Samsung Washing machine Slow Draining

Wiki Article

A Samsung washing machine that drains slowly or fails to drain completely is a common issue, typically indicated by an **"5E" (or "5C") error code** on the display . This usually means the machine is taking longer than expected to pump out water. Before calling a technician, you can resolve most drainage issues by cleaning the filter, checking the drain hose, or inspecting the pump. 

### Safety First

Before performing any maintenance on your washing machine, you must **turn off the power and unplug the unit** from the wall socket to avoid electric shock .

### 1. Clean the Drain Pump Filter (The Most Common Fix)

The most frequent cause of slow draining is a clogged **debris filter** (also known as a pump filter or lint filter). This filter traps coins, lint, hairpins, buttons, and tissue paper to prevent them from jamming the pump . If this filter is full, water drains very slowly or not at all. Samsung recommends cleaning this filter 5-6 times a year .

**How to clean the filter:**

- **Open the cover:** Locate the small access door at the bottom front of the washer. Depending on your model, you either press the top corners to release it, push down a latch, or use a coin in the slot to pry it open .

- **Drain residual water:** You will see an **emergency drain tube**. Pull this tube out, position it over a shallow dish or bucket, and remove the plug cap. Let all the water drain out. *Note: There may be a significant amount of water (up to several gallons), so ensure your container is large enough* .

- **Remove the filter:** After the water stops, twist the large **drain pump filter** knob counter-clockwise (left) and pull it out .

- **Clean the filter:** Remove all lint, hair, and debris from the filter. Rinse it under warm water. Use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to scrub it clean .

- **Inspect the pump housing:** Look inside the hole where the filter was. Use a flashlight to check if anything is stuck in the drain pump propeller. Remove any debris carefully .

- **Reassemble:** Reinsert the filter and turn it clockwise until it locks into place. Reinsert the emergency drain tube cap and push the tube back in. Close the access panel.

### 2. Inspect the Drain Hose

If the filter is clean but the water still drains slowly, the issue may be a kink or blockage in the drain hose.

- **Check for kinks:** Pull the machine away from the wall and inspect the hose running from the back of the washer to your house drain pipe (standpipe or laundry tub). If the hose is bent or crushed, straighten it out to allow water to flow freely .

- **Check for blockages:** Disconnect the drain hose from the back of the machine (have a towel ready for spills). Check for built-up sludge or a foreign object stuck inside. You can use a long, flexible brush or a straightened wire coat hanger to gently push out the blockage .

- **Verify the "Siphon" effect:** If the end of the drain hose is pushed too far down into the standpipe, it can create a siphon, causing the machine to continuously try to fill while water drains out slowly. Ensure the hose is inserted only **6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm)** into the pipe. The standpipe height should ideally be between **24 to 35 inches (60-90 cm)** high .

### 3. Check the Drain Motor and Electrical Components

If the physical cleaning does not solve the problem, the issue might be mechanical or electrical.

- **Listen for the pump:** Start a rinse/spin cycle and listen to the bottom of the machine. Do you hear a humming or buzzing sound? A quiet machine suggests the pump is not receiving power. A loud humming sound without water movement usually indicates the pump is jammed with an object you cannot see (like a sock or a toothbrush) or that the pump motor has failed.

- **The Pressure Switch:** If the machine drains slowly or runs constantly, the **pressure switch** (which tells the computer how much water is in the tub) might be faulty or the hose connected to it might be clogged or disconnected . If the machine thinks there is still water inside, it will keep the drain pump running slowly. *Note: This usually requires a technician to replace the sensor.*

- **Water Inlet Issues:** Sometimes the machine *seems* to drain slowly because it is filling up with water at the same time. Check the water supply hoses at the back of the machine. Turn off the water, disconnect the hoses, and look for small **mesh screens**. If these are clogged with sediment, water enters too slowly, and the drain pump empties the tub faster than it fills, causing a "slow drain" perception .

### 4. The "Coin" or Object Trap

It is very common for small, heavy objects to get stuck in the drain pump housing. In one user's experience, a simple **50-cent coin** was the cause of the entire drainage failure . If you have cleaned the filter but the machine still struggles, the object may have wedged itself past the filter basket and into the impeller blades of the pump itself. If you have a multimeter and are handy, you can test the continuity of the drain pump; if it has burned out due to jamming, it will need replacement .

### 5. Perform a "Reset" or Calibration

While a reset does not fix physical blockages, it can clear software glitches that might be causing the drain cycle to malfunction.

- **Unplug method:** Unplug the washer from the wall for **5 to 10 minutes**. This resets the main control board. Plug it back in and run a "Spin Only" cycle to test the drain speed .

- **Calibration Mode:** Some Samsung models have a "Calibration" mode. This usually involves turning the machine on, then pressing and holding the "Temp" and "Spin" buttons simultaneously while pressing "Power." The machine will run for a few minutes to recalibrate the water level sensors. (Check your specific user manual for the key combination).

### Summary Checklist

If your Samsung washer is draining slowly, follow this order:

1.  **Clean the drain filter** (Bottom front).

2.  **Check the drain hose** (Height and kinks).

3.  **Clean the inlet screens** (Back of machine).

4.  **Listen for the pump** (Humming vs. Silent).

If none of these steps resolve the issue, the **drain pump motor** is likely faulty and requires replacement. For pump replacement or main control board issues, it is best to contact a Samsung service professional or a qualified appliance repair technician .