Samsung Dishwasher Not Draining

Common Symptoms

• Standing water remains at the bottom of the dishwasher after a cycle
• 5E or SE error code on the display (Samsung drain error)
• OC or 0C error code (Samsung overflow/flood protection)
• Dishwasher stops partway through a cycle
• Gurgling sounds when draining

Most Likely Causes

1. 1

   Clogged Filter Assembly (Most Common)

   Samsung dishwashers have a three-piece filter system: a coarse mesh filter, a fine cylindrical filter, and a flat plate beneath. All three trap food debris. When any one is clogged, the drain pump can't move water past the restriction. Samsung recommends cleaning this filter monthly.

2. 2

   Kinked or Blocked Drain Hose

   The drain hose runs from the dishwasher to the garbage disposal or sink drain. If it's kinked behind the unit, inserted too far into the standpipe, or clogged with grease buildup, water can't exit. The hose should make a high loop under the sink before connecting.

3. 3

   Failed Drain Pump

   If the filter is clean and the hose is clear but water still won't drain, the drain pump motor may have failed. You may hear a humming sound during the drain phase without any water movement — the motor is trying but can't turn.

4. 4

   OC Code — Flood Sensor Activated

   The OC code triggers when the flood sensor at the base of the dishwasher detects water beneath the tub. This can be caused by a damaged door gasket, a cracked spray arm, or a hose fitting leak. Check under the kick plate for water before running the machine again.

Quick DIY Checks

1. 1Remove the bottom rack. Lift out the coarse filter (triangular piece near the spray arm), then twist the cylindrical fine filter counter-clockwise and pull it out, then lift the flat plate below it. Rinse all three pieces under hot water, scrubbing with a soft brush.
2. 2After reinstalling all three filter pieces (flat plate first, then fine filter twisted clockwise to lock, then coarse filter), run a short rinse-only cycle to confirm the machine drains.
3. 3Check under the sink: trace the drain hose to where it connects to the garbage disposal or drain. Look for kinks. Confirm the hose makes a high loop up to near the cabinet top before connecting — this prevents backflow and draining issues.

1. 4If you have a garbage disposal, run it for 30 seconds to clear the inlet. If a new disposal was recently installed, check that the knockout plug on the dishwasher inlet has been removed.
2. 5For OC code: remove the kick plate at the bottom front of the dishwasher. Look for water pooled in the base. If present, a seal or hose inside has leaked — inspect the door gasket and all hose connections before restarting.

Repair vs Replace

Recommended Tools & Parts

• Samsung Dishwasher Drain Pump

  Replacement drain pump motor for Samsung dishwashers. Resolves 5E drain errors when the filter is clean. Match your Samsung model number.

  $30–$70

  Buy on Amazon →

• Dishwasher Drain Hose

  Universal or Samsung-specific replacement drain hose. Useful if yours is kinked, cracked, or improperly installed.

  $10–$20

  Buy on Amazon →

• Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets

  Monthly cleaning tablets dissolve grease and food buildup in the filter, drain, and spray arms. Prevents future clogging.

  $10–$15

  Buy on Amazon →

Links are Amazon affiliate links (tag: fixitfastai-20). Prices are estimates.

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