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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.

Field note: SYMPTOM‑NOT‑DRAINING means the machine did not see a drain complete — it is not a default control-board part. On Samsung Washing Machines start at the filter/sump, high-loop / height of the drain hose, and the impeller. A crushed hose or a coin on the impeller looks identical to a ‘bad pump’ on a scan tool.

What this code is not

Not ‘replace the board because it will not empty.’
Not a water-inlet problem (that is a fill code).
A missing high loop that siphons, or a disposer knockout still in place, will retrip SYMPTOM‑NOT‑DRAINING after any new pump.

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.

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.

Related Samsung Washing Machine Error Codes

Related Troubleshooting Guides

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