Samsung Washing Machine Filter Stuck? Do This Now

The drain pump filter is an essential part of the washing machine.

Basically, the work of the filter is to protect the pump by filtering the water that drains out from the drum.

However, with time, coins, bra wires, and other small items are trapped in the filter. As a result, the filter may fail to drain properly or get stuck.

So, what do you do when your Samsung washing machine filter is stuck?

In this post we will cover:

• Steps you need to take if the filter is stuck
• Tips to detach the jammed filter
• Common Questions
• And More…

Let’s get started.

Table Of Content

• Unplug the Washing Machine
• Find the Filter
• Remove the Small Hatch or Cover
• Take out the Filter
• Clean the Filter
• Replace the filter
• Things you can do if the filter is jammed
• Final Thoughts
• Frequently Asked Questions

1. Unplug the Washing Machine from the Electrical Outlet

Whether yours is a front-load or a top-load Samsung washing machine, the first thing you do is disable the machine before locating the filter.

Ensure that the position of all buttons is turned to neutral, or you can also hit the “off” button if one is present.

Switch the power off from the wall socket before unplugging your Samsung washing machine.

It is also imperative to place the plug on a dry and safe surface to prevent it from getting wet during the drain pump filter cleaning process.

For front load washing machines, a couple of old and dry towels should be placed at the bottom of the washing machine to soak up the water that might flow once the filter is detached. 

2. Find the Filter

The filter is located on the lower right side of the front-loading washing machines.

And for the Top Loaders, the filter is either located around the Drum OR below the agitator. In some high-efficiency models, the filter is found on the lower right-hand side.

Most newer top-loading washing machine versions have a self-cleaning filter these days so filters are mostly located outside at the bottom right-hand side of the washer.

If the filter is on the lower right-hand side of the washing machine, it is located behind a circular or a small rectangular hatch. 

In case you do not identify the filter, just check the instruction manual.

Also Read: What is Lint Filter?

3. Remove the Small Hatch or Cover

The circular or rectangular covers can easily be detached by pulling from the washing machine, but most front-load Samsung washing machines are covered with small childproof hatches that can be difficult to separate.

However, removing the covers is not as complicated as it sounds.

With the help of thin objects, including coins, keys, or a screwdriver, you can easily pry the small hatch off.

Once the cover is easily taken off, turn it anticlockwise until it can be removed completely.

If yours is an older version of the top load washing machine, you need to take out the agitator before locating the filter.

Take the agitator’s cap off and try to find the wing nut within the shaft using your hand.

Twist the wing nut anticlockwise until it comes out, and remove the agitator from the washing machine.

Once the agitator is out, remove the cover by lifting.

4. Take Out the Filter

Before taking out the front load washing machine filter, prepare a large bowl to collect water from the emergency drain hose.

Pull out the emergency drain hose and let the water flow out until it stops flowing.

Once the flow has stopped, pull the filter out or rotate in a counter-clockwise direction until it comes out.

Typically, filters are firmly secured and tightened to prevent them from leaking. However, pulling them out should not be problematic unless they are stuck. 

If your filter is jammed, consistently move it around to see if it can be manipulated.

In case you experience some difficulty trying to move the filter around, consider holding it with a dry towel to get a better grip.

Twisting should help the filter loosen up the stuck residue and detergents.

In some Samsung washing machines, the hose is directly located in front or next to the filter and might be the reason why the filter is stuck.

If the filter is blocked from coming out by the hose, consider removing the hose first before pulling the filter out.

You should see a layer of wet lint mixed with detergents as you remove the filter. 

If the filter still doesn’t twist, try and tilt your washing machine’s case backward through an angle so that it leans on the wall.

Squeeze your hand into a fist, and knock on the filter a few times. Knocking is done to budge coins, hairpins, and bra wires from the filter to twist it.

Try cleaning the filter through the pump’s hole found on the other side if this doesn’t work.

Doing this requires you to access the snail itself before removing the drainage pump.

This option requires you to know the mentioned areas, and it is not wise to experiment if you are not sure.

If the filter is still stuck and won’t dismantle, do not force it. Instead, seek professional assistance from service technicians.

Also Read: How to Winterize a washing machine?

5. Clean the Filter

Once the filter is out, take time to clean the lint.

When excess detergents mix with lint, they form a residue on the filter.

Use an old but clean towel to wipe the filter’s screen clean.

However, if the deposition is on the thicker side, clean the screen using a small toothbrush to remove the debris.

If the screens are removable, remove and soak them in hot or warm water for approximately ten minutes.

Soaking in hot water eliminates any lingering debris and detergents that the paper could not clear.

If the screens are not removable, remove all residue by holding the filter under running hot water. 

Also Read: How to clean the washing machine filter top loader?

6. Replace the Filter

Before you replace the filter, check for excess dirt and hanging lint inside the washing machine.

If lint is present in the washer’s drum, remove it using a wet sponge or a clean towel.

If the filter is on the lower right-hand side of your Samsung washing machine, ensure the drainage hose is also inspected and all the lint is removed.

Shortly after the filter is dry and free of dirt and residue, slide it back into the washing machine before securing the cap for front load washing machines.

For top load washing machines, replace the agitator and secure its cap using the wing nut to enclose the filter.

Before you resume with your regular washes, run the empty washer to test for leaks.

If the machine is leaking, it’s possible that the filter or hose is not fitted correctly and needs to be checked.

Also Read: Why Is Front Load Washer Leaving a black mark on clothes?

Things you can do if the filter is jammed

If the filter is Jammed or stuck you can try the below workaround.

• Try to push the button hard and see if you hear a click sound. If you hear the click sound, it’s a good sign. But do not break the socket, you should be able to sense the breaking point once you press the filter hard.
• If the hard press does not work, try using a screwdriver along with hard pressing the filter and try to pull the filter outwards.
• As a last resort, you can use big pliers and push the filter and see if that works.
• If nothing works, don’t break the filter socket, instead, try reaching out to the service center.

Also Read: How to Descale a washing machine?

Final Thoughts

A Jammed or stuck filter can have several underlying causes. It can be anything from the accumulation of lint to a damaged socket.

If the filters are stuck, it’s always a good practice to clean the filter while it is attached so that the deposits of lint and debris can clear off and loosens the filter.

If nothing works, consult a professional as there are chances that you may damage the socket holding the filters.

If the filters are broken, they can be replaced but if you damage the sockets holding the filter, it can lead to huge repair costs.

Also Read: Do Washing Machines have concrete in them?

Frequently Asked Questions

Some Common Questions that are asked frequently and may be helpful.