Samsung Dishwasher Not Draining?

Pull out the bottom rack and remove the cylindrical filter assembly in the center of the tub floor. Twist it counterclockwise to unlock, then lift it out. Rinse both the mesh filter and the coarse filter underneath it. Buildup here is the #1 cause of Samsung dishwasher drain issues.

The drain hose connects from the pump at the bottom of the dishwasher to the garbage disposal or sink drain. Pull the dishwasher forward to check for kinks. The hose should have a smooth, downhill path with no pinch points. Replace it if it’s cracked or brittle.

If the dishwasher drains into a garbage disposal, run the disposal for 20 seconds with hot water before starting the dishwasher. If you recently installed a new disposal, make sure the knockout plug inside the dishwasher inlet has been punched out.

Samsung dishwashers have a check valve (flapper) in the drain sump that prevents backflow. Over time, this valve can get stuck with food debris or break. It’s located inside the sump under the filter area. Remove the filter and look for the small rubber flap.

Press and hold the Start button for 3 seconds to initiate a drain-only cycle. If the pump runs but no water drains, the blockage is in the hose or connection point. If the pump doesn’t run at all, the drain pump motor may have failed.