Samsung Washing Machine Error Code SYMPTOM‑NOT‑DRAINING — How to Fix (Washing machine not draining)

Fix Samsung Washing Machine error SYMPTOM‑NOT‑DRAINING. Step‑by‑step guide to diagnose and resolve a washer that won’t drain.

⏱️ Time30‑45 minutes

📋 DifficultyMedium

🔧 Model(various models)

⚠️ ErrorSYMPTOM‑NOT‑DRAINING

What Does Error Code SYMPTOM‑NOT‑DRAINING Mean?

Error SYMPTOM‑NOT‑DRAINING on your Samsung Washing Machine means: The SYMPTOM‑NOT‑DRAINING code appears when the washer detects water left in the tub after a drain cycle. The machine stops, shows the error, and won’t continue the wash or spin.

What You'll Need

🔧 Tools

Phillips #2 screwdriver
T20 Torx screwdriver
Digital multimeter
Flat‑head screwdriver
Adjustable wrench (10‑12 mm)
Large bucket or pan (5 L minimum)

🛒 Parts

Drain pump assembly
Reinforced drain hose (kink‑free section)
Water‑level (pressure) sensor
Pump seal kit

How to Fix Error SYMPTOM‑NOT‑DRAINING — Step by Step

1

Power‑cycle the washer (quick reset)

Unplug the machine or switch off the circuit breaker for 60 seconds. Plug it back in, wait a few seconds, then start a new cycle. This clears any temporary controller glitch that may have triggered SYMPTOM‑NOT‑DRAINING.

💡 Pro Tip: If the error disappears, run a short rinse cycle to confirm proper drainage before moving on.
2

Inspect the drain hose for kinks or blockage

Remove the rear access panel with the Phillips #2 screwdriver. Detach the 1‑inch drain hose from the standpipe, place a bucket underneath, and gently blow through the hose. Any resistance indicates a blockage. Clear debris with a flexible brush or replace the hose if it’s damaged.

💡 Pro Tip: A common culprit is hardened detergent residue. Soak the hose in warm water mixed with a cup of white vinegar for 15 minutes, then flush.
3

Clean the pump filter and check the impeller

Open the small door on the front lower left of the cabinet. Place a bucket under the filter, turn the knob counter‑clockwise, and pull the filter out. Remove lint, coins, or fabric fibers. With the filter removed, spin the pump impeller by hand using a flat‑head screwdriver; it should rotate freely.

💡 Pro Tip: If the impeller feels gritty, spray a light mist of non‑flammable cleaner and rotate again to dislodge trapped material.
4

Test the drain pump motor

⚠️ **Safety first:** Disconnect the washer from power before touching any wires. Remove the pump’s wiring harness. Set the multimeter to continuity and place the probes on the two pump terminals; a beep means the circuit is closed. Switch to resistance (Ω) mode; a healthy pump reads between 20 Ω and 35 Ω. A reading outside this range or a humming sound without rotation signals a failed motor.

💡 Pro Tip: While the pump is out, inspect the wiring harness for corrosion or broken pins. Clean with contact cleaner if needed.
5

Verify the water‑level (pressure) sensor

Locate the round sensor on the tub’s outer wall and disconnect its rubber hose. Measure resistance across the sensor terminals. At 0 psi (empty tub) the sensor should read about 500 Ω; at full pressure (≈100 psi) it drops to roughly 150 Ω. Inconsistent values indicate a faulty sensor.

💡 Pro Tip: Replacing the sensor is inexpensive and often resolves intermittent drain errors.
6

Re‑assemble and run a diagnostic drain test

Re‑attach all hoses, reinstall the filter, and close the access panels. Many Samsung models enter diagnostic mode by turning the dial to ‘Spin’, holding the start/pause button for 3 seconds, then pressing ‘Power Off’. The machine will attempt a drain cycle and display any new codes.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep the bucket handy; if water still pools, note the exact point where flow stops for further troubleshooting.
7

Final verification

Run a normal wash cycle with a small load. Confirm that the tub empties completely and the SYMPTOM‑NOT‑DRAINING code does not reappear.

💡 Pro Tip: If the error returns, revisit steps 3‑5 or consider a control‑board issue.

When to Call a Professional

Call a technician if the pump motor shows no continuity, the impeller is seized, the pressure sensor tests erratic, or the control board flashes multiple error codes after you’ve verified the hose and filter. A cracked tub, severe water‑inlet valve failure, or warranty‑protected service also warrant professional help.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Follow this visual guide to systematically diagnose Error SYMPTOM‑NOT‑DRAINING:

Diagnostic Flowchart — SYMPTOM‑NOT‑DRAINING

The Samsung Washing Machine error SYMPTOM-NOT-DRAINING can be frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of a laundry cycle. This error code indicates that the washer has detected water left in the tub after a drain cycle, and it won’t continue the wash or spin. If you’re experiencing this issue, don’t worry – we’re here to guide you through troubleshooting and fixing the problem.

What Samsung Washing Machine Error SYMPTOM-NOT-DRAINING Actually Means

The SYMPTOM-NOT-DRAINING error code on Samsung washing machines is triggered when the machine’s control board detects that water is still present in the tub after a drain cycle. This is usually due to a problem with the drain system, which can include the drain hose, pump filter, or drain pump itself. The error code is a safety feature that prevents the machine from continuing to operate with water still in the tub, which could lead to further damage or flooding.

The sensor that triggers this error code is typically the water-level (pressure) sensor, which monitors the water level in the tub and sends signals to the control board. If the sensor detects that water is still present in the tub after a drain cycle, it sends a signal to the control board, which then displays the SYMPTOM-NOT-DRAINING error code.

