Appointment Lookup
646-440-2692
Samsung Dishwasher clogged
Common reasons your Samsung Dishwasher clogged
The most common reasons your Samsung dishwasher is clogged are a clogged filter, a faulty drain pump, or a malfunctioning circulation pump.
28% of the time it's the Filter
20% of the time it's the Drain Pump
13% of the time it's the Circulation Pump
39% of the time it's the Something else
Schedule your dishwasher repair now!
We can help! Our service technicians have repaired over 5,000 Samsung dishwashers. We can fix yours no matter where you bought it.
Most common repairs needed to fix a Samsung dishwasher
Filter Replacement
The filter, usually located at the bottom of the tub, traps food particles and debris to prevent them from entering the dishwasher's drainage system. If the filter becomes clogged, it can obstruct water flow, leading to a clogged dishwasher. Water may pool at the bottom of the dishwasher or dishes might not be cleaned properly. You can address this issue by inspecting the filter for any signs of debris or blockage and cleaning if debris is found. If the problem persists, schedule an appointment with a Sears Home Services technician to diagnose and resolve the issue.
Drain Pump Replacement
The drain pump is responsible for removing water from the dishwasher after each cycle. If the pump is malfunctioning or clogged with debris, it can prevent water from draining properly, leading to a clogged dishwasher. You might notice water standing at the bottom of the dishwasher or hear unusual noises during the drain cycle. To address this issue, inspect the drain pump for any signs of damage or blockage. If you suspect the drain pump is at fault, schedule an in-home repair appointment with Sears Home Services to have a technician diagnose and replace the faulty pump.
Circulation Pump Replacement
The circulation pump is responsible for pumping water through the spray arms to clean the dishes. If the pump is clogged with debris or not working correctly, it can disrupt the water flow, causing the dishwasher to become clogged. You might notice that dishes are not being cleaned properly or that there is water left at the bottom of the dishwasher. If you suspect the circulation pump is the problem, schedule an appointment with a Sears Home Services technician.
Why is my Samsung dishwasher holding water in the bottom?
When your Samsung dishwasher won’t drain, the problem may be as simple as a clogged sink drain, but there are other places that can get clogged, too.
This helpful DIY video shows you how to find and clear a clog to get your dishwasher draining again.
Check the sink drain and garbage disposal for a clog
Before you blame the dishwasher, check the sink drain or garbage disposal for a clog. The dishwasher can’t drain if the sink is clogged. Run the water to see if the water drains. If not, clear the sink drain and your dishwasher should drain properly.
If your sink has a garbage disposal, run the disposal to see if the water drains then. If your disposal is clogged, clear it out.
By the way, if you just installed a new garbage disposal and forgot to remove the knockout plug, do that now. The knockout plug prevents water from leaking through the dishwasher drain opening until you install the drain hose. It's easy to skip this important step when installing a new garbage disposal. Refer to the installation guide for your garbage disposal for more information on removing the knockout plug.
Check the dishwasher drain hose for a clog
If the sink or garbage disposal drains okay, pull off the dishwasher drain hose from the sink or garbage disposal connection and check the end of the drain hose for a grease clog. Grease often builds up in this area. Clear the grease clog and reinstall the drain hose.
See if the dishwasher drains by running the drain pump. You can run the drain pump on many dishwashers by pressing the cancel button or by starting a cycle and then pressing the cancel button. The drain pump runs for about 3 minutes on most models that have this feature. If you have a dishwasher with a timer, you can find the drain portion of the cycle by turning the timer to the end of the cycle.
Check the sink air gap
If your dishwasher uses an air gap, you’ll need to check that for clogs as well. Not all dishwashers use an air gap, so you may not see this component next to your sink faucet. If you have an air gap, check for water stains or water trails coming from the vent holes in the air gap cap. Water coming out of the air gap vent holes indicates a clogged air gap.
Remove the air gap cap and then the cover. Run a plumber's snake through the drain hose between the air gap and the sink drain or garbage disposal to clear the clog. Or clear the clog by blowing air through the drain hose or by using a wet/dry shop vac to suck out debris. Reassemble the air gap and run the dishwasher drain pump to see if the dishwasher drains properly.
