Like stubbing a toe or running out of hot water halfway through the shower, a washing machine that isn’t draining is an inconvenience that can ruin your morning.
Luck for you, an Nd error will usually clear after you clean the debris filter and drain hose. You can drain the water out of your washer in a few simple steps.
However, if the root cause is a defective drain pump, cleaning won’t fix the issue. You must replace the component to fix the draining problem.
Here, we’re going to delve into the most common causes of an Nd error. We will also show you how to troubleshoot the issues with our step-by-step guide.
What does the Samsung washer Nd code mean?
On a Samsung washing machine, an Nd error code means No Drain. It appears when the washer detects a drainage problem, which could be caused by an obstruction in the drain pump or the drain hose.
If your washer is beeping and displaying an Nd error, it could also indicate a faulty drain pump.
How to Fix Samsung Washer Nd Code
Removing obstructions in the debris filter and drain hose can clear a Samsung washer Nd code. However, if the error is caused by a faulty drain pump, you must replace the defective component to resolve the issue.
Below, we will walk you through all the steps for troubleshooting an Nd error. Go over the list of possible issues and inspect your washer to determine the underlying cause.
| Causes | Solutions |
| Clogged Debris Filter | • Turn off the washer, and unplug its cord. • Open the debris filter cover. Place a towel under it to absorb accidental spills and prevent damage to your flooring. • Grab the drain hose and take off its cap. Drain the water into a small container until it is full. • Close the cap and dump the water in the container. Then, repeat the process until it stops draining. • Reinstall the cap and push the hose back inside. • Rotate the debris filter counterclockwise and pull it out to remove it. Remove any obstructions on the filter and housing. • Use a soft brush to scrub it clean and rinse it under running water. • Insert the filter into the housing and rotate it clockwise until it’s installed securely. • Close the access cover. |
| Clogged Drain Hose | • Unplug the washer, and turn off its water supply. Empty the drum so it’s easier to move the washer around. • Locate the drain hose and disconnect it from the washer. Pull out the other end of the drain hose. • Use a fish wire, a hanger, or other tools to remove any obstructions in the drain hose. • Reinstall the drain hose. • Plug in the washer and turn it on. Run a cycle and check if the error is resolved. |
| Incorrect Drain Hose Installation | Front-Load Washers: • Over the sink: Mount the drain hose at least 60 cm above the floor. Keep its spout bent using the supplied plastic hose. • Secure the hose to the wall using a hook to promote steady drainage. Or, tie the spout to the tap with a spring. • On a sink drain pipe branch: Install the drain pipe branch above the sink siphon. Keep the end of the hose at least 60 cm above the floor. • On a standpipe: Attach the end of the hose to a vertical standpipe, measuring 60 cm to 90 cm in length. • Insert the hose about six to eight inches into the standpipe. |
| Top-Load Washers: • Pinch the joint ring and slide it out of the way. Use pliers if necessary. • Grab the rubber part of the hose. Twist and pull until it disconnects from the drain outlet. • Reinstall the hose. Wiggle it back and forth until it is fully attached. • Pinch the joint ring and slide it down to secure the connection. Then, adjust the length of the hose if needed. • Check the hose for kinks and bent areas. If you find any, straighten them out. • Reinsert the other end of the hose to your drain system. | |
| Faulty Drain Pump | Front-Load Washer: • Unplug the washer, and disconnect the water supply hoses. Empty the drum before tilting the unit on its left side. • Unthread the screws on the bottom panel. Remove it, and set it aside. • Undo the plastic tie clip on the drain hose. Use pliers to remove the jubilee clips on the hose. • Place a towel underneath the hose to soak up any excess water. Then, disconnect the hose. • Open the access cover to the debris filter. Gently pull it off to remove it. • Insert a flat-blade screwdriver into the seam of the cover and pull it out of the way. • Unthread the two screws securing the filter housing. • Open the drain pump cover, and unplug its electrical connectors. • Push the jubilee clips on the black hoses and slide them out of the way. Then, disconnect the hoses. • Open the circulation pump, and disconnect the wire. • Unthread the screws mounting the drain pump. • Check if the new pump has a black seal. If it doesn’t, transfer the seal from the old pump to the new one. • Align the new pump into the housing and mount it in place using the screws. • Open the circulation pump. Plug the electrical connectors before closing the cover. • Refit the black hoses using the jubilee connectors. • Push the emergency drain hose through the tiny compartment. • Align the filter housing and push it in to secure it. • Reattach the screws on the filter housing. Push the filter cover until it clicks into place. • Reinstall the access cover. Push the emergency drain hose back in and close the cover. • Reconnect the drain hose to the filter housing, and secure it using the jubilee clip. • Redo the plastic tie clip on the hose. Refit the bottom panel. • Carefully lift the washer back in an upright position. • Plug the washer back in and reconnect it to the water supply. • Check if the error is resolved. |
