Last updated: 2026-10-30 · By Fix It or Replace editorial team

Samsung Washer Not Draining? nd / 5C / SC Fixes, Pump Filter and Drain Hose Checks — Costs and Repair vs Replace (2026)

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Quick answer

Hot water in the drum? If you just ran a hot cycle such as Sanitize or Pure Cycle, Samsung says to wait about one hour for the water to cool before you open the pump filter or move the drain hose.

Good news first: Samsung says incorrect drain hose installation is the most common reason for drain issues, and service is rarely required. Most fixes are free.

Samsung's no-drain checklist, in order:

  1. Make sure the washer is level. Samsung says a washer that isn't level may not drain correctly.
  2. Inspect the drain hose. It should go 6 to 8 inches into the standpipe or sink, be secured so it can't slip deeper, not form an airtight seal, not be kinked, and sit between 18 and 96 inches high (24 to 35 inches for a sink). No drain hose extension kit.
  3. Clean the pump filter (front-loaders only). Top-loaders don't have a removable pump filter.
  4. Start a cycle. Samsung says the washer should drain at the beginning of the test cycle. If it doesn't, request service.

Codes: Samsung groups nd, 5E, SE, 5C, SC, and 1 5C as a no drain error: water isn't draining at the correct speed, or at all.

If the checks don't fix it, the usual failed parts are the drain pump, a clogged internal pump hose, or, less often, the water-level (pressure) sensor or control board.

Repair or replace? A drain pump is one of the cheaper washer repairs, so repairing usually wins unless the washer is old and has other problems. See the calculator below.

Need a repair pro?
Our partner pro call line is coming soon. Until then: if your appliance may still be under warranty, contact the manufacturer first. Otherwise, get two or three written quotes from local appliance repair companies, and ask about the diagnostic fee and the parts-and-labor warranty.

Which Samsung washer do you have?

Find the model and serial number on the label, usually on the back of the washer, inside the door frame (front-load), or under the lid (top-load). The type decides whether you have a pump filter you can clean yourself.

TypeModel prefix (examples)Removable pump filter?Where water gets stuckNotes
Front-loadOften WF (e.g. WF45 family)Yes, behind a small panel at the bottom frontPump filter, pump, drain hoseMost no-drain fixes are DIY
Top-loadOften WA (e.g. WA47CG3500, WA50 families)No (Samsung)Drain hose, pump, internal hoseHose checks are DIY; pump access is harder
FlexWash / Bespoke AI combo / stackedVaries (check label)Check your manualVariesHarder access; consider a pro

Safety check before any DIY (30 seconds)

Stop and don't start the DIY steps below if any of these is true:

If none of these apply, the free checks below are safe for most owners.

Fix order at a glance (cheapest first)

OrderWhat to tryCostDIY tier
1Level the washer; check the drain hose depth (6–8 in), height, kinks, and airtight fitFreeEasy
2Clean the pump filter (front-load) and check the impeller for debrisFreeEasy
3Rule out over-sudsing: run an empty cycle with no detergentFreeEasy
4Reset: power off, power on, run a drain or Rinse + Spin cycleFreeEasy
5Replace a cracked pump filter cap or a damaged external drain hosePart onlyEasy
6Clear or replace the internal tub-to-pump hosePart onlyModerate
7Replace the drain pumpPart, or pro visitModerate
8Water-level (pressure) switch, lid/door lock, or control boardPro diagnosis firstAdvanced / pro

DIY tiers we use: Easy = no tools or basic tools, no panels off. Moderate = a panel comes off, power and water must be off. Advanced = wiring connectors or multiple parts; only if you've done it before. Pro only = gas, mains wiring, refrigerant, or anything under warranty.

Why a washer that won't drain also won't spin

Samsung explains that before the washer spins, it tries to drain. If it can't drain, it never moves to the spin step. That's why a drain problem often looks like a spin problem: soaking-wet clothes, water in the drum, and a cycle that stalls or ends with a code.

If your washer drains fine but still won't spin, that's a different problem (load balance, door lock, or motor). See our Samsung washer won't spin or drain guide.