Check the drain hose at the drain pump
If the dishwasher still won't drain, you'll need to access the drain hose connection on the drain pump as shown in the video.
Check the drain path between the drain pump and the sink drain for a clog. Place the pump end of the drain hose in a shallow pan and pour some water through the drain hose from the sink end of the hose. If you have an air gap, you'll need to pour water through the dishwasher side of the air gap to check the drain hose. You've already checked or cleared the sink side of the air gap drain hose. If water doesn’t move through the drain hose, then you know there's a clog somewhere in the drain hose.
You have to pull the dishwasher out to check the entire drain hose for clogs. Carefully pull the dishwasher out from under the counter as shown in the video.
Check each section of the drain hose until you find the clog. Use a plumber's snake to clear the clog from the drain hose. Reassemble the dishwasher, add some water to the tub and run the drain pump to see if water drains. If it does, then you've fixed the problem. If water flows from the sink or the air gap to the pump end of the drain hose, then you know the drain hose is clear.
You also know the drain hose is clear if you found and cleared a clog.
Samsung dishwasher drain problems requiring a service technician
If water doesn't drain from the dishwasher and you know the drain hose is clear, then a clog in the drain pump, the sump or a defective drain pump is preventing the dishwasher from draining.
The dishwasher could also have a defective electronic control board or timer that isn't sending voltage to the drain pump.
If you haven't found the cause of the drain problem by now, we recommend that you have a Sears Home Services technician examine the dishwasher. The technician may need to perform live voltage checks, which only should be done by someone with proper training and equipment.
What to expect when you experience a Samsung dishwasher clogged issue
How is the dishwasher clogged issue fixed?
Correcting most dishwasher clogged issues involves replacing the filter, drain pump, or circulation pump. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.
Sears Home Services recommendations for a dishwasher clogged problem
When a dishwasher is clogged, it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts, we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dishwasher failures.
What to look out for with a dishwasher clogged diagnosis
Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dishwasher problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.
If your Samsung dishwasher consistently backs up or partially fills, a clog in the filters or drain line likely blocks water flow. Reduced circulation means undercleaned dishes. Rather than fighting with repeated cycles, rely on a dishwasher service near me. Clearing clogs restores your dishwasher’s robust cleaning power.
What our customers say about us
With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it
Thorough
James called to give an estimated arrival time. He was professional and personable. He had 2 professional ideas of the problem and found 1 was correct, but he didn't stop there. He did a thorough check of the appliance. 1 small part was needed. He ordered the part to my house. Fortunately, he was able to schedule for the next week, just before Thanksgiving. As before, he called ahead, arrived and quickly fixed the problem. My appliance is working perfectly.
Kirsten A, Oxford, PA
Service Call
Luke was great. Polite and knowledgeable even though the dishwasher was older than he!
James G, Hillsboro, MO
Daniel
Daniel went above and beyond to fix my dish washer. Very pleasant to deal with.
Paul F, Hghlnds Ranch, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Repair Dishwasher Resources
Learn how to drain a GE dishwasher with our step-by-step guide. Keep your dishwasher running smoothly with our expert tips.
Find out why your dishwasher won’t turn on and get expert tips from Sears Home Services to fix the problem.
If you've ever encountered a dishwasher with standing water, you understand the frustration of a drainage issue.
If the dishes in your dishwasher are no longer getting clean, it could be the spray arm is clogged.
Glossary Terms
A dishwasher gasket is a flexible seal that prevents water from leaking out of the dishwasher door during operation. It's crucial for maintaining the appliance's efficiency and preventing water damage.
A dishwasher impeller is a rotating component within the dishwasher's pump that circulates water throughout the unit during a wash cycle, ensuring efficient cleaning by spraying water at high pressure.
A dishwasher sump is located at the bottom of the dishwasher, serving as a collection point for water during the wash cycle. It houses the main pump and filter, facilitating the recirculation and drainage of water, essential for the cleaning process.
A dishwasher turbidity sensor is an advanced feature that measures the level of food particles and debris in the water, allowing the dishwasher to adjust the wash cycle length and water usage for optimal cleaning efficiency.