UK Appliance Error Codes

Guide

Samsung Washing Machine Not Draining

A focused troubleshooting guide for Samsung washing machines that will not drain or keep stopping before spin.

Use this guide to identify the most likely Samsung drainage faults, compare the right error codes, and decide when repair is needed.

Last updated: 20 April 2026

When a Samsung washing machine will not drain, the root issue is usually in the drainage path: a blocked filter, restricted hose, or weak drain pump. This often appears as water left in the drum and spin being skipped.

Common Samsung drainage symptoms

  • Water remains in the drum at the end of the programme.
  • The machine pauses before spin and does not clear water.
  • Drain pump noise is present but flow is weak or absent.
  • Drainage codes such as 5C, ND, or SE appear.

Safe first checks

  • Switch off and unplug the appliance before opening the pump filter area.
  • Clear debris from the filter and check for trapped items around the pump entry point.
  • Inspect the drain hose from machine to standpipe for kinks or compression.
  • Retry one short rinse-and-drain cycle only after these checks.

Samsung codes to compare in this cluster

  • Use SE, 5C, and ND for clear not-draining faults.
  • Check UE if spin is failing mainly because loads are unbalanced rather than blocked drainage.
  • Check 4C if the issue starts with filling problems rather than draining.

If the same drainage code returns after cleaning and hose checks, avoid repeated resets. Persistent drainage faults usually need pump or wiring diagnosis by an engineer.

Samsung washing machine drainage fault codes

Frequently asked questions

Why does Samsung not-draining also stop spin?+

Most washers will not spin safely until water has drained from the drum, so drainage faults often show up as spin failure.

Should I keep resetting Samsung SE or 5C?+

No. Reset only after safe checks. Repeated resets can delay proper repair when a pump fault is present.