Quick answer
The most common reason a Samsung dishwasher won’t drain is a bottom filter clogged with food. Next come a kinked drain hose or blocked sink connection, then an object stuck in the drain pump or a failed pump. Clean the filter and check the hose first; if water remains, the pump needs checking.
Overview
After each wash and rinse stage, the dishwasher runs its drain pump to remove dirty water. If it doesn’t clear in time it stops with 5C (5E on some models) — or finishes the programme with water left behind.
Scraping large food scraps off plates and cleaning the filter regularly prevent most drain problems.
Likely causes
-
1
Clogged filter
Rice, bones, vegetable peel and grease collect in the filter and slow water reaching the drain pump.
Related parts: Dishwasher filter
-
2
Kinked or blocked drain hose
Pushing the dishwasher into place can bend the hose, and the connection to the sink trap can clog.
Related parts: Drain hose
-
3
Blocked sink drain
If the sink drains slowly or is blocked, the dishwasher can’t empty into it.
-
4
Object stuck in the drain pump
Broken glass, a small bone or a lid can jam the pump impeller, stopping it or causing rattling.
Related parts: Drain pump
-
5
Failed drain pump or control
The pump coil can fail, or the board may not send the run command.
Related parts: Drain pumpMain control board
Safe checks before calling a technician
Unplug the dishwasher before any check, and close its tap if there is a leak. Wear gloves when checking the sump in case of broken glass, and don’t open the side or bottom panels.
- Unplug the dishwasher and remove the lower rack.
- Bail out remaining water with a sponge or cup and bowl.
- Unscrew the filter from the floor (usually anticlockwise) and rinse it with a soft brush.
- Carefully check the pump opening under the filter for glass or small objects — wear gloves.
- Check the drain hose behind the dishwasher and under the sink, and that the sink drains well.
- Refit the filter firmly and run a short rinse programme.
Parts involved
Dishwasher filter
A filter assembly in the tub floor that catches food debris before it reaches the pumps; needs regular cleaning.
Drain pump
Pumps dirty water from the sump to the drain hose after each stage.
Drain hose
Carries water from the pump to the drain; its routing and height affect draining and leaks.
Main control board
Runs the programmes and drives pumps, valve and heater based on sensor readings.
When should you call a technician?
- The filter is clean, the hose is fine, and water won’t drain.
- You hear the pump hum without draining, or nothing at all.
- 5C repeats or appears with LC.
- There is broken glass you can’t remove safely.
Need a Samsung repair technician?
Send us the model, the error code and a description of the fault — or book a technician visit in Amman, Zarqa, Salt, Madaba or Sahab.
Related error codes
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean the dishwasher filter?
Weekly to fortnightly with daily use, or whenever you see debris or notice a smell.
Should I rinse dishes before loading?
No need to fully rinse, but scrape large scraps and bones into the bin to protect the filter and pump.
Does the sink-trap connection matter?
Yes — the hose must be routed at the right height with a proper connection to avoid water or odours coming back.