Cause: The Garbage Disposal Is Blocked
If your dishwasher connects to the garbage disposal, it may be blocked, which can affect the dishwashers ability to drain. Alternatively, if the dishwasher has recently been connected to the garbage disposal, the drain plug may not have been removed. If you are not keen on disconnecting the drain hose, you can try pouring a non-toxic drain cleaner into the disposal.
Your Valve Has Worn Out
This may not be a big issue as valves are not too expensive, but more importantly, they last for a long time.
This issue usually happens with older dishwashers. This valve, also known as the check valve is located on the drain hose and it prevents the dirty water from coming back to the dishwasher. In a way, it helps channel the direction of water when its flowing.
Why would it malfunction? Its exposed to the tear and wear that comes with using the dishwasher for a long time. Its constant exposure to dirty water can also cause it to get stuck in a closed position which prevents the dishwasher from draining water, resulting in the weird error codes you get.
Editors notes: Not always will the valve need a replacement. If it wasnt subject to too much damage, removing and cleaning it will likely make the problem stay away. Now and then, something may get stuck in it, causing it the damage that will stop the draining process.
If you are handier around the dishwashers, youll be able to recognize if cleaning is enough. If not, putting it back in place after cleaning will help you see can it last some more. If the water drains properly now, the problem has been solved, if not, the check valve likely needs a replacement.
If youre concerned about not being able to replace the check valve on your own, hopefully, this video below will make you more confident.
A Clog In The Water Inlet Assembly
What it is is as follows: Draining your Samsung dishwasher will require you to run the water through the water inlet assembly on your way to the drain hose and out of the appliance.
The failure mode is as follows: Assuming youve eliminated all other possibilities, its likely that the water inlet assembly is the source of your dishwasher draining issues.
Please keep in mind that water passes through the water inlet assembly on its way to the drain hose and out of the appliance. As a result, naturally occurring blockages at the water inlet assembly, consisting of food bits or other particles, can occur.
The longer this obstruction is left unresolved, the more severe it will become until no water is able to pass through it anymore. Your Samsung dishwasher will begin flashing the appropriate error codes at that point.
How to correct: To correct this, youll need to remove the obstruction. Begin by removing the left-hand panel on your dishwasher, which is located above the water inlet assembly. Following that, youll notice a number of grey hoses attached to the assembly, which youll want to disconnect as well.
Using your fingers or a small brush, you should be able to clear any obstructions that have formed while the hoses were removed.
Also Check: Ge Dishwasher Gdf510 640 Series
What To Do If Drain Error Displays But There Is No Draining Issue
In some cases, even when the dishwasher drain is working fine, drain issue-related error codes such as 5C, SC, 5E, SE might be displayed. If this happens, your dishwasher can stop mid-cycle. Samsung dishwashers can display such errors without an active draining issue if you have a faulty drain sensor or a defective ECS sensor.
If the sensor has become dirty over time, you should clean it. If cleaning the sensor does not resolve the issue, then replacement might be necessary.
Cause: The Drain Hose Is Clogged

If the dishwasher is not draining, a clogged drain hose is often responsible. If you are lucky, you will be able to clear the blockage with vinegar and baking soda. Otherwise, the drain hose will need to be disconnected, which can involve disassembling the dishwasher. If you need to disassemble the dishwasher, you will want to check the drain pump, and possibly the check valve while you have access to it.
Read Also: Best Buy Free Installation Dishwasher
Samsung Dishwasher Buttons Not Working
If the buttons on your Samsung dishwasher are not working, the display may be defective or power supply issue.
If some of the buttons are working and others arent the keypad may also be the culprit of your troubles.
Additionally, there is also a chance the entire control board has suffered internal damage and needs replacement.
Possible Solution:
- First, ensure that your washing machine is receiving an uninterrupted power supply by ensuring that the power cable is properly plugged in and the socket works.
- Check that child lock is not enabled and there is no food impeding the buttons.
- Replace the faulty display, touchpad, or keypad.
Look For Kinks Or Bends In The Drain Hose
Sometimes the drain hose running from the Samsung dishwasher to the drainpipe becomes bent or kinked. Any water restriction from the dishwasher to the drain can cause problems. A restriction in the flow will trigger an error on the Samsung dishwasher.
Straighten any kinks or tight bends in the drain line from the Samsung dishwasher. If the drain hose is bent or kinked so sharply that it wont straighten, replace the drain hose.
