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Is your Samsung washing machine not draining, and you don’t know why?
That sucks! But you’re likely not yet in a position where you’re out of options. In fact, far from it. Over the years, I’ve worked with many washing machines from several manufacturers, including Samsung.
Today, I want to share my experience with you.
There are several reasons why your Samsung washer is not draining. Some of the most common reasons include a malfunction with the drain pump, a clogged hose at the back, a problem with the door lock motor, or an issue with the lid switch assembly.
Ready? Let’s dive in!
Why trust us? This article was written by Craig Anderson and James Blackford.
Craig has helped thousands of other homeowners repair their appliances since 2016.
James is one of our resident appliance experts, with over 16 years of experience. He currently works as a Master Technician for SquareTrade, and runs his own appliance repair business.
6 Steps To Follow: Fix Your Samsung Washing Machine
Fixing a Samsung washing machine that is not draining can be simple or quite complex, depending on the situation. While there’s no cookie-cutter solution to the issue, there are some common culprits and troubleshooting methods that prove effective. Here are some of them:
Step 1: Investigate the Drain Filter
One of the most common causes of a washer not draining is that there’s something in the filter. The filter or “coin trap” is responsible for trapping foreign objects that might otherwise end up in the drain. You need to clean the coin trap periodically if you have one.
You can find several objects in the coin trap, such as coins, small toys, and even small articles of clothing that have degraded over time. If the filter is clogged, the washing machine will not drain.
D0n’t worry – this filter is super easy to access.
You just need to remove the kick plate from the front-bottom of your washer. You should see a turning mechanism like in the image above. Get a container and a towel ready to catch any water, and then unscrew the filter cap.
Remove any foreign objects that are caught there, and if needed give it a scrub clean with an old toothbrush.
This is the most likely cause of a washer that won’t drain – so hopefully it fixes it for you!
You may even want to use a powerful cleaning solution to remove any grime on the edge of the coin trap. If you need help finding, accessing, or cleaning the coin trap, please get in touch with a professional who can help you.
These next steps are all a little more involved. If you’re not keen on pulling out the washer and inspecting the different parts, now might be a good time to call a local pro.
Step 2: Take a Closer Look at the Drain Pump
The first reason why your Samsung washing machine might not be draining is a bad drain pump. Depending on the exact type of washing machine you have, the location of the drain pump can vary. You should take a look at the manual to figure out where the drain pump is located.
There are several reasons why the drain pump might be clogged or failing. Most commonly, normal wear and tear will get your drain pump before anything else. Since the pump works throughout your washer’s cycles, the continuous running time can result in the pump failing over time.
A good way to tell whether your drain pump is failing is by listening closely to your washer as it runs. If the pump needs replacement, you’ll hear a humming sound, which, in my experience, means the pump is getting electricity, but can’t keep up and do its job.
Solution: To check your Samsung washing machine’s drain pump, please follow these steps:
For front load washers:
- Carefully pull the washer out a couple of feet. Then, lift the front and rest the washer against the wall behind it so it sits diagonally.
- Ensure the washing machine is stable and check under it.
- Locate the drain pump and carefully undo any screws holding it in place.
- Disconnect the drain pump (ensure you have something to dry the water that will come out).
- Replace the drain pump.
From what I’ve seen, most drain pump replacements will set you back anywhere between $20-$80, so it’s not too bad.
If you want to get any replacement part – or see how much one would cost – click to enter your model number in the search bar below. Our partners at AppliancePartsPros stock almost every part with free guides on how to install them.
Step 3: A Hose Is Clogged
A clogged hose could also explain why your Samsung washer is not draining. Among the most common causes of clogging are pieces of clothing and small toys. You must check all clothing items’ pockets thoroughly to ensure they do not get stuck in the drain system.
Similar to the drain pump, you should be able to remove the washing machine’s hoses as well. You may need to use a snake device, plunging it through the hose to remove any obstructions. Once you are confident you have removed everything, you should reattach the hose and see if you can get it to work again.
If not, my advice is to replace the hose. Luckily, washing machine hoses are not too expensive.
Step 4: The Door Lock Motor Is Bad
Another possible reason why your Samsung washing machine is not draining is that it believes the door is not working appropriately. Your Samsung washing machine will not start operating until it is confident the door has been completely closed.
If the Samsung washing machine believes it’s still open, it will not work, which means it will not drain.
There are two possible reasons why your Samsung washing machine may believe the door is still open. The first has to do with the door lock motor. The door lock motor can fail either electrically or mechanically.
Take a closer look at the door lock. Look for any signs of damage. You may see areas where the motor has been stripped or even look rusted over.
You may even need access to a multimeter to test the door lock motor itself. Check and see if there is continuity going through the door lock. Continuity is a sign that the door lock is ok.
If you do not detect continuity on the door lock motor, it needs to be replaced.
Step 5: Check the Lid Switch Assembly
A faulty lid switch assembly could also explain why your Samsung washing machine is not draining. The lid switch assembly is responsible for preventing the washer from spinning when the lid is open. When you close the lid, the lid switch assembly gives the washer permission to spin and drain.
If the lid switch assembly is defective, the washing machine may believe the lid is still open, so it will not drain.
You need to look at the lid switch assembly and see if it is operating appropriately. To check the lid switch, you need access to a multimeter. If the lid switch lacks continuity, it will not work properly, which, in my opinion, is reason enough to look for a replacement switch.
Step 6: Check the Water Pump Belt
Most new washing machines don’t have a water pump belt; however, you may still have one if you use an older model. Look at the manual and see if you have a water pump belt. If so, the component could be why your Samsung washing machine is not draining appropriately.
If the washing machine water belt pump is worn out or broken, the washer won’t work properly. You may need to replace the water pump belt if it shows signs of excessive wear and tear. Your manual should tell you exactly what type of water pump belt you need.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why your Samsung washing machine is not draining. You need to take a closer look at the drain pump, and you need to make sure there is not a clog present in the washing machine itself. You‘ll also want to look at the door motor and the lid switch assembly.
If you have to replace a part of your Samsung washing machine, you‘ll want to contact a professional who can help you figure out how expensive the replacement will be, how much you should pay for a new washer, and which option is best.
Thanks for sticking with me all the way to the end. If this article proved useful, please check out our other incredible resources below and consider subscribing to our newsletter.
Have a great day!
-Craig.
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