| Top-Load Washer: • Unplug the washer, and turn off its water supply. • Empty the drum and tape the lid shut before tipping the washer on its back. • Locate the drain pump under the washer. Pull on the edges of its cover to remove it. • Disconnect the electrical connectors. • Press the clamp on the hose and slide it off the drain pump assembly. Then, disconnect the hoses. • Use a wrench to remove the two bolts mounting the pump. • Take a photo of the pump for reference. Use it during the reassembly process. • Unthread the four screws on the drain pump housing and remove the bracket. • Clean the housing before installing the new component. • Use your photo reference. Align the new pump in its housing and push it in place. • Reinstall the screws on the drain pump and the bracket. Make sure the shortest one goes right next to the drain fitting. • Mount the pump on the washer. Then, reconnect the hoses and slide the clamp back in place. • Reconnect the electrical connectors. reinstall the drain pump cover. • Lift the washer back in an upright position. • Plug the washer back in and turn on the water supply. Test if it is draining properly. |
Clogged Debris Filter
All the dirt from your laundry has to go somewhere, which means it can accumulate in your washer if you don’t clean it regularly. Dirt can build up in the debris filter and trigger a No Drain error.
Located at the bottom corner of your Samsung front-load washer, the debris filter protects the pump from lint, loose hair, and other foreign objects. It is accessible and easy to clean.
A dirty filter will affect the cleaning performance of your washer. You may notice lint or detergent residue build up on your clothes after washing.
Solution: To clean a debris filter on a Samsung washer, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Turn off the washer, and unplug its cord.
If the Nd code appeared during a hot cycle, let the water cool down for approximately an hour before draining it.
- Step 2: Open the access cover on the bottom corner of the washer.
- Step 3: Place a towel underneath the cover to absorb accidental spills and protect your floors from water damage.
- Step 4: Pull out the drain hose and remove its cap. Then, drain the water into a small container.
If the container fills with water, put the cap back on and empty the dish. Repeat the process until the water stops draining.
- Step 5: Reinstall the cap and push the hose back in.
- Step 6: Rotate the debris filter counterclockwise and pull it out to remove it.
- Step 7: Remove any visible obstructions (e.g. coins, clips, and buttons) on the filter and on the housing.
- Step 8: Gently scrub the filter with a soft brush and rinse it under running water.
- Step 9: Insert the filter into the housing and rotate it clockwise to secure it.
- Step 10: Close the access cover.
| Tips: • Empty the pockets of your clothes before adding them to the washer to prevent loose items like clips, coins, and buttons from getting trapped in the filter. • Clean the debris filter after 30 to 40 washes. For most households, that’s approximately every two to three months. • If you have a large household, and you use the washer almost daily, clean the debris filter frequently. |
Blocked Drain Hose
Aside from the debris filter, you need to clean the drain hose regularly to prevent blockages. Lint, dirt, and other large foreign items may get lodged into the hose and prevent your washer from draining water.
Some obstructions are easier to remove than others. If the clog is located near the opening of the hose, you can simply pull them out using your hand or pliers.
However, if the clog is beyond the opening of the hose, you may use tools like a fish wire to push it out of the other end.
Solution: To clean a blocked drain hose on a Samsung washer, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Turn off the washing machine, and unplug it.
- Step 2: Remove the laundry inside the drum.
- Step 3: Move the washer around to access the back.
- Step 4: Locate the drain hose, and check for kinks, crimps, and bent areas.
Straighten out any kinks on the hose. If it has tears or holes, replace it immediately.
- Step 5: Disconnect both ends of the drain hose. Run water through it to confirm that it is blocked.
- Step 6: Use a fish wire to push obstructions to the other end of the hose.
- Step 7: Reinstall the drain hose once it’s clear of any clogs.
