Samsung Dishwasher Won’t Drain – What To Do?

A malfunctioning dishwasher can be a huge inconvenience, especially if you have a large household. But what are the reasons why a Samsung dishwasher won't drain? And what do you do to resolve this issue? We've looked into the most common reasons why this issue may occur with Samsung dishwashers. In this post, we will discuss them with you.

Here are potential problems that may cause your Samsung dishwasher from draining:

  • Clogged or faulty garbage disposal
  • Clogged drain valve
  • Malfunctioning drain pump
  • Bad Pump and motor assembly
  • A stuck check ball
  • Clogged drain hose
  • Faulty water pump belt

Sometimes it's better to troubleshoot your dishwasher issues before calling an experienced technician. Not only can this save you money, but it can help you get your dishwasher back up and running immediately--granted, the issue is simple. Continue reading to learn more about the most common reasons why a Samsung dishwasher won't drain and how to resolve them possibly.

open dishwasher with wooden accent. Samsung Dishwasher Won't Drain - What To Do

Reasons Why Your Samsung Dishwasher Won't Drain

Clogged or Faulty Garbage Disposer

Sometimes a newly installed garbage disposer can cause issues with a dishwasher. Trying checking your garbage disposal to see if the drain plug has been removed or if it's clogged. If it is clogged, you'll need to take the drain hose out of the disposer and clean it along with the fitting. If it's been removed, it will need to be set back into place. This is one of the most common reasons why dishwashers won't drain, so be sure to check this first.

Clogged Drain Valve

Weeks of continued use can cause a drain valve to become clogged with debris from food particles. It's best to clean out the drain valve at least once a week to prevent it from causing a malfunction. If you notice that the drain valve is too clogged to actuate, it's best to replace it. You can purchase this part for under $20 at your nearest hardware store or order it from the manufacturer. Unfortunately, these parts aren't repairable, and if one is defective, it'll need to be replaced.

Malfunctioning Drain Pump

The drain pump is responsible for pushing water inside the drain hose and into the dishwasher. If the motor on the pump malfunctions, the dishwasher won't drain. To determine whether or not the pump is defective, access the motor and test it with a multimeter. If the motor no longer has continuity or won't power on, it will need to be replaced.

Replacing a drain tank can be a simple task, depending on the Samsung dishwasher model. However, if you are unfamiliar with appliance repair, it may be best to call an experienced technician.

Bad Pump and Motor Assembly

The pump and motor assembly could also be the issue why your Samsung dishwasher won't drain. If you noticed that the motor still runs during the drain cycle, this might be a blockage and not the assembly. However, if the motor isn't running while the dishwasher is draining, it could be that the pump and motor assembly are worn out and will need to be replaced. If this is the case, you may notice that the motor emits a loud humming sound.

A Stuck Check Ball

It's also a good idea to inspect the check ball of your dishwasher. This is a small plastic ball located within the check ball that keeps water from flowing back into the dishwasher after it has been drained. Sometimes the ball can get stuck, which will prevent water from passing through the check valve. If you inspect the ball and find that it is stuck, use your hand to free it. This is a pretty simple fix.

Clogged Drain Hose

If the drain hose is clogged, the water will not leave the dishwasher after the rinse cycle. You can quickly unclog the drain hose yourself by removing it from the dishwasher and rinsing it out with warm water. If you notice an obstruction in the hose, you can straighten out a wire hanger and insert it inside the hose to free the obstruction. You can also use a plumbing snake.

Faulty Water Pump Belt

A faulty water pump belt could also be the issue causing your Samsung washer to hold standing water. Some models may not have this part. However, if your dishwasher does, it will likely be located in the lower panel of the appliance on the bottom of the motor. Check to see if the belt on the pump is worn or broken. If it is, you'll need to replace it. You can replace this part yourself within about 15 to 20 minutes.

How Do You Get Rid Of Standing Water In A Dishwasher?

The most common reason why water won't drain from a dishwasher is a clogged drainage system. The quickest way to unclog the system is to remove any large objects that may be blocking the sump pump area or the back of the dishwasher tub, you also need to clean the dishwasher drain line and removing debris from the filters.

If there is a clog in the drain hose, it's best to remove the hose and clear out any obstructions so that you can drain the dishwasher completely. You can also run the garbage disposal if the drain is connected to the dishwasher. Remove the drain hose first and clear any blockages using a flat head screwdriver.

Is There A Reset Button On A Samsung Dishwasher?

Open dishwasher with clean utensils in it

Yes and no. Some Samsung dishwashers come with a reset button that can clear out any error codes in the dishwasher's memory. To reset your dishwasher, press the button and wait for about two minutes for the unit to reset itself.

If you don't have a reset button, however, you can do a manual reset. Resetting a Samsung dishwasher is easy to do. You'll just need to unplug the unit and then wait for about five minutes for the electrical charge to clear. Once the charge clears, plug the unit back in. And that's it. You've just reset your dishwasher.

Sometimes you may notice that some error codes will stay on the screen even after the reset. If so, take a look at your user's guide to see how to troubleshoot the code, and if needed, contact an appliance technician for assistance.

What Can You Use To Unblock A Dishwasher?

If your dishwasher is clogged, here are three quick things that you can do to unblock it:

Clean out the garbage disposal

Many dishwashers drain through the garbage disposal in the sink. If this is the case with your dishwasher, you can simply run the disposal to quickly loosen up any clogs that may be preventing the dishwasher from draining properly.

Clean out the air gap

Many kitchens have an air gap installed on top of the sink next to the faucet. The purpose of this air gap is to prevent water from backing up from the sink into the dishwasher. Over time, it can get clogged with debris and build-up and cause your dishwasher to be backed up. One of the easiest ways to clean the clogged is to remove the cap and dig out any debris lingering inside.

Use a drain de-clogger

You can also use a de-clogger to unblock a clogged dishwasher quickly. If you don't have a commercial de-clogger on hand, you can make a homemade solution from hot water and a 2:1 solution of vinegar and baking soda. First, mix the baking soda and vinegar in a bowl or container and then pour it into the basket down at the bottom of the dishwasher. Let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. Next, take a pot of boiling water and pour it into the basket to clear the drain.

Find baking soda on Amazon. 

Wrapping Things Up

Samsung dishwashers are some of the best dishwashers on the market. But this doesn't mean that they can't run into issues from time to time. The best way to prevent your dishwasher from experiencing drainage issues is to clean your filters regularly and clean off your dishes well to prevent debris from clogging the drainage system.

Before you go, be sure to check out our other posts:

What’s The Typical Dishwasher Height? (Inc. ADA Dishwashers)

How To Reset A Kenmore Dishwasher [Elite, Ultra Wash, Quiet Guard Standard]?

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