Don’t Miss: Cap For Garbage Disposal Dishwasher Drain
If The Dishwasher Is Still Not Draining Call A Repair Technician
Samsung Dishwasher Not Draining: 5 Ways To Fix
Samsung isnt really a brand that most people need an introduction to. A majority of people have likely already heard of the brand by now because of just how popular it has become over the years.
What started as a small company with a handful of workers less than a century ago is now easily one of the biggest and most popular brands around, and this is with good reason. They provide a lot of different products, and this variety is filled with nothing but generally great options. This includes the variety for their dishwashers as well.
Some might not know this as Samsung is most popular for their smartphones and other devices of the sort, but the brand offers appliances like dishwashers as well. These dishwashers work like any other product of the kind, but they also come with a set of extra features or other bonuses which make them preferable options.
However not everything which can be said about them is full of praise, as there are certain problems that these dishwashers make users encounter every now and then. One of these problems is the Samsung dishwasher not draining, which can be fixed through the following solutions.
Read Also: Cascade Dishwasher Pods Not Dissolving
Samsung Dishwasher Not Draining Lc Code
Samsung has found a way to indicate what different appliances are experiencing by making them smart enough to give indicator codes when something goes wrong. When it comes to dishwashers, there are different codes that indicate different issues, which can be easily looked up in the owners manual to find a solution. If you have a Samsung dishwasher and the dishwasher is displaying an LC code when it is not draining, read on.
If your Samsung dishwasher is not draining and is displaying an LC code, this message is an indication that there is some type of leak present within the dishwasher. Once the leak has been located and repaired, this indicator will go off and you will be able to use your appliance once more.
What Is Causing The Water To Accumulate In The Bottom Of My Dishwasher
The presence of standing water at the bottom of the dishwasher indicates that it is not draining properly. This is frequently caused by a clogged filter or drain hose, or by impellers in the drain pump becoming jammed.
Additionally, a kinked or poorly installed drain hose, as well as a clogged garbage disposal/sink drain line, could be the source of the problem.
Don’t Miss: Where Do Dishwasher Pods Go
Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes
Opening the dishwasher to find dishes that are still dirty can be very frustrating. Unfortunately, with some Samsung dishwashers this is one of the more common complaints. The issue is usually caused by clogged spray arms or a dirty filter assembly.
Over time, food particles can get stuck in the small holes in the spray arms. This affects the water pressure coming out of the spray arms and their ability to clean sufficiently. Food particles can also get stuck in the filter assembly and affect the dishwashers cleaning ability. Depending on the model, you may be able to remove the filter by turning its top otherwise you will need to remove the screws securing the filter assembly.
To clean the filter assembly:
Samsung Dishwasher Is Not Draining

If your dishwasher isn’t draining, you will need to check the sink’s drain for clogs and blockage caused by food, debris and waste, and that the drain hose connection to the sink is straight, not pinched shut, kinked, bent or damaged. Depending on your local regulation, the hose may be connected to the sink with an air gap, or have a high loop to prevent backflow and ensure proper drainage.
Recommended Reading: Bosch Dishwasher Not Draining But No Blockage
Reason : Twisted Drain Hose
One of the most common causes for a Samsung dishwasher not draining is a drain hose that is pinched closed. This could occur right after installation if the dishwasher were sitting on top of the drain hose. In such a case, the dishwasher wont drain.
Other common causes related to improper drain hose installation resulting in a drainage issue include:
a drain hose that is not connected to an air gap
a drain hose does not have a high loop
In any of the scenarios mentioned above, water will not drain correctly from the Samsung dishwasher due to backflow.
Local regulations for drain hose installations can vary make sure you follow them accordingly. If the drain hose has been twisted to the point that it is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
There Was A Problem With The Drain Solenoid
The drain solenoid is used in some older Samsung dishwashers. Essentially, it controls the flow of water out of the appliance by opening and closing an electrical component.
In the event that the dishwasher gets stuck in a closed position, a faulty solenoid will prevent it from draining. The appliance displays the relevant error codes as a result of no water draining out.
The drain solenoid may need to be replaced in this case to fix the problem. Additionally, the solenoid is located near the drain pump and drain hose on the bottom of the dishwasher.
