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Error code

Samsung Washing Machine Error Code ND

Samsung ND is a no-drain warning: the washer has not lowered the water level at the expected speed. Check the visible drain hose and user-accessible debris filter, allow hot wash water to cool before draining it, and stop if ND returns after one careful test.

Last updated: 14 July 2026

Quick answer

ND: The washer has detected a no-drain condition

Severitymedium

Meaning

The washer has detected a no-drain condition

First safe check

Switch the washer off and unplug it before touching the drain hose, emergency drain, or filter area.

Stop if

ND returns after one test

Who to call

Arrange service if ND returns after the visible hose and user-accessible filter checks, the pump sounds damaged, the washer still cannot drain, water leaks, or diagnosis would require cabinet access.

Medium severity: check safely and stop if it returns. Disconnect power before checking accessible parts where the appliance guidance says to do so.

Fix time

10-30 minutes

Difficulty

Easy external checks

The useful first checks are the visible drain-hose route and the model's user-accessible debris filter.

Expected outcome: A simple hose or filter restriction may clear; repeated ND usually needs drain-pump or internal drainage diagnosis.

What does this error code mean?

Samsung documents ND as a no-drain condition. Water is not leaving the washer at the expected speed, so a restricted drain hose, blocked debris filter, poor standpipe installation, or drain-pump problem are the main areas to consider. Some Samsung models use 5E, 5C, SC, or 1 5C for the same broad drain-error family.

Start with checks that stay outside the cabinet: inspect the visible hose for kinks, confirm it is not pushed too deeply into the standpipe, and clean only the user-accessible debris filter described in the model manual. If the washer ran a hot or sanitise cycle, allow the water to cool before opening an emergency drain or filter. Compare newer display variants with Samsung 5C or Samsung SE.

ND sits in Samsung's drainage fault family. The external drainage route includes the debris filter, emergency drain, drain hose, and standpipe position; persistent faults can involve the pump or internal drain path.

Symptoms users may notice

  1. Water remains in the drum at the end of the cycle.
  2. The washer stops before spin or takes unusually long to drain.
  3. Clothes remain very wet because the machine cannot complete the drain stage.
  4. The drain pump may hum, sound rough, or run without lowering the water level.

What users often notice

  1. Samsung ND is often described as not draining, not spinning, leaving water in the drum, or showing a code near the end of the cycle.
  2. The same broad drainage problem may appear as 5E, 5C, SC, or 1 5C on a different Samsung model.

Why is this happening?

  1. Blocked user-accessible debris or drain filter
  2. Drain hose kinked, obstructed, or inserted too deeply into the standpipe
  3. Drain pump blockage or pump failure
  4. Excessive suds slowing drainage on some models

What this usually points to

ND sits in Samsung's drainage fault family. The external drainage route includes the debris filter, emergency drain, drain hose, and standpipe position; persistent faults can involve the pump or internal drain path.

How to fix this safely

  1. Switch the washer off and unplug it before touching the drain hose, emergency drain, or filter area.
  2. If a hot or sanitise cycle was running, allow the retained water to cool before attempting to drain it.
  3. Inspect the visible drain hose for kinks, crushing, blockage, or an installation depth that could cause siphoning.
  4. Clean only the user-accessible debris filter using the exact model manual, then refit the drain cap and filter securely.
  5. Run one short drain or rinse test and stop if ND returns, the pump sounds rough, or water leaks.

Can I fix this myself?

Yes

You can check the visible drain hose and user-accessible debris filter, then run one careful test after everything is refitted.

Safety boundary: Disconnect power first, let hot water cool, and stop before any internal pump, wiring, or cabinet work.

What not to do

  1. Do not open the filter while retained wash water is still hot.
  2. Do not keep starting cycles while water remains trapped in the drum.
  3. Do not remove panels or work on the drain pump or wiring as a user repair.

Common misdiagnoses

  1. ND can be mistaken for a spin fault, but the washer may be refusing to spin because it has not drained first.
  2. A reset alone does not clear a physical hose, filter, or pump restriction.

Reset steps

  1. Reconnect power only after the hose, drain cap, and filter are secure and there is no visible leak.
  2. Run one short drain or rinse programme to test whether water leaves normally.
  3. Stop and arrange service if ND returns or the washer still cannot drain before spin.

Intermittent vs persistent faults

A one-off ND may follow a temporary hose restriction or clogged filter. If ND returns after one safe test, treat it as a persistent drainage fault and arrange further diagnosis.

Regional notes

South Africa

Samsung South Africa documents ND as a no-drain condition commonly linked to the hose route or debris filter.

Support: Use the South African model support page or exact product manual where applicable.

When to call a technician

Arrange service if ND returns after the visible hose and user-accessible filter checks, the pump sounds damaged, the washer still cannot drain, water leaks, or diagnosis would require cabinet access.

Safety warning

Disconnect the washer from the mains before drainage checks, allow hot water to cool, and avoid opening the cabinet or working on the pump or wiring.

Useful hub links

Samsung appliance error code hub

Browse all Samsung appliance error code clusters.

Samsung Washing Machine error code list

See every washing machine code in this cluster.

Related drainage fault codes

Samsung Washing Machine Error Code OE

Samsung UK lists OE as an overflow error.

Samsung Washing Machine DC Error Code - Door Lock Meaning and Checks

The door is not locking, latching, or being detected correctly

Samsung Washing Machine 5C Error - Not Draining Water

The washer cannot drain the water away properly.

Samsung Washing Machine Error Code SE

Drainage timeout or not-draining fault

Relevant guide

Samsung Washing Machine Not Draining

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

Frequently asked questions

What does ND mean on a Samsung washing machine?+

Samsung ND means the washer has detected a no-drain condition: water is not leaving at the expected speed.

Is Samsung ND the same as 5E or 5C?+

They belong to the same broad no-drain family on different Samsung models and markets, although the exact service instructions can vary.

How do I check Samsung ND safely?+

Disconnect power, let hot retained water cool, check the visible drain hose, and clean only the user-accessible debris filter described in the model manual.

Will resetting clear Samsung ND?+

Only if the interruption was temporary. A reset cannot clear a blocked hose or filter, and repeated ND usually needs further diagnosis.

Sources and review status

Model dependent · Last reviewed 14 July 2026

source checked

Model variation note

Samsung display codes vary by model and market. ND, 5E, 5C, SC, and 1 5C can describe the same broad no-drain family, but the exact filter access and hose instructions must come from the model manual.