Five-minute checks before you call anyone

Samsung's own steps for a washer that won't drain, plus what each one means:

  1. Turn off the washer and check that it's level. Rock it corner to corner. If it wobbles, adjust the legs (front-loads: loosen the locking nuts, turn legs clockwise to raise, counterclockwise to lower, then retighten).
  2. Don't remove the drain hose holder screw on the back of the washer. Samsung says that if it's been removed, put it and the holder back with any screw that fits; if the holder is missing, service is required.
  3. Check the drain hose depth. Samsung says it must go at least 6 inches and no more than 8 inches into the standpipe or sink, and be secured so it won't slip down farther.
  4. Make sure the hose isn't airtight in the standpipe. Samsung lists an airtight connection as a cause of drain problems.
  5. Look for kinks, bends, or damage along the whole drain hose, especially where it's pushed against the wall.
  6. Check the height. Samsung says the hose should be at least 18 inches high (24 inches for wash basins) and no higher than 96 inches (35 inches for wash basins).
  7. Don't use a drain hose extension kit. Samsung lists it on the checklist of things the hose should not have.
  8. Clean the pump filter (front-loaders; steps below).
  9. Turn the washer back on and start a cycle. Samsung says it should drain at the beginning of the test cycle. If it doesn't, request service.

Is it the house drain? If water backs up out of the standpipe or sink while the washer pumps, the washer is working and the house drain is clogged. That's a plumber's job.

How to clean the Samsung pump filter (front-load, 10–15 minutes)

Samsung says most front-load models have an accessible pump filter (also called a debris filter) at the bottom front, and recommends cleaning it at least once a month or every 40 washes, whichever is more frequent. A neglected filter "can clog and cause issues with draining and even leaks." A clogged filter is the classic cause of an nd / 5C code.

You'll need: towels and a container big enough for the water in the drum (a washer that won't drain can hold a lot; a shallow pan you can empty and replace works best).

  1. Unplug the washer. If you ran a hot cycle, wait about an hour for the water to cool.
  2. Open the pump filter panel by pressing on the cover.
  3. Drain the water first. Pull out the small rubber drain hose next to the filter, hold it over your container, and twist off its cap. Expect to empty the container several times. Samsung notes the cap seals airtight and can be tough to remove.
  4. Remove the pump filter by turning it counterclockwise once the water stops. On some models it works like a medicine-bottle cap: push in and twist.
  5. Clean it with a soft brush, and look inside the housing to make sure the drain pump impeller is clean. Coins, hair ties, bra underwires, and socks are common finds.
  6. Reinsert the filter and turn it clockwise until it's secure in the vertical position.
  7. Recap the small drain hose firmly and clip it back before closing the panel.
  8. Plug in and run a drain or Rinse + Spin cycle to test.

Water won't come out of the small hose either? The clog may be right at the filter. Keep towels down, and loosen the filter itself slowly over the container to let water out a little at a time. Don't remove it all at once with a full drum.

Top-load Samsung washer not draining

Samsung says top-loaders don't have a removable pump filter, so the DIY checks are:

If the washer still won't drain after the hose and leveling checks, Samsung says to request service.

Samsung washer drain codes: nd, 5C, 5E, SC, SE

Samsung's US error-code guide groups these together:

CodeSamsung's meaningWhat to do
nd, 5E, SE, 5C, SC, 1 5CNo drain error: water isn't draining at the correct speed, or at allWork through the drain checklist: leveling, drain hose (depth, height, no kinks, not airtight), pump filter on front-loaders, then a test cycle
OE, 0E, OC, 0C, 1 OC, 1 0COverflow error: too much water in the washerDifferent problem (filling, not draining); see Samsung's guide
LC or 4C after the drain hose holder screw was removedWasher draining on its own (siphoning)Reinstall the holder screw; if the holder is missing, service is required
1E, LE, 1C, LC, LC1Water level or leakage error: moisture where it shouldn't be, or a problem with the water-level sensorLook for a small leak, make sure the supply and drain hoses aren't kinked, then run an empty cycle with no detergent. If suds appear, keep running empty cycles until they stop. No suds and the code stays → request service
SUd, Sd, 5d, SUdSExcess suds: the washer pauses so the foam can settle, then carries on by itselfNot a fault. Use less detergent, and only HE detergent. Heavy suds slow draining
4C, nF, 4E (holder screw untouched)Not filling: water isn't entering correctlyA fill problem, not a drain problem, but Samsung's checklist for it also includes the 6–8 inch drain hose depth and the holder screw

