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Samsung Dishwasher Error Code 5C

DIY checks firstReviewed November 2026Checked against manufacturer documentation
What this code means
5C: Drain error: the dishwasher cannot drain the water out

The cycle stops because the water level is not dropping when the machine tries to empty. A blockage in the filters, sump, or drain hose is the usual reason, especially if the problem started after a load with lots of food scraps.

Also shown as: 5E, SC, SE

Fix level
DIY checks first
Start with the checks on this page. Testing or replacing a part is usually a technician job.
Time to run the checks
About 25–50 minutes
For the 5 checks on this page — not a full repair.
You may need
No special tools
The checks below use basic household items only.
Parts that may be involved
Drain pump, Drain hose (+1 more below)
Parts are model-specific; see the note below before ordering.

Common causes

  1. Coarse or fine filter in the tub floor is clogged with food debris
  2. Drain hose is kinked, folded, or blocked
  3. Sink drain or garbage disposal connection is blocked
  4. Something is jammed in the sump or drain pump impeller
  5. Drain pump has failed

What to check, in order

Safety first. Switch the dishwasher off and unplug it (or turn off its breaker) before checking hoses or filters. Expect water in the bottom of the tub and around the filter; keep a tray and towel ready. If you are not comfortable with any step, stop and call a technician.
  1. Remove and rinse the filters in the bottom of the tub, then check the sump opening underneath for debris.
  2. Check the drain hose along its whole run for kinks or a low, sagging loop.
  3. Run the sink tap and, if fitted, the garbage disposal to confirm the sink itself drains freely.
  4. Cancel the cycle to force a drain and listen for the pump running; silence or a loud humming points to a jam or failed pump.
  5. If the filters and hose are clear and it still will not drain, the drain pump likely needs replacing.

Clear the code and test

  1. Fix what the checks above found first — a filter cleaned, a hose straightened, the spray arms freed. Clearing the code without fixing the cause only brings it back.
  2. Close the door, plug the dishwasher back in (or restore its breaker) and make sure the water tap is open.
  3. Run the shortest programme and stay nearby for the first minutes, watching for leaks and listening for the drain pump.
  4. If the programme finishes with no code, the fault is cleared. If the code returns, write down the code and when it appeared before calling a technician — it speeds up the diagnosis.

When to call a professional

Most cases are solved by the checks above. Book a technician if any of these apply:

  • The code comes back after you have run the checks and a test cycle.
  • You smell burning, see sparks or scorch marks, or the breaker trips.
  • Water is leaking and you cannot stop it at the tap.
  • The fix needs panels opened beyond what your manual describes, or a part tested with a meter, and you are not set up for that.

When you call, give the brand, the code 5C, your model number (on a label inside the door or on the back) and the checks you already ran. It shortens the visit.

Parts that may be involved

Drain pumpDrain hoseTub filters

Parts are model-specific. Find your model number first — usually on a label inside the door, on the door frame or on the back — and match the part to that number before ordering.

Questions people ask about 5C

What does 5C mean on a Samsung dishwasher?

5C means: Drain error: the dishwasher cannot drain the water out. The cycle stops because the water level is not dropping when the machine tries to empty. A blockage in the filters, sump, or drain hose is the usual reason, especially if the problem started after a load with lots of food scraps.

Can I fix Samsung 5C myself?

Start yourself: the checks on this page cover the causes you can reach without opening the machine up. If they point to a faulty part, testing or replacing it is usually a technician job.

How do I clear Samsung 5C?

Fix the cause first — clearing the code on its own brings it straight back. Then restore power and water, run the shortest programme, and watch the stage where the code appeared. If the programme finishes with no code, it is cleared.

Sources checked

The meaning and checks for this code were checked against the sources above in November 2026. Codes vary by model and region; if your manual lists a different meaning for your exact model, follow the manual.

Other Samsung dishwasher codes

Samsung 1EClogged filter error on WaterWall models; a low-water or circulation problem on some othersSamsung 3CPump operation error: the wash pump is not running properlySamsung 3EHigh temperature water supply error: the incoming water is too hotSamsung 4CWater supply error: the dishwasher is not filling with waterSamsung 7EWaterWall reflector error: the moving spray bar cannot travel properlySamsung 9ELow water level error: not enough water in the dishwasherSamsung APAccess Point mode: the dishwasher is waiting to connect to a phone or Wi-Fi (not a fault)Samsung CECommunication error between the control boardsSamsung HEHeater error: the water temperature is read incorrectly or runs too hotSamsung LCLeakage error: the leak sensor has detected moistureSamsung OCOver-level water error: there is too much water in the dishwasherSamsung PCZone Wash / dividing valve error: the valve that directs water between zones is not workingSamsung bE2Button error: a button has registered as pressed for too longSamsung tETemperature sensor error