dishwasher draining again. If not, we’d love to learn more about your experiences, as well as any additional tips that have worked for you and your drain-related problems.
You can try a number of things to attempt to get your dishwasher to drain. If it doesn’t work, go ahead and give a technician a call. Otherwise, you may be able to fix it yourself with one of the natural remedies above.
We hope that you won’t have to deal with drain issues for long. If you do, though, these quick fixes should help get things moving again in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Why is water standing in the Samsung Dishwasher?
Often times you may notice that water is standing in the tub of your dishwasher.
If a small amount of water remains in the dishwasher after a wash cycle, it’s usually not a cause for concern.
The amount of water remaining varies depending on how much dirty water is in the dishwasher water tank and how much clean (soiled) water was used during the wash cycle.
To reduce the amount of standing water, make sure dishes are placed on racks correctly and there are no items blocking the flow of water through the spray arms.
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Can you force water to drain from a Dishwasher?
Yes, you can! All dishwashers drain the same way. With the door closed and latched, find the air gap between the door and the dishwasher’s face frame. Be sure there is no food blocking any parts.
Stick a piece of plastic wrap in to plug the gap and hold it securely in place so that it does not fall into the dishwasher.
Leave for 10-15 minutes (at least), open the door, remove the plastic wrap, and run the cycle like normal.
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How to clean the pump of the Samsung Dishwasher?
Cleaning the pump is easy. Make sure your Samsung dishwasher is unplugged and cooled down.
Wait for the water in the pump to become cold and drain out into a tub or bucket, then remove the top rack from inside your dishwasher.
To remove the pump, pull it out of its casing, wipe it clean with a paper towel and use a mild detergent to clean the inside of the case.
Use an old toothbrush to clean any gunk out of its fan and wires, then give it a quick rinse.
Put everything back together, then slide it back into place and plug your Samsung dishwasher in.