Which part each drain-related code points at, and how hard the fix is:

Code groupPart most often involvedFirst fix (free)If it comes backDIY tier
nd / 5C / SCDrain path, then drain pumpHose, filter, leveling checksReplace the drain pumpEasy → Moderate
1C / LEWater-level sensor, or a leakLeak, hose, and suds checksService: test the sensorEasy → Advanced
SUd / SdDetergent (no part)Empty rinse cycles, less detergent—Easy
OE / OCWater-level sensor or fill valveDrain the extra water and restartServiceModerate
dS / dE / LO / dCDoor or lid lockClear the door, close it firmlyReplace the door/lid lockEasy → Advanced

Code meanings from Samsung's US error-code guide (source 2), cross-checked 2026-10-30 against the open ApplianceDB sample, which maps each code to a component, a ranked fix, and a DIY difficulty (source 10). Codes vary by model; your user manual has the final list.

Reset after a fix: after you clean the filter or fix the hose, turn the washer off and on and start a short cycle. If the code returns right away with a clean filter and a correct hose, the pump or its wiring is the likely problem.

Diagnose by symptom → likely part

Before you touch parts: Unplug the washer and turn off both water taps. Drain the water through the pump filter hose first. Keep water away from the power cord and outlet.

1. Code returns with a clean filter and a correct hose; pump hums or is silent

Likely causes: a failed drain pump (the motor hums but doesn't move water, or makes no sound), a jammed impeller, or a loose wire at the pump.

Signs: you hear a hum near the bottom front during drain but no water moves; the filter was clean; the code comes back every time.

PartWhat it doesDIY difficulty
Drain pump (or pump motor)Pumps water out of the tubModerate
Pump filter (cap)Catches debris; seals the pump housingEasy

2. Pump runs, but water drains slowly or not at all

Likely causes: a clog in the internal hose between the tub and the pump (common with socks and small items), a clogged or crushed drain hose, or a partially blocked house drain.

Signs: you hear the pump running normally; water level drops only a little; the external hose is kinked behind the washer, or the standpipe backs up.

PartWhat it doesDIY difficulty
External drain hoseCarries water to the standpipe or sinkEasy
Internal tub-to-pump hoseConnects the tub to the pumpModerate

3. Washer stops mid-cycle with water and no clear drain code

Likely causes: a water-level (pressure) sensor that misreads the water level, a door lock / lid lock problem that stops the cycle, or a control board fault.

Samsung's door-error group (dS, d5, FL, LO, dE, dC and others) means the door isn't detected as closed and locked. Samsung also notes that on some models, if Child Lock is on and there's water in the tub, a door code can appear, and the washer will drain if the door isn't closed or Child Lock turned off within 30 seconds.

PartWhat it doesDIY difficulty
Water-level (pressure) switchTells the control how much water is in the tubModerate
Door lock / lid lockLocks the door before the washer runsModerate
Main control boardRuns the pump and the cycleModerate; diagnose first

Not sure if it's the pump, the hose, or the board? A technician can test the pump and sensor in a few minutes and save you from ordering the wrong part.
Partner pro call line coming soon. See “who services” below for your options.
Independent partner service, not Samsung. We may be paid when you call.

