Problem summary
Your Samsung washing machine is retaining water at the end of the cycle and won't empty. You may have had to manually drain it from the emergency outlet at the base. This is one of the most common faults we see, and in most cases the cause is identifiable and repairable.
Likely causes
Based on 194 similar faults we've attended, the problem usually lies in one of three areas:
Drain pump (55.6% of cases): The pump that forces water out of the machine may have failed, become stuck, or developed a fault. Pumps wear over time and can seize without warning.
Drain hose or filter blockage (25.9% of cases): Foreign objects—coins, fabric, debris—can lodge in the drain pump itself, the outlet hose, or the filter chamber. A kinked or crushed hose can also prevent water escaping.
Control board (PCB) fault (16.9% of cases): The circuit board that signals the pump to run may have developed an electrical fault, leaving the pump unable to receive the command.
What you can try yourself (DIY)
If you're confident working with basic tools and don't mind getting wet, these checks may identify a blockage or simple issue:
1. Check the drain filter: Locate the emergency drain access or small hatch at the base of your machine (check your manual for exact location). Place a bowl underneath and carefully open it. You may find coins, hair, or fabric caught in the mesh. Clean thoroughly and reassemble.
2. Inspect the drain hose: Pull the machine forward slightly and trace the outlet hose from the tub to the wall outlet. Look for kinks, crushing, or obvious blockages. Straighten any bent sections. Check that it's not pushed too far into the standpipe, which can trap water.
3. Test the pump audibly: Start a drain cycle and listen carefully. A working pump makes a distinct humming or whirring sound. Silence suggests the pump isn't running or has failed.
4. Run a hot wash with no load: Fill the detergent drawer and run a short hot cycle with the machine empty. This can sometimes clear minor blockages in internal lines.
If you find debris and clear it, test the machine with a short cycle. If draining still fails or you hear no pump sound, the pump or control board is likely faulty and will need replacement by a qualified engineer.
Why the pump or PCB needs an engineer
The drain pump is sealed and requires dismantling the front of the machine. Accessing the control board involves live electrical connections. Neither should be attempted without proper training. Water damage from incorrect reassembly can be costly.
If you're in Northern Ireland, SMC Services can usually book a repair within 2–3 working days.