- Step 8: Plug in the washer and turn it on.
- Step 9: Run a cycle and check if the error is resolved.
Incorrect Drain Hose Installation
No matter what Samsung washer model you own, loose connections can lead to drainage issues, as well as water leakages.
If your hose has no visible signs of damage, you just have to reinstall it correctly to resolve the Nd error.
We have a general guide for drain hose installation. However, the process may vary per washing machine model, so it’s best to check your user manual for the exact steps.
Front-Load Washer
There are different ways to install a drain hose on a Samsung front-load washer. Whether you choose to drain over the sink, on a drain pipe branch, or on a standpipe, it should only take a few steps.
Solution: Select your preferred drainage method: over the sink, on a sink drain pipe branch, or on a standpipe. Always unplug the washer and turn off its water supply before reinstalling the drain hose.
- Over the sink: Install the drain hose at least 60 cm above the floor. Use the supplied plastic hose guide to keep its spout bent.
Mount the guide to the wall using a hook to promote steady drainage. Or, use a string to tie the spout to the tap on the sink.
- On a sink drain pipe branch: Keep the drain pipe branch above the sink siphon. The end of the hose must be at least 60 cm above the floor.
- On a standpipe: Connect the hose to a vertical standpipe, measuring about 60 cm to 90 cm long. It should not be shorter or longer than the recommended length.
Insert the hose about six to eight inches into the standpipe. Never install it too low or too deep into the pipe to prevent siphoning, which fills the tub with drain water and makes your washer smell like sewage.
| Tips: • Attach the hose to a vertical standpipe about 60 cm to 90 cm long. • Insert the hose about 6 cm to 8 cm into the standpipe. • Make sure the hose doesn’t form an airtight connection. • Straighten any kinks and bent areas. |
Top-Load Washer
Some Samsung top-load washers use a joint ring to secure the drain hose. You must slide it out of the way to disconnect and reconnect the hose.
Loosening the joint ring can be quite tricky. If it’s too hard to pinch with your bare hands, you can use pliers.
Solution: To install the drain hose on a top-load washer, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Pinch the joint ring and slide it out of the way.
- Step 2: Grab the rubber part of the hose. Twist it while pulling it back to disconnect it from the drain outlet.
- Step 3: Insert the rubber end over the drain outlet. Wiggle it back and forth until it is fully attached.
- Step 4: Pinch the joint ring and slide it down to secure the connection. Then, adjust the length of the hose if needed.
- Step 5: Check the hose for kinks and bent areas. If you find any, straighten them out.
- Step 6: Reinsert the other end of the hose into your drain system.
| Tips: • Don’t submerge the end of the hose in water. • Don’t install the hose below the drain outlet’s floor level. • Never position the middle part of the hose higher than the ends. • Keep the length of the hose under 3m if it has no barrier. |
Faulty Drain Pump
If you find no obstructions in the debris filter and the hose, but your washer isn’t draining at all, you most likely have a defective drain pump. You can no longer repair it, but you can replace it.
You must order the replacement part by looking up the model number on the tag of your washer. Although this fix is usually performed by professionals, it is possible to do it on your own with the right tools and instructions.
Whether you have a front-load or top-load model, the drain pump can be accessed from the bottom of your Samsung washer. Thus, you must manually drain the water out before tilting it back or sideways to access the pump underneath.
Front-Load Washer
The drain pump on a front-load washer is mounted in the same area as the debris filter, which makes it a lot easier to locate.
When you tilt the washer to access the bottom panel, the side where the filter is located must lay flat on the floor. Make sure you do this correctly to prevent accidental spills on other components of your washing machine.
Solution: To replace a drain pump on a Samsung Ecobubble washer, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Unplug the washer, and turn off the water supply. Then, disconnect the supply hoses.
- Step 2: Drain the water inside the tub using the emergency drain hose on the bottom corner of the washer.
- Step 3: Carefully tilt the washing machine on its left side, where the filter is located.
- Step 4: Unthread the screws on the bottom panel. Remove the panel and set it aside.
- Step 5: Remove the plastic tie clip on the drain hose.
- Step 6: Use pliers to remove the jubilee clips on the hose.
- Step 7: Place a towel underneath the hose to soak up any excess water. Then, disconnect the hose.