Prevent the next clog

What Samsung's warranty covers on a washer

Per Samsung's US home-appliance warranty page:

PeriodWhat's coveredWho pays labor
Year 1Parts and labor (standard manufacturer's warranty)Samsung
Up to 10 yearsDigital Inverter Motor (limited to washers bought on or after 4/1/2026, receipt required)Check your terms
Limited-timeFree 2-year extended warranty on eligible appliances bought July 9 to December 31, 2026 at participating retailers; claim form required, redeemed through SmartThingsCheck your terms

What this means for a drain problem: drain pumps, hoses, sensors, and control boards are covered only under the standard (or promotional extended) warranty. The motor isn't a drain part. Samsung's warranty FAQ says it doesn't cover damage from improper installation, and routine maintenance such as cleaning a filter isn't a warranty repair. A drain hose pushed too deep, or a clogged pump filter, usually isn't a defect. Keep your proof of purchase.

→ Samsung US: home-appliance warranty · Request service

What it costs: repair parts and pro service (2026)

How we price this table: DIY part prices are OEM Samsung part numbers listed on Sears PartsDirect public search pages (S-list under Sources), USD before tax and shipping; ranges span several part numbers because the right part depends on your model number. Pro costs tagged [GUIDE] come from two US cost guides (Fixr = G1, HomeGuide = G2): national averages for washers in general, not Samsung-specific quotes. "Varies — get a quote" means neither guide itemizes that repair, so we don't show a number.

RepairPart cost (DIY)Typical pro cost (parts + labor)Notes
Fix drain hose, level washer, clean pump filter$0—Do these first
Pump filter (cap)$25.40–$36.68 (Samsung DC97-14278A to DC61-02017E) [S2]Varies — get a quote (not itemized in G1/G2)If cracked or won't seal
Pump filter drain hose / access coverHose DC67-00244K $11.87; covers $19.01–$70.19 [S2]—Cosmetic and small parts
External drain hose$13.28–$119.46 (Samsung DC97-07128D to DC97-18682D) [S3][GUIDE] drain hose $95–$170 (G1); $100–$200 (G2)
Internal pump hose$45.29–$143.99 (Samsung DC97-12985B, DC97-12985D, DC97-15532B) [S3]Varies — get a quote (not itemized in G1/G2)Clogs with socks
Drain pump$58.53–$240.19 (Samsung DC31-00054D to DC97-15974C) [S1][GUIDE] pump $300–$400 (G1); $150–$350, part alone $20–$100 (G2)Most common real part failure
Water-level (pressure) switch$69.17 (Samsung DC96-01703Q) [S4][GUIDE] pressure switch $100–$225 (G1); $100–$250 (G2)
Lid lock (top-load)$141.42–$188.24 (Samsung DC34-00025E, DC34-00025G) [S5][GUIDE] lid switch $85–$160, door lock $110–$200 (G1); door lock or lid switch $100–$300 (G2)
Main control board$248.69–$480.13 (Samsung DC92-02003A to DC92-02862B) [S6][GUIDE] motherboard $250–$400 (G1); control board $350–$550 (G2)Diagnose first
Plumber: clogged standpipe or house drain—[GUIDE] plumber $45–$150 per hour (G2)If the standpipe backs up
Service call / diagnostic fee—[GUIDE] $50–$100 diagnosis (G1); $70–$130 minimum service fee (G2)G2: an extra hour of labor typically applies when a washer is full of undrained water
New comparable Samsung washer—[GUIDE] $650–$2,100 replacement incl. labor (G1); $700–$1,300 new unit (G2); all brandsTop-load generally cheaper than front-load

Part prices checked 2026-10-30 on Sears PartsDirect public search pages (S1–S6). Pro-cost cells tagged [GUIDE] from G1 (Fixr) and G2 (HomeGuide), re-read 2026-10-30; [GUIDE] figures are national averages, not Samsung-specific quotes. Fixr lists an average Samsung washer repair of $225–$325. Prices change; confirm with your model number.

Tip: drain the washer yourself through the pump filter hose before the technician arrives. HomeGuide notes an extra hour of labor typically applies for washers full of undrained water.

