Home > Error Codes > Samsung Washer > 5C
Samsung Washer Error Code 5C
The washer is not draining water.
Also shown as: 5E, nd, SC, SE, 1 5C Last verified: 2026-10-30
Most likely causes, in order
| Cause | How common |
|---|---|
| A clogged debris (pump) filter — lint, coins, hairpins and small objects | Most common |
| A kinked, squashed or frozen drain hose | Common |
| A drain hose pushed too far down, or sitting lower than the washer base, so water siphons or cannot pump out | Common |
| A blocked household drain or standpipe | Less common |
| A failed drain pump | Least common — service job |
What to try, easiest first
- Switch the washer off. If there is standing water, bail or towel out what you can first and keep towels on the floor.
- Find the debris filter (front-load: small flap at the bottom front; top-load: check your manual) and open it slowly with a shallow tray underneath.
- Remove lint and objects, rinse the filter, and check the pump impeller behind it turns freely by hand.
- Straighten the drain hose end to end, confirm it is not frozen, and confirm its outlet end sits at the height your manual requires — not lying on the floor.
- Close the filter, run a Spin Only / Drain cycle, and watch whether water now leaves. If the pump hums but nothing moves, book service.
Reset procedure
Soft reset (first try): press Power to switch the washer off, wait about 2–3 minutes, switch it back on and restart the cycle. If the code was a one-off sensor glitch, it often clears here.
Hard reset: switch the washer off, unplug it from the wall outlet (or switch its breaker off) for 2–3 minutes, plug it back in and restart. Never open a panel or touch wiring while it is plugged in.
When to call a technician
Call a technician if the pump makes no sound at all, hums without moving water after the filter and hose are clear, or water leaks from the pump area.
Difficulty, time and cost
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Typical DIY time | 20–40 minutes (editorial estimate, not a quoted time) |
| Part / job cost | $40–$110 for the drain pump part alone. Part-only range from the part-cost guide; a professional pump job is typically $180–$360 in the Orange County price survey — get a local quote. Prices vary by model and area — treat every figure as an estimate, not a quote. |
Model notes and limits
Current models show 5C; older models show 5E or nd, and some displays render the same code as SC or SE — the letter shapes look alike on a small display. Front-load filter access differs from top-load; check your manual.
Front-load and top-load models, AddWash/FlexWash models, and US versus UK displays can show the same fault differently. Always confirm against the manual for your exact model number (on the label inside the door or lid, or on the back of the washer) before ordering a part.
Related codes
Frequently asked questions
Where is the debris filter on my washer?
On front-load models it is behind a small flap at the bottom front. On top-load models the location varies — check the manual for your exact model number.
The washer drained fine last week. What changed?
Usually one wash shed enough lint, or one small object reached the pump. Clean the filter first before assuming the pump has failed.
Can I force the door open with water still inside?
No. Drain first with a Spin Only cycle or the emergency drain hose if your model has one. Forcing a locked door can flood the floor and damage the lock.
Sources
- Samsung Support — Information codes on a Samsung washing machine — https://www.samsung.com/sg/support/home-appliances/check-out-the-information-codes-on-my-washing-machine/ (checked 2026-10-30)
- Solo Appliance Repair — Samsung washer error code list — https://soloappliancerepair.com/comprehensive-guide-to-samsung-washing-machine-error-codes/ (checked 2026-10-30)
- FixCodeGuides — Samsung washer error codes — https://fixcodeguides.com/samsung-washer-error-codes (checked 2026-10-30)