Drain your Samsung washer using the emergency drain valve or drain pump filter
When water gets trapped in your Samsung washer, you have two ways to remove it: the emergency drain valve (a small lever or knob on the front or side of the machine) or the drain pump filter (a removable cartridge that catches lint and debris). Most Samsung models have both. The emergency valve is faster if you just need to empty standing water quickly. The filter is what you clean when water drains slowly or won't drain at all—lint and coins get stuck there and block the pump.
Before you start, turn off the washer and unplug it from the wall. If the drum is full of water, you will need towels on the floor. The water that comes out may be dirty or smell bad, so have a bucket or shallow pan ready to catch it.
Key Takeaways
- The emergency drain valve is a small lever or knob on the front or lower side of your Samsung washer that releases water without running a cycle.
- The drain pump filter sits behind a small access panel and traps lint, coins, and debris that block water from draining—cleaning it often fixes slow or stuck drainage.
- Always unplug the washer before you open any panels or pull the filter, even if the machine is already off.
- If water still won't drain after you clean the filter and use the emergency valve, the drain hose may be kinked or clogged, or the pump itself may have failed.
Using the emergency drain valve
The emergency drain valve is the fastest way to get water out of your washer right now. On most Samsung front-loaders, it is a small lever or knob located on the lower front panel, usually to the left or right of the drum. On some top-loaders, it may be on the side. Look for a small door or cap that you can pry open with your fingernail or a flat tool.
Once you find it, place a bucket or shallow pan directly underneath. Pull the lever down or turn the knob counterclockwise—water will flow out. If the valve has a small tube attached, you can direct the tube into the bucket to control the splash. Let the water drain completely, which usually takes one to three minutes depending on how full the drum is. When the flow stops, push the lever back up or turn the knob clockwise to close it.
The emergency valve is not a permanent fix. If your washer keeps filling with water or drains slowly during normal cycles, the problem is usually in the filter or the drain hose, not the valve itself.
Locating and cleaning the drain pump filter
The drain pump filter is where lint, coins, hair, and small objects collect. Over time, this debris blocks water from flowing out, which is why your washer stops draining. On Samsung front-loaders, the filter sits behind a small access panel on the lower front of the machine, usually to the right of the emergency valve. On some models, you may need to remove a toe kick panel at the very bottom first.
To open the panel, look for a small notch or groove where you can insert a flat tool—a butter knife or plastic spoon works well. Gently pry the panel open. Do not force it; if it does not budge, check that you are prying at the right spot. Once the panel is off, you will see the filter cartridge sticking out. It looks like a small cylinder or drum with a handle or knob on the end.
Turn the filter counterclockwise by hand until it comes loose, then pull it straight out toward you. Water may drip out, so have your bucket ready. Empty any visible lint, coins, or debris from the filter and the opening behind it. Rinse the filter under warm running water and use an old toothbrush to scrub away stubborn lint. Do not use a dishwasher or put it in hot water—the plastic can warp.
Reinstalling the filter and checking the drain hose
Once the filter is clean and dry, push it back into the opening and turn it clockwise by hand until it is snug. Do not over-tighten it; hand-tight is enough. Snap the access panel back into place. Plug the washer back in and run a short cycle or drain cycle to test whether water now flows out normally.
If water still does not drain after you clean the filter, the problem is likely in the drain hose. The hose can become kinked, pinched, or clogged with lint. Check behind and underneath the washer to see if the hose is bent or twisted. Straighten any kinks. If the hose looks fine, you may need to disconnect it and flush it with water to clear an internal blockage. This requires moving the washer away from the wall, so it is a bigger job—if you are not comfortable doing it, a repair technician can handle it quickly.
What to do if the washer still will not drain
If you have used the emergency valve, cleaned the filter, and checked the hose and water still sits in the drum, the drain pump itself may have failed. The pump is an electric motor that pushes water out through the hose. If it is broken, it will not run even when the washer tries to drain. You will usually hear a humming sound during a drain cycle but see no water moving.
A failed pump cannot be fixed by cleaning or adjusting—it must be replaced. This is a job for a Samsung service technician or a may have access to appliance repair person. Before you call, have your washer model number ready. You can find it on a sticker inside the door frame or on the back of the machine. The repair usually costs between $200 and $400 in parts and labor, depending on your location and the model.
Preventing drain problems in the future
Most drain clogs happen because lint and small objects build up in the filter over time. Clean the filter every month or two, or more often if you wash a lot of towels or clothes that shed. Before you wash anything, check pockets for coins, keys, and other hard objects that can get stuck. Use a mesh laundry bag for small items like socks and underwear so they do not fall into the pump.
Also check that the drain hose is not kinked or pinched where it connects to the washer or the wall drain. If you move the washer, straighten the hose afterward. A kinked hose can cause water to back up and put strain on the pump, which shortens its life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the emergency drain valve on my Samsung washer?
On most front-loaders, it is a small lever or knob on the lower front panel, usually near the bottom left or right. On some models, you may need to pry open a small plastic cover first. Check your user manual for the exact location on your model—the manual is often available as a PDF on Samsung's website if you search your model number.
Can I run the washer after I clean the filter?
Yes. After you reinstall the filter and snap the panel back on, plug the washer in and run a short drain cycle or a rinse-and-spin cycle to make sure water flows out normally. If it does, you are done. If water still sits in the drum, the problem is elsewhere in the drain system.
What if I cannot open the access panel?
The panel clips in place and should pop off with gentle pressure on a flat tool. If it will not budge, you may be prying at the wrong spot—look for a small notch or groove. If you still cannot open it, do not force it; you risk cracking the plastic. A repair technician can open it without damage.
Is it safe to drain the washer while it is plugged in?
No. Always unplug the washer before you open any panels or use the emergency valve. Even though the machine is off, there is still electrical power to the motor and sensors. Unplugging removes that risk entirely.
How often should I clean the drain filter?
Clean it every one to two months if you use the washer regularly, or more often if you wash heavy items like towels or bedding that shed lint. If you notice water draining slowly, clean the filter right away—it is usually the first thing to check.