How to Clean a Front-Load Washer Drain Pump Filter

Clothes come out wetter than usual, the cycle runs longer than it should, or the washer starts vibrating and making noise. A clogged drain pump filter can cause all of these, and cleaning it is a short job. Samsung recommends cleaning the pump filter at least once per month or approximately every 40 washes. This guide follows Samsung's own steps for front-load washers, in the order that keeps the water where it belongs.

Summary

The drain pump filter sits behind a small access door on the front of a front-load washer. It catches lint, hair, coins, and hairclips before they reach the pump. When it clogs, the washer may not drain properly. Clean it at least once a month or about every 40 washes: open the access door, drain the remaining water through the emergency hose, twist the filter counterclockwise to remove it, brush off the debris, and reinsert it until it is tight. The sections below explain what the filter does, the full steps, and the signs that it needs cleaning now.

Front-Load Washer Cleaning Schedule

The table shows the routine in Samsung's cleaning guide for washers sold in Canada. The filter is the only part that needs the emergency hose, so it gets its own steps below. Frequency and access steps can vary by model and market, so check your model's manual and use the shortest interval that fits your household.

What the Filter Does

The drain pump pushes water out of the drum so it can drain away. According to Samsung, the drain pump filter protects the pump by filtering the water that drains out from the drum. Over time, lint builds up in the filter, and small items such as coins, hairclips, or hair can become trapped in it.

If the filter is clogged, the washer may not drain properly. Clothes can be wet when the cycle ends, and the cycle can take longer than expected. The washer might also not spin properly, or it might be noisy or vibrate excessively. This guide covers front-load washers with a removable pump filter. If your machine is a top-loader, check your manual first, since the layout differs.

Clean the Drain Pump Filter

Turn the washer off. If the washer recently ran a hot cycle, allow time for the water to cool before draining. Place a towel on the floor in front of the washer and have a shallow dish ready nearby.

Locate the small access door on the front of the washer. Press firmly on the door, or use a coin to open it, depending on your model. Pull out the emergency drain hose and position the spout over the dish. Remove the cap and let the water flow out until it stops. There may be more water than the dish holds, so cap the hose, empty the dish, and repeat until the hose runs dry. Replace the cap on the emergency hose and put it back in position.

Rotate the drain filter counterclockwise to remove it from the housing. Do not force it. If it will not release, check your manual. Remove any debris from the filter and wash it in warm water. A soft brush helps with lint caught in the mesh. Wipe the filter recess with a damp cloth.

Replace the drain pump filter and rotate it clockwise to lock it in place. Samsung advises reinserting the filter and securing it tightly. A filter that is not closed properly can leak, so check that it sits tight. Close the access door.

Signs the Filter Needs Cleaning Now

Do not wait for the monthly routine if the washer starts draining poorly. Wet clothes at the end of a cycle, a cycle that runs much longer than usual, a drum that will not spin properly, or new noise and vibration can all point to the filter. In each case, clean the filter before you assume the pump itself has failed.

If the symptoms continue after cleaning, see your model's manual or contact the manufacturer's support, since a clog is only one possible cause.

Choosing Order

1. Drain the remaining water through the emergency hose before you touch the filter. Skipping this step lets the water trapped behind the filter spill across the floor.
2. Remove the filter counterclockwise, brush off the lint, rinse it, and wipe the recess.
3. Refit the filter clockwise until it is tight, replace the hose cap, and close the access door. Check the floor for leaks on the next cycle.

Before You Clean

• Turn the washer off and let hot water cool before you drain anything.
• Keep a towel and a shallow dish ready. The emergency hose can hold more water than the dish, so be ready to cap it, empty the dish, and drain again.
• Use only a soft brush or cloth on the filter, to avoid damaging the mesh.
• If the steps above do not match your washer, refer to your user manual for model-specific instructions. Filter location, access method, and removal steps vary by model and brand.
• See official site for your model's manual if the access door or the emergency hose looks different from the steps above.

Sources

• Samsung Canada, How to clean your Samsung washer
• Samsung Ireland, How do I clean the debris filter in my front loading Samsung washing machine?