Does a Samsung washer have a filter that needs to be cleaned?
Yes. The Samsung WV55M9600AV washer has filters that need routine cleaning: a pump filter behind the lower washer’s filter cover and a lint filter in the upper washer tub. Keeping these clean helps prevent drain problems, odors, and error codes.
According to the WV55M9600AV documentation, you will typically find these serviceable filters:
- Lower washer: filter cover with a pump filter and an emergency drain tube (bottom front area)
- Upper washer: lint filter located in the tub (removes lint and small debris)
For diagrams and the exact locations on your unit, use the WV55M9600AV owner's manual.
Cleaning frequency depends on load type (pet hair, towels, small items) and detergent use, but these intervals work well for most homes:
- Upper washer lint filter: clean every 10 washes
- Lower washer pump filter: check and clean monthly, or sooner if you notice slow draining
- Clean sooner if you see standing water, musty odor, or repeated drain-related codes
The manual recommends cleaning the lint filter regularly. In general, the process is:
- Remove the lint filter from its filter case in the upper washer tub
- Open the filter and rinse it under running water
- Use a soft brush to remove buildup
- Close it and reinstall until it clicks into place
Before opening the pump filter, plan for water release.
- Power the washer off; unplug if you will be working near water
- Place a shallow pan and towels under the filter area
- Use the emergency drain tube to drain residual water first
- Unscrew and clean the pump filter; remove coins, lint, and debris
- Reinstall the filter securely and close the filter cover
A clogged filter restricts water flow. That can cause slow draining, poor spin performance, leaks at the door boot area, and drain-related information codes.
| Symptom | Filter to check first | What you’ll often find |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t drain or drains slowly | Lower pump filter | Coins, lint, small socks |
| Lint on clothes (upper washer loads) | Upper lint filter | Fabric lint, hair |
| Drain-related code (example: 5C) | Lower pump filter | Debris blocking the impeller |
If you need replacement parts while servicing the filter area, we stock common items for this model such as the washer drain hose DC97-12534K, and you can also search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the life expectancy of a Samsung washing machine?
Most Samsung washers, including the Samsung WV55M9600AV front-load washer, typically last 10 to 14 years with normal household use. Lifespan depends most on load size, installation (leveling), water quality, and routine cleaning; following the care steps in the owner's manual helps you get the full service life.
- Overloading (stresses the tub, bearings, and suspension)
- Poor leveling (increases vibration and wear on shocks and springs)
- Drain issues (coins, lint, and debris overwork the pump)
- Hard water and detergent buildup (can cause odors and residue)
- Skipping tub-clean cycles (biofilm buildup in front-load designs)
- Run Self Clean+ on the schedule recommended in the owner's manual.
- Use HE detergent and measure carefully; too much soap leaves residue.
- Leave the door slightly open between loads so the boot and tub can dry.
- Check pockets and use a mesh bag for small items to reduce drain clogs.
- If the washer shakes, re-level it; worn suspension parts can also cause vibration.
| Symptom | Most likely area | What you may notice |
|---|---|---|
| Banging or walking in spin | Suspension | Tub hits cabinet, loud thumping |
| Musty smell | Door boot and tub | Odor after sitting closed |
| Won’t drain or drains slowly | Drain system | Water left in drum, longer cycles |
| No fill or slow fill | Water inlet | Long fill times, fill-related codes |
If you’re troubleshooting vibration, draining, or filling problems, we stock common WV55M9600AV parts such as the Samsung washer shock absorber DC66-00470B, washer drain pump motor DC31-00178D, and Samsung washer water inlet valve DC33-01002A. You can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect if you need a different replacement part.
A washer that is cleaned, leveled, and not overloaded usually reaches its full 10 to 14 year lifespan with fewer breakdowns. Preventive care also protects high-cost assemblies like the tub and motor.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common problem with Samsung washing machines?
The most common problem we see with Samsung washers like model WV55M9600AV is a spin cycle issue: the washer won’t spin out properly, shakes excessively, or stops with wet clothes. The usual causes are an unbalanced load, drainage restrictions, or worn suspension components.
- Redistribute the load; wash bulky items (blankets, towels) in smaller batches.
- Confirm the washer is level and solid on the floor; re-level the feet if it rocks.
- Use the correct cycle and spin speed for the fabric type.
- Reduce detergent if you see heavy suds; oversudsing can interrupt spinning.
- If the washer pauses and shows an information code, follow the code guidance in the WV55M9600AV owner's manual.
If the tub still has water, the washer often will not go into a full-speed spin.
Common signs:
- Water remains in the drum at the end of the cycle
- You hear a hum but little or no draining
- The cycle ends with very wet clothes
Parts that commonly relate to draining on this model:
| Symptom | What to check first | Part that may be involved |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t drain or drains slowly | Drain path and pump filter area | Washer drain pump motor DC31-00178D |
| Leaks at the back/tub area | Hose routing and clamps | Washer drain hose DC97-12534K |
If the washer bangs, walks, or shakes hard during spin (especially with normal-sized loads), the suspension system is usually the root cause.
What we look for:
- Repeated out-of-balance events even after redistributing laundry
- Loud thumping during ramp-up to spin
- Excessive tub movement by hand (with power off)
Common suspension-related replacement parts for this model include shock absorbers (DC66-00470B, DC66-00470A) and the suspension spring (DC61-01257N).
A washer that cannot drain or stabilize the tub will protect itself by reducing or canceling high-speed spin. Fixing the underlying drain restriction or suspension wear prevents repeat wet-load complaints and helps protect the tub, door, and control system.
For step-by-step diagnostics and any displayed information codes, use the Samsung wi-fi front load washer error codes reference and the troubleshooting section in the WV55M9600AV owner's manual. You can order replacement parts for WV55M9600AV from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