Repair vs. replace calculator

1. What's the repair quote? → R (subtract anything Samsung's warranty covers)
2. What does a comparable new washer cost, installed? → N
3. How old is your washer, and how long should it last? → Age and Life (use about 10–11 years, the middle of HomeGuide's 8–13-year average for washers, if you don't know)

Step A — Cost ratio: R ÷ N
Step B — Life used: Age ÷ Life

Life used under 50%Life used over 50%
Repair under 50% of new✅ Repair🤔 Repair is usually fine. Check for other wear
Repair over 50% of new🤔 Get a second quote first❌ Replace

Worked example 1 (illustrative numbers): A 2-year-old Samsung front-load shows 5C. The pump filter held a sock and two coins. R = $0.
→ Not a repair.

Worked example 2 (illustrative numbers): A 7-year-old Samsung front-load hums but won't drain with a clean filter. A tech replaces the drain pump: R = $300; N = $950.
300 ÷ 950 = 32%; life used 7 ÷ 11 = 64% → Repair (cost ratio well under 50%).

Worked example 3 (illustrative numbers): An 11-year-old Samsung top-load won't drain, and the tech finds a failed control board and worn bearings. R = $700; N = $800.
700 ÷ 800 = 88%; life used 11 ÷ 11 = 100% → Replace.

Tips toward replacing: a control board plus another major repair, a washer past about 10 years, or bearing noise and rust on top of the drain problem.
Tips toward repairing: it's a filter, hose, or pump; the washer is in its first year (or the promotional extended period); or it's part of a matched stacked set.

Why 50%? It's the common rule of thumb, and the one we use. Some technician checklists draw the line a little higher, at about 60% of a new washer's price, so treat a repair that costs 50–60% of new as a second-quote zone, not an automatic replace. The older the washer, the lower the line should go: once it has used more than half its expected life, the same repair buys fewer years.

Who services Samsung washers near you

1. Samsung (warranty or official service). In year 1 (or an eligible extended period), start with Samsung.
→ Samsung US Support: request a repair

2. A partner appliance pro (out of warranty, or the pump has failed).
Our call line connects you with an independent appliance repair provider in your area. Tell them the code (nd, 5C, SC…), whether you cleaned the filter, and whether the pump hums; it speeds up the diagnosis.

Need a repair pro?
Our partner pro call line is coming soon. Until then: if your appliance may still be under warranty, contact the manufacturer first. Otherwise, get two or three written quotes from local appliance repair companies, and ask about the diagnostic fee and the parts-and-labor warranty.

3. A plumber. If the standpipe or sink backs up while the washer pumps, the house drain is clogged.

4. DIY with the right part. Pump filters, drain hoses, and many front-load drain pumps are DIY-friendly. Order by your exact model number.

Questions to ask any technician:

Optional: is an appliance warranty worth it?

A home warranty (service contract) can cover repairs for a yearly fee plus a per-visit service fee. Read the exclusions carefully: many plans exclude clogs caused by foreign objects, plumbing problems, and installation errors. A washer that's already broken is usually not covered.

FAQ

Why is my Samsung washer not draining?
Samsung says incorrect drain hose installation is the most common reason, and service is rarely required. Check that the washer is level, the drain hose goes 6 to 8 inches into the standpipe without an airtight seal or kinks, and the hose sits 18 to 96 inches high. On front-loaders, clean the pump filter.

What does 5C or nd mean on a Samsung washer?
Samsung groups nd, 5E, SE, 5C, SC, and 1 5C as a no drain error: water isn't draining at the correct speed, or at all.

How do I drain a Samsung washer that's full of water?
On front-loaders, unplug the washer, open the pump filter panel, pull out the small drain hose, and drain the water into a container before removing the filter. If you ran a hot cycle, Samsung says to wait about an hour first.

Does a Samsung top-load washer have a pump filter?
Samsung says top-loaders don't have a removable pump filter. Check the drain hose and leveling; if it still won't drain, request service.

How often should I clean my Samsung washer's pump filter?
Samsung recommends at least once a month or every 40 washes, whichever is more frequent.

Why does my Samsung washer not spin after it fails to drain?
Samsung says the washer tries to drain before it spins. If it can't drain, it never moves on to the spin step.