- Step 8: Open up the access cover to the debris filter on the front of the washer. Gently pull it off to remove it.
- Step 9: Insert a flat-blade screwdriver into the seam of the cover and pull it out of the way.
- Step 10: Unthread the two screws securing the filter housing.
- Step 11: Open the drain pump cover, and unplug its electrical connectors.
- Step 12: Push the jubilee clips on the black hoses and slide them out of the way. Then, disconnect the hoses.
- Step 13: Open the circulation pump, and disconnect the wire.
- Step 14: Unthread the screws mounting the drain pump.
- Step 15: Check if the new pump has a black seal. If it doesn’t, transfer the seal from the old pump to the new one.
- Step 16: Align the new pump into the housing and mount it in place using the screws.
- Step 17: Open the circulation pump. Plug the electrical connectors before closing the cover.
- Step 18: Refit the black hoses using the jubilee connectors.
- Step 19: Push the emergency drain hose through the tiny compartment.
- Step 20: Align the filter housing and push it in to secure it.
- Step 21: Reattach the screws on the filter housing.
- Step 22: Push the filter cover until it clicks into place.
- Step 23: Reinstall the access cover. Push the emergency drain hose back in and close the cover.
- Step 24: Reconnect the drain hose to the filter housing, and secure it using the jubilee clip.
- Step 25: Redo the plastic tie clip on the hose.
- Step 26: Refit the bottom panel.
- Step 27: Carefully lift the washer back in an upright position.
- Step 28: Plug the washer back in and reconnect it to the water supply.
- Step 29: Check if the Nd error is resolved.
Top-Load Washers
Top-load models don’t have a debris filter. Thus, the drain pump is only mounted under the washer unlike in front-load units, which require you to unmount it from the filter compartment.
Although the process requires fewer steps, it’s still a complicated fix. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully to prevent the error from recurring and other potential issues.
Solution: To replace a faulty drain pump on a Samsung top-load washer, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Unplug the washer, and turn off the water supply. Then, disconnect the supply hoses.
- Step 2: Empty the drum before taping the lid shut.
- Step 3: Carefully lay the washer on its back.
- Step 4: Locate the drain pump.
- Step 5: Pull on the edges of the cover to remove it.
- Step 6: Remove the electrical connectors.
- Step 7: Press the clamps on the hose and slide it off the drain pump assembly. Then, disconnect the hoses.
- Step 8: Use a wrench to remove the two bolts mounting the pump.
- Step 9: Take a photo of the pump for reference. This makes it easier for you to reassemble the pump later.
- Step 10: Unthread the four screws on the drain pump housing and remove the bracket. Take note that the shortest one goes right next to the drain fitting.
- Step 11: Clean the housing before installing the new component.
- Step 12: Align the new pump in its housing and push it in place. Open your reference photo to make sure the pump is installed in the correct orientation.
- Step 13: Reinstall the four screws on the drain pump and the bracket. Make sure to install the shortest screw close to the drain fitting.
- Step 14: Insert the mounting bolt through the bracket, and align the pump on the frame. Thread the bolt by hand before tightening it with a wrench.
- Step 15: Reconnect the hoses and slide the clamps back in place.
- Step 16: Plug the electrical connectors into either terminal.
- Step 17: Align the drain pump cover and push it in place.
- Step 18: Carefully lift the washer back in an upright position.
- Step 19: Plug the washer back in and turn on the water supply.
- Step 20: Check if it is draining properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
An Nd code on a Samsung washing machine indicates a No Drain error, which is usually caused by a clog in the drain hose or the debris filter. It can also be caused by a defective drain pump.
You can fix an Nd error code on a Samsung washer without professional help. Even with a few tools and limited repair knowledge, you can troubleshoot the drainage issues causing the Nd error.
In most cases, you just have to clean the debris filter or the drain hose to resolve the error. It should take about 10 minutes or less.
If the drain pump is malfunctioning, a replacement is necessary. Compared to cleaning obstructions, replacing a faulty component requires a more complicated fix, but it’s not impossible to do—even for you.
To prevent the most common washing machine errors, run a cleaning cycle every month or as soon as the Self-Clean indicator light starts blinking.
Every six weeks or so, clean the filters and hoses to avoid a variety of draining issues that may result in an Nd or 5c error code. In doing so, you can ensure the correct and prolonged operation of your Samsung washer.