It’s not safe to keep using the appliance with this error code, as it could lead to further damage or flooding. You should troubleshoot and fix the issue as soon as possible.

Rapid Diagnosis Guide (Before Calling a Technician)

Before calling a technician, try these quick diagnostic checks to identify the issue:

Power cycle the washer: Unplug the machine or switch off the circuit breaker for 60 seconds, then plug it back in or switch it back on. This can sometimes reset the error code.
Inspect the drain hose: Check the drain hose for kinks, blockages, or improper installation. Make sure it’s securely connected to the washer and drain pipe.
Check the drain pump filter: Locate the small door on the front lower left of the cabinet and open it. Check if the filter is clogged with debris or lint.

Why This Error Appears (Top Causes)

Here are the common causes of the SYMPTOM-NOT-DRAINING error code on Samsung washing machines, ranked by likelihood:

1. Clogged Drain Pump Filter

Description: The drain pump filter is clogged with debris, lint, or coins, preventing water from draining properly.
How to verify: Check the filter for blockages and clean it if necessary.
Fix difficulty: Easy
Cost: $0 - $20 (depending on the replacement filter)

2. Kinked or Blocked Drain Hose

Description: The drain hose is kinked, blocked, or improperly installed, preventing water from draining properly.
How to verify: Inspect the drain hose for kinks, blockages, or improper installation.
Fix difficulty: Medium
Cost: $0 - $50 (depending on the replacement hose)

3. Faulty Drain Pump Motor

Description: The drain pump motor is faulty or worn out, preventing water from draining properly.
How to verify: Test the drain pump motor with a multimeter to check for continuity.
Fix difficulty: Hard
Cost: $50 - $150 (depending on the replacement pump)

4. Faulty Water-Level (Pressure) Sensor

Description: The water-level (pressure) sensor is faulty or calibrated incorrectly, sending incorrect signals to the control board.
How to verify: Test the sensor with a multimeter to check for correct voltage output.
Fix difficulty: Hard
Cost: $50 - $150 (depending on the replacement sensor)

Repair Walkthrough (Most Common Fix)

The most common cause of the SYMPTOM-NOT-DRAINING error code is a clogged drain pump filter. Here’s a step-by-step guide to fix this issue:

Safety warning: Disconnect the washer from power before starting the repair.

Tools needed: Phillips #2 screwdriver, flat-head screwdriver, large bucket or pan (5 L minimum)

Time estimate: 30 minutes

Locate the drain pump filter: Find the small door on the front lower left of the cabinet.
Open the filter door: Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry open the door.
Remove the filter: Pull out the filter and inspect it for blockages.
Clean the filter: Clean the filter with warm water and a soft brush.
Reinstall the filter: Reinstall the filter and close the filter door.

What “fixed” looks like: The washer should now drain properly, and the SYMPTOM-NOT-DRAINING error code should be cleared.

How This Varies by Model

The SYMPTOM-NOT-DRAINING error code can affect various Samsung washing machine models, including:

Samsung WA48J7770AW: This model has a slightly different drain pump filter design.
Samsung WF45K6500AW: This model has a more complex drain system, requiring additional troubleshooting steps.

How Much Does This Fix Cost?

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated repair costs for the SYMPTOM-NOT-DRAINING error code:

Repair	DIY Cost	Parts Cost	Professional Labor
Clogged drain pump filter	$0 - $20	$0 - $20	$50 - $100
Kinked or blocked drain hose	$0 - $50	$0 - $50	$50 - $100
Faulty drain pump motor	$50 - $150	$50 - $150	$100 - $250
Faulty water-level (pressure) sensor	$50 - $150	$50 - $150	$100 - $250

Preventive Care Schedule

To prevent the SYMPTOM-NOT-DRAINING error code from occurring in the future:

Regularly clean the drain pump filter: Every 1-2 months, depending on usage.
Inspect the drain hose: Check for kinks, blockages, or improper installation.
Run a diagnostic drain test: Every 6 months, depending on usage.

DIY Limits: When Expert Help Is Needed

If you’re not comfortable with DIY repairs or if the issue persists after trying the above steps, it’s time to call a professional. Look for a qualified technician with experience in Samsung washing machine repairs.

What to expect: The technician will diagnose the issue, provide a detailed estimate, and perform the necessary repairs.

Cost: The cost of professional labor can range from $100 to $250, depending on the complexity of the repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the SYMPTOM-NOT-DRAINING error code mean on my Samsung washing machine? A: The SYMPTOM-NOT-DRAINING error code indicates that the washer has detected water left in the tub after a drain cycle.

Q: How do I reset the SYMPTOM-NOT-DRAINING error code? A: Try power-cycling the washer or checking the drain pump filter for blockages.

Q: Can I fix the SYMPTOM-NOT-DRAINING error code myself? A: Yes, you can try fixing the issue yourself by following the troubleshooting steps outlined above.

Q: How much does it cost to fix the SYMPTOM-NOT-DRAINING error code? A: The cost can range from $0 to $250, depending on the complexity of the repair.

Q: Is it safe to use my Samsung washing machine with the SYMPTOM-NOT-DRAINING error code? A: No, it’s not safe to use the appliance with this error code, as it could lead to further damage or flooding.

Q: How can I prevent the SYMPTOM-NOT-DRAINING error code from occurring in the future? A: Regularly clean the drain pump filter, inspect the drain hose, and run a diagnostic drain test.

For more information on appliance repairs, visit our Bosch dishwasher error E01 or Bosch dishwasher error E09 guides.

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