By Steel City Appliance Repair
A Samsung top load washing machine that won’t drain is one of the most frustrating appliance problems — you open the lid to find clothes sitting in a tub full of water. Before you order a new drain pump or call a repairman, there’s an important first step: check the pump for a clog.
In a large percentage of cases, a sock, coin, hair tie, or small piece of debris lodged in the drain pump is the entire problem — and clearing it takes less than 15 minutes.
Two Reasons a Samsung Top Load Washer Won’t Drain
1. Something is stuck in the drain pump. Small items that escape the drum can get lodged in the pump impeller and prevent it from spinning. The pump motor may still be running fine, but the blockage stops water from moving through.
2. The drain pump itself has failed. If the pump is clear and the washer still won’t drain, the pump motor has likely burned out or seized and needs to be replaced.
What You’ll Need
- Hose clamp pliers — grab them on Amazon here (affiliate link)
- Wet/dry vac — essential for draining the water first (affiliate link)
- Towels and a shallow pan or bucket
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support the channel and keeps these tutorials free.
Step-by-Step Fix
Step 1: Drain the Standing Water First
Use a wet/dry vac to remove as much water as possible from the drum before accessing the pump. Have towels on hand — some water will spill.
Step 2: Access the Drain Pump
Unplug the washing machine. On Samsung top load washers the drain pump is typically at the bottom of the machine. Tip the washer forward or lay it on its back to access it — have someone help with this step.
Step 3: Check for a Clog
Use hose clamp pliers to slide the spring clamps back on the hoses, then pull the hoses off the pump. Shine a flashlight into the pump inlet and look for any debris. Check that the impeller spins freely by hand. If it spins freely with no visible debris, the pump is likely good.
If the impeller is seized, won’t spin, or the pump housing is cracked, the pump needs to be replaced.
Step 4: Reassemble and Test
Reattach both hoses, stand the washer back upright, plug it in, and run a drain/spin cycle. If the washer drains completely — you’re done. Total cost: $0.
Watch the Full Repair Video
👉 Samsung Top Load Washer Not Draining — Full DIY Fix
Cost Breakdown
| Scenario | Part Cost | vs. Repair Call |
|---|---|---|
| Clog cleared — no parts needed | $0 | Save $150–$250 |
| Drain pump replacement needed | ~$25–$50 | Save $100–$200 |
FAQ
My Samsung washer won’t spin either — is it related? Yes. On Samsung top load washers, a drain failure often prevents the spin cycle from completing. Fix the drain issue first and the spinning problem will likely resolve itself.
How do I know if the pump motor is burned out vs. just clogged? If the impeller spins freely by hand and there’s no debris, but you heard the pump humming during the cycle, the pump is likely burned out.
Still Having Issues?
Drop your Samsung model number in the comments below and describe what you’re seeing. Subscribe to Steel City Appliance Repair for weekly DIY appliance repair tutorials.