You May Like: Granite Grabbers Dishwasher Mounting Brackets
Make Sure The Sink Drains Properly
You can check that the sink is draining properly by running the water for 30 seconds. If water is backing up or draining slowly, a plumbing problem in the home, rather than the dishwasher, could be to blame.
Clean your Samsung dishwashing machines drain, filter, and sump.
To unclog a dishwasher that is not draining properly, thorough cleaning of the drain, filter, and sump may be required.
Cleaning a Samsung dishwashers filter, drain, and sump is simple if you follow these steps:
If the filter is removable, thoroughly rinse it under warm running water, brushing it with a soft brush to remove any stubborn particles that may have accumulated.
Pour the drain, then remove the filter to access the drain pump cover. Pushing the handle upwards allows you to pull up the drain pump cover and clear away any visible debris.
After cleaning the area around the drain, make sure the sump at the bottom of the drain is clean. If there are any visible obstructions inside the sump, use a straightened clothes hanger to remove them.
Its possible that a faulty part is causing your dishwashing machine to not drain.
If your Samsung dishwasher is still not draining after following these troubleshooting steps, a component may have failed.
The following component failures can cause Samsung dishwashers to drain improperly:
Drain Solenoid Failure: When the solenoid fails, the drain valve opens, allowing water to drain. It will need to be replaced if it breaks.
Using The Wrong Type Of Detergent
One possible cause of the Samsung dishwasher not draining is if you have been using a liquid detergent. Many machines are set up to use powder rather than liquid detergents.
Youve likely used liquid soap in a pinch if youre like most of us. While it does a fine job cleaning your dishes, the suds that it creates can prevent dishwater from draining properly after the cycle is completed.
The fix to this problem is fairly simple: refill the detergent compartment with the type of soap specified by your dishwasher manual. If you go for a liquid, take care not to overfill it.
Don’t Miss: Replace Drain Pump Bosch Dishwasher
How Do You Drain A Dishwasher That Wont Turn On
1. Remove the silver handle from the bottom of the machine. 2. Clean the drain pump using soap. 3. Rinse the drain pump thoroughly. 4. Replace the silver handle. 5. Plug the unit back into the wall outlet. 6. Turn the power switch on and let the unit run a full wash cycle without detergent. 7. Repeat steps 16 if necessary. 8. Check the drain hose for any clogs. 9. If needed, replace it. 10. Follow the instructions provided.
How Do You Force A Samsung Dishwasher To Drain
If your Samsung dishwasher is not draining properly, you may need to force it to drain. To do this, first make sure that the dishwasher is turned off and unplugged.
Next, locate the drainage hose. This is usually located at the back of the dishwasher. Once you have found the drainage hose, disconnect it from the dishwasher.
Now, take a garden hose and attach it to the drainage hose. Make sure that the other end of the garden hose is placed in a sink or drain. Turn on the water and let it run for several minutes. This will help to force any water out of the dishwasher and into the sink or drain.
Don’t Miss: Frigidaire Dishwasher Water Inlet Valve
Home Warranties And Dishwashers
Most home warranties will cover dishwasher repairs, and even replacements, depending on your specific plan. Providers like First American Home Warranty, Choice Home Warranty, and Select Home Warranty specifically provide coverage for dishwashers and other kitchen appliances like microwaves and garbage disposals. The repair or replacement process is as simple as contacting your provider and setting up an appointment with an approved contractor, who will come to your property to evaluate and fix the issue.
After the dishwasher repair technician inspects your dishwasher, theyll let you know if a simple repair or complete replacement is necessary. If your dishwasher needs to be replaced, your provider should cover the entire cost of the replacement, minus the trade service fee.
All home warranty plans are different, so be sure to understand the terms and conditions before installing a replacement dishwasher.
If you dont have a home warranty, read reviews on trusted, local service technicians and hire one to fix your dishwasher. Note that in this instance, youll have to front the out-of-pocket costs for a new dishwasher yourself. If you sign up for one of the best home warranty plans, you can save on future repairs. For example, the average dishwasher repair cost is $150. With our recommend provider CHW you would only pay a service fee of $75thats 50% savings.
House Method’s Pick
Enable Additional Drying Features

We recommend consulting your dishwasher manual to see if you have any of the following features. Turning them on will dramatically increase the effectiveness of your dishwasher.
Recommended Reading: Dishwasher Safe Custom Coffee Mugs