Quick answer: a 5C code (also shown as 5E, SC, SE or nD) means your Samsung washer can’t drain the water in time. In most cases the cause is a clogged drain pump filter or a kinked drain hose, and you can fix it in 10 to 15 minutes with a towel and a shallow pan. If the filter and hose are clear and you hear a hum or no sound at all while it tries to drain, the drain pump is the likely culprit.
Heads-up: after the code appears, Samsung says the buttons may stay locked for about 3 minutes. That’s normal, so wait it out before you start.
What does the 5C error code mean on a Samsung washer?
Samsung lists 5C, 5E, SC, SE, nD and 1 5C as the same “no drain” error: the water isn’t draining at the correct speed, or at all. Older displays show 5E or SE, newer ones 5C or SC. The washer stops the cycle to avoid spinning a drum full of water.
The usual causes, from most to least likely:
- A clogged drain pump filter (lint, coins, hair clips, socks)
- A kinked, crushed or clogged drain hose
- A drain hose installed too deep or too low in the standpipe
- A frozen drain hose if the washer is in a garage or cold basement
- A clogged internal hose between the tub and the pump
- A failed drain pump
- Rarely: the water level sensor or the control board
How to fix the Samsung washer 5C error, step by step
1. Clean the drain pump filter (front load)
This fixes most 5C errors. Have old towels and a shallow baking dish ready, because water will come out.
- Unplug the washer.
- Open the small access door at the bottom front of the washer (press it, or use a coin on some models).
- Pull out the small emergency drain hose, hold it over the dish and remove its cap. Let the water drain; empty the dish as often as needed.
- When no more water comes out, put the cap back on the hose and tuck it in.
- Turn the filter counterclockwise and pull it out. A little more water will come out.
- Remove everything stuck in it and rinse it under warm water. Wipe the opening with a damp cloth and look inside for coins or small objects.
- Screw the filter back in clockwise until it’s tight, close the door and run a Rinse + Spin cycle to test.
Most top-load Samsung washers don’t have a user-accessible filter, so on those, skip to the hose checks.
2. Check the drain hose
- Pull the washer out a little and look for kinks or crushed spots along the whole hose.
- If it goes into a standpipe, don’t push too much hose inside. Samsung’s guidance is no more than about 6 inches (150 mm), and the hose should rise at least about 24 inches (60 cm) above the floor.
- If it connects to a sink drain on a new installation, check that the blanking cap on the drain spigot was removed.
- If the washer is in a cold area, the hose may be frozen. Warm it with a hair dryer or warm (not boiling) water.
3. Clear a clogged drain hose
- Unplug the washer and pull it away from the wall.
- Disconnect the drain hose from the washer (you may need pliers for the clamp) and from the drain.
- Push the clog out with a straightened coat hanger or a wooden dowel, or flush it with water from the other end.
- Reconnect both ends and run Rinse + Spin.
4. Listen to the drain pump
Start a Drain/Spin cycle and listen near the bottom of the washer:
- Normal pump sound but slow draining: there’s still a partial clog in the filter, hose or the hose between the tub and the pump.
- Grinding or rattling: something is stuck in the pump impeller (a coin, a bra wire).
- Humming but no water moving: the impeller is jammed.
- No sound at all: the pump may have failed, or it isn’t getting power.
5. Test the drain pump
This is a moderate repair. Unplug the washer, then reach the pump (from the bottom front panel on most front loaders, or through the back or bottom on top loaders). Take a photo of the wires and hoses before disconnecting anything.
- Check the impeller: it should turn with a little resistance. If it spins loosely, wobbles or is broken, replace the pump.
- Measure the pump motor with a multimeter on ohms. iFixit gives a typical reading of about 12 to 18 ohms for these pumps. “OL” (open) means the pump is dead.
Buying the part: drain pumps vary by model. Search with the model number from the sticker inside the door or on the back of the washer, not by photo.
When the 5C error means something else
If the filter, hoses and pump are all fine, the washer may “think” it hasn’t drained. That points to the water level (pressure) sensor or its small hose, especially if the washer also has trouble filling. The control board is the last thing to suspect, and that’s a good moment to call a technician or Samsung service.
How to reset a Samsung washer after a 5C error
- Unplug the washer, or switch off its circuit breaker.
- Wait 1 minute.
- Plug it back in and run a Drain/Spin or Rinse + Spin cycle.
A reset only clears the message. If the water is still there, the code will come back.
How to prevent the 5C error
- Empty pockets before every wash: coins, hair clips and tissues are the main cause of clogged filters.
- Wash socks, baby clothes and small items in a mesh laundry bag.
- Clean the drain pump filter regularly, and right away if you notice the washer draining more slowly.
- Don’t push the washer tight against the wall, so the hose doesn’t get crushed.
Samsung washer 5C error: frequently asked questions
Is 5C the same as 5E, SC or nD?
Yes. They’re all the “no drain” error. The letters changed between older and newer displays.
Why does my Samsung washer say 5C but the water drains?
It may be draining too slowly, which is usually a partial clog in the filter or the hose. If it really drains well, the water level sensor may be giving a wrong reading.
How much does it cost to fix a 5C error?
Cleaning the filter or the hose is free. If the drain pump has failed, you’ll need a replacement part, and a technician visit adds labor on top. Check the filter first, because that fixes most cases.
Can I drain my Samsung washer manually?
Yes. On front loaders, use the small emergency drain hose behind the access door at the bottom front, as described in step 1.
Other Samsung washer error codes
See the full list of Samsung washer error codes, or jump to the most common ones:
- 4C / 4E / nF: the washer isn’t filling with water.
- UB / UE / U6 / Ur: unbalanced load.
- dC / dE / LO: door not closed and locked.
Sources: Samsung UK support (5E/5C error) and iFixit’s Samsung Washer SC Code guide. Always unplug the washer before opening any panel.