If you find your Samsung washer not working after cleaning filter, it can be incredibly frustrating to see a maintenance task turn into a breakdown. You likely opened the debris filter to clear a blockage or code, only to find the machine now refuses to drain, spin, or even start.
This issue is surprisingly common and is often caused by a safety mechanism triggering, an air lock in the system, or a simple reassembly error. This guide will walk you through the technical steps to diagnose and resolve the problem, getting your front-load washing machine back to peak performance.
1. Improper Filter Reassembly and Leaks
The most frequent reason for a Samsung washer not working after cleaning filter is that the filter wasn’t screwed back in perfectly. Samsung washers are equipped with a sensitive water leak sensor (often located in the base pan on newer models). If the filter cap is even slightly loose or cross-threaded, a small amount of water can leak out.
Read more Samsung washing machine TC error
- The Safety Trigger: Even a few tablespoons of water leaking from the filter housing can trigger the sensor, causing the machine to lock the door and refuse to start a cycle to prevent flooding.
- The Fix:
- Place a towel under the filter area.
- Unscrew the debris filter completely.
- Check the rubber O-ring on the filter cap for dirt or damage.
- Re-insert the filter and screw it in clockwise. Crucial: Ensure the handle aligns perfectly with the locking indicator (often a painted line or arrow) on the housing. It must be very tight.
- Dry the area thoroughly. If water pooled underneath the machine, you may need to tilt the washer back slightly (safely, with help) to dry the sensor contacts.
2. The “Air Lock” Phenomenon
After you drain all the water to clean the filter, the pump chamber becomes empty and full of air. When you restart the machine, the drain pump motor may try to push water out but instead hits an air pocket, creating an air lock. The impeller spins in air without moving water, leading the machine to believe it is clogged.
How to Clear an Air Lock
- Manual Drain: Locate the small black emergency drain tube next to the large filter cap. Pull the plug and drain any residual water into a shallow pan.
- Prime the Pump: Pour about 2 liters of water directly into the washing machine drum. You want enough water to fill the sump and reach the pump.
- Run a Spin/Drain Cycle: Set the washer to a “Rinse & Spin” or “Drain” only cycle. The weight of the water should force the air out, allowing the pump to catch the water and drain properly.
3. Resolving Samsung Error Code 5E (or 5C)
If your screen flashes Samsung error code 5E (or 5C, SE, nd) immediately after cleaning, the machine is signaling a drainage failure. Since you just cleaned the filter, you might think it’s clear, but debris often hides deeper.
Read more Samsung washing machine 4E error
- Check the Housing: Shine a flashlight into the empty filter housing. Sometimes, a coin, screw, or lint ball gets pushed back behind the filter area and stuck right in front of the drain pump motor impeller.
- Impeller Movement: Use a pencil or screwdriver to gently push the impeller fan blades (located at the back of the filter housing). They should move with a magnetic “bouncy” resistance. If they are stuck solid or spin freely with no resistance, the pump motor may have failed or is jammed.
4. Resetting the Control Board
Modern washing machines are essentially computers. If the washer stored an error code during your maintenance, it might need a control board reset to clear the “memory” of the fault.
The Hard Reset Procedure:
- Turn the washer off.
- Unplug the machine from the wall outlet (or flip the circuit breaker).
- Wait at least 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the electrical capacitors on the control board to fully discharge.
- While unplugged, press and hold the “Power” button for 30 seconds to drain any residual power.
- Plug the washer back in and attempt a cycle.
5. Drain Hose Blockage and Positioning
Sometimes the act of pulling the washer out to clean the filter can kink the drain hose or change its position, leading to a drain hose blockage or a siphoning issue.
Read more Samsung washer won’t turn on
- Check for Kinks: Ensure the hose behind the machine isn’t squashed against the wall.
- Pressure Switch Issues: If the drain hose is pushed too far down into the standpipe (wall drain), it can create a vacuum. This can confuse the pressure switch, which tells the machine water is still present even when it’s not. Ensure the hose is only inserted about 6–8 inches into the standpipe and has an air gap.
Summary Checklist
If your Samsung washer not working after cleaning filter persists, follow this rapid checklist:
- Is the filter cap screwed in tight enough to stop all micro-leaks?
- Have you poured water into the drum to prime the pump and clear an air lock?
- Is the emergency drain tube cap accepted and sealed correctly?
- Did you perform a full power cycle (unplug for 10 mins) to reset the computer?
By systematically checking these components, you can usually resolve the issue without needing a service call. If the pump impeller is physically broken or the motor hums loudly without draining, the drain pump motor itself may need replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t my Samsung washer start even though I just cleaned the filter?
The most common reason is that the filter cap is not tightened perfectly. Samsung washers have sensitive leak sensors in the base. If the filter is slightly loose or cross-threaded, a tiny amount of water can escape, triggering the sensor to lock the door and prevent the cycle from starting to avoid flooding. Ensure the filter handle is perfectly aligned with the locking indicator.
What should I do if the washer makes a humming sound but won’t drain?
This often indicates an “air lock.” When you drain the machine to clean the filter, the pump fills with air. To fix this, you need to prime the pump by pouring about 2 liters of water directly into the washer drum. Then, run a “Rinse & Spin” or “Drain” cycle to force the air out and allow the pump to move water again.
How do I clear the 5E or 5C error code after cleaning the filter?
These codes signal a drainage failure. First, check the filter housing with a flashlight to ensure no small items like coins or lint are stuck near the pump impeller. If the housing is clear, perform a hard reset by unplugging the washer for at least 10 minutes. This clears the control board’s memory and allows the system to recalibrate.
How can I tell if my drain pump motor is actually broken?
With the filter removed, look at the impeller blades at the back of the housing. Use a tool like a screwdriver to gently nudge the blades. They should move with a “bouncy” magnetic resistance. If the blades are stuck, wobbly, or spin freely with no resistance at all, the pump motor may have failed and might require replacement.
