What does 5C mean on a Samsung washer?

5C means: No drain / slow drain error