Samsung Dishwasher Water Won’t Drain? – Learn How to Fix

Why the Samsung Dishwasher won’t drain? The issue might happen for many reasons, but it probably has to do with some parts being clogged.

Don’t you know how to investigate the issue? We will help you.

When the Samsung dishwasher doesn’t drain, you must start by unclogging everything you can. If that doesn’t work, check some components, such as the drain pump, check valve, or solenoid kit, as they might need replacement.

Are you worried about having to disassemble your dishwasher at home? There is no big deal about it, and we will guide you thoroughly through all details.

Samsung Dishwasher Water Won’t Drain – Reasons

Sometimes you will face this situation: the Samsung dishwasher won’t drain water.

When that happens, it is impossible to finish the cycle and ensure the dishes are perfectly clean. So what is going on?

Here are some of the most probable reasons behind the issue: 

✅ Clogged Draining System

The most obvious hypothesis is that the draining pipes are clogged, so no water can go through them.

✅ Filthy Filter

The filter on your dishwasher captures a lot of dirt from the dishes, so it might get filthy and prevent the water flow.

✅ Damaged Pump

The pump is responsible for getting water in and out. Its being defective can prevent the dishwasher’s ability to drain water.

✅ Malfunctioning Check Valve

The check valve is responsible for allowing the water flow. It can stop functioning properly, and the water can’t get out of the dishwasher.

How To Fix The Samsung Dishwasher Not Draining

As you can see, there are a lot of components on the Samsung dishwasher that can stop working, and their stop working stops the draining.

In the sections below, we will cover how to check and fix the most common problems. Some might require changing parts, and we will show you how to do that safely.

1. Remove Clog From The Filter

The first thing you should do whenever some basic function on your Samsung dishwasher stops working is clean the filter.

That is because the filter receives a lot of dirt daily.

If you have just acquired a dishwasher and don’t know the proper cleaning process, here it goes:

1. Open the dishwasher’s door;
2. Locate the filter on the bottom;
3. Grab its handle and twist;
4. Remove it.

You will see that it is filthy, and you must clean it this way:

1. Get a mix of warm, soapy water;
2. Scrub the filter;
3. Rinse it under water;
4. Use vinegar and bicarbonate if there is heavy dirt.

Perform A Cleaning Cycle

Once the filter is clean, let it dry and reattach it to the dishwasher. Next, it is time to try a cleaning cycle.

Such a cycle is intended to eliminate clogs in any other parts of the appliance, and it will finish cleaning the filter.

Here is how:

1. Find the dishwasher container for cleaning products;
2. Pour vinegar on it;
3. Turn the dishwasher on without any dishes inside.

Note: Doing a cleaning cycle will also help you know whether the issue was the filter being clogged or if anything else must be assessed.

2. Unclog The Air Gap

Another component on your dishwasher that can get heavily clogged and prevent the correct water flow is the air gap.

The air gap is that part that prevents dirty water from flowing back into your house’s water supply.

Here are the steps to check the air gap’s condition:

1. Take a good look through its opening;
2. If you see visible dirt, get a toothbrush and scrub;
3. Next, pour water through it.

Detach And Clean

Testing with water will show you how much work is left to be done. When the water doesn’t flow well, the air gap is still clogged.

So here is what to do next:

1. Detach the air gap’s pipes;
2. Create a mix with vinegar, bicarbonate, and water;
3. Wash the pipes;
4. Get a brush to scrub all parts well;
5. Reattach the air gap.

Tip: If the air gap is too clogged, warm water can come in handy when preparing the mix.

3. Replace The Drain Pump

The drain pump or drain impeller is a very important component in the dishwasher.

It is an electrical part that interacts with the mechanical components to make the water go out when a cycle finishes.

If the clog is not the issue, the next possible culprit is it. 

Here is how you can check:

1. Put the appliance on a flat surface in a way you can check its bottom;
2. The drain impeller is a small part near the motor;
3. Remove its screws or clips;
4. Detach it carefully.

Test And Replace The Impeller

Now you will want to grab a multimeter, as it will help you determine if the drain pump is truly at fault.

1. Adjust the multimeter to continuity;
2. Touch its terminals to the impeller’s wires;
3. The correct reading must be 160 to 200 ohms.

A defective drain pump will not show any continuity. If that is the case, you must buy a new impeller.

It is a common part that can be easily found at specialized shops.

Then:

1. Attach the new pump to the dishwasher;
2. Test to see if the dishwasher is now capable of draining.

4. Inspect The Check Valve

A check valve in a dishwasher is a small component that prevents dirty water from flowing back into the dishwasher after it has been drained.

The check valve is mounted on the end of the drain hose or the drain pump. When it fails, it might be cleaned before being replaced. 

Let’s see how you can proceed:

1. Gently remove the check valve (use pliers if necessary);
2. Check for inside and outside dirt;
3. Apply a toothpick and toothbrush to clean it;
4. Check its physical condition.

When To Replace The Valve?

It is possible that the check valve feels loose or seems damaged. After cleaning it, you can reattach it to the hose to test.

If the issue remains, here is what you will do:

1. Buy a check valve exactly like the one you have;
2. Install it and ensure it is tight (use pliers);
3. Reconnect the dishwasher’s tubes.

Note: Check valves can change in appearance, size, and materials. It is necessary to verify what sort of replacement you are buying.

5. Check The Solenoid

The worst-case scenario is that there is something wrong with the solenoid kit. It is also another component responsible for the water flow.

However, this component is installed close to the control board, so getting to it is a bit more difficult. 

Here is how you will check its status:

1. Shut down the appliance’s power
2. Detach the water supply
3. Unscrew the access panel
4. Find the solenoid valve
5. Detach the electric connections
6. Disconnect the water supply lines
7. Take the component out.

Tip: Since you are opening the control panel to take the solenoid out, you must check if any other wires or circuits seem damaged or burned. If there are some loose wires, make sure to tighten them too.

Test And Replace

Before assuming that the solenoid is truly at fault, you must test it with a multimeter:

1. Set the multimeter to continuity;
2. Touch the terminals to the solenoid’s wires.

If the result shows no continuity, then you must replace the part.

1. Put the new solenoid valve in place of the old one;
2. Connect the water supply and electric wires;
3. Close the access panel firmly.

What We Learned

Why the Samsung Dishwasher won’t drain? First, you can assume that the issue stems from too much clog in its pipe system.

Even if that is not the case, the guide above has enough info to help you figure the issue out and fix it. We hope your dishwasher has gotten back to draining!

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