How much does it cost to replace a Samsung washer drain pump?
OEM Samsung drain pumps were listed at about $59 to $240 on Sears PartsDirect when we checked on 2026-10-30, depending on model. Cost guides put a pro pump replacement at $150 to $400 for washers in general.

Is it worth fixing a Samsung washer that won't drain?
Usually yes. Filters, hoses, and pumps are among the cheaper washer repairs. A control board on an old washer with other problems may not be. Use the calculator above.

About the author

Fix It or Replace editorial team — We research appliance repairs using manufacturer documentation, parts-supplier data, and current US cost guides, and we cite every source below. We are not appliance technicians; for anything involving wiring you're unsure about, call a qualified pro.
Last updated: 2026-10-30.

Sources

  1. Samsung US Support: "Samsung washing machine will not drain" (hot-water caution, wait about one hour; level; drain hose holder screw; incorrect drain hose installation most common, service rarely required; drain hose 6–8 in, secured, not airtight, not kinked, 18–96 in / wash basin 24–35 in, no extension kit; pump filter front-load only, top loaders have no removable pump filter; test cycle; request service). https://www.samsung.com/us/support/troubleshoot/TSG10007110/ (accessed 2026-10-30)
  2. Samsung US Support: "Samsung washing machine information and error codes" (nd, 5E, SE, 5C, SC, 1 5C no drain error; OE / 0E / OC overflow; door error group and Child Lock 30-second note; LC / 4C drain hose holder note). https://www.samsung.com/us/support/troubleshoot/TSG10000997/ (accessed 2026-10-30)
  3. Samsung US Support: "Samsung washing machine does not spin at all" (washer tries to drain before it spins; pump filter about once a month or 40 washes; filter removal steps, medicine-bottle style, impeller). https://www.samsung.com/us/support/troubleshoot/TSG10003486/ (accessed 2026-10-30)
  4. Samsung US Support: "Samsung washing machine is leaking" (pump filter monthly or every 40 washes, whichever is more frequent; neglected filter can cause draining issues and leaks; filter steps; leveling steps). https://www.samsung.com/us/support/troubleshoot/TSG10001007/ (accessed 2026-10-30)
  5. Samsung US: Home appliance warranty (1-year parts and labor; 10-year Digital Inverter Motor for washers bought 4/1/26 or later; 2-year extended offer July 9 to December 31, 2026; exclusions incl. improper installation and routine maintenance). https://www.samsung.com/us/home-appliances/warranty/ (accessed 2026-10-30)
  6. Samsung US: request service. https://www.samsung.com/us/support/service/
  7. Federal Trade Commission: endorsement and affiliate disclosure guidance. https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/ftcs-endorsement-guides-what-people-are-asking
  8. Part prices: Sears PartsDirect public search pages, see S-list below (accessed 2026-10-30).
  9. Repair cost guides: Fixr (G1) and HomeGuide (G2), see list below (accessed 2026-10-30).
  10. ApplianceDB free developer sample (Samsung US washer codes with component, ranked fix, and DIY difficulty; used to cross-check source 2). Data under the Open Database License (ODbL) v1.0. https://github.com/ApplianceDB/ApplianceDB-public (accessed 2026-10-30)
  11. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: "Samsung Recalls Top-Load Washing Machines Due to Fire Hazard; Software Repair Available" (December 22, 2022; about 663,500 units; series WA49B, WA50B, WA51A, WA52A, WA54A, WA55A; free software repair). https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Samsung-Recalls-Top-Load-Washing-Machines-Due-to-Fire-Hazard-Software-Repair-Available (accessed 2026-10-30)

Part price sources (Sears PartsDirect public search results, USD, accessed 2026-10-30; prices change, confirm with your model number):

Pro-cost guide sources [GUIDE] (US national averages, parts + labor, not brand-specific quotes; the guide pages carry 2023–2025 dates, so local quotes may differ):

Disclosure

Fix It or Replace is an independent site. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Samsung. "Samsung" is a trademark of its owner and is used here only to describe the products we cover.

We don't publish fake reviews or testimonials, and we never present a tracking phone number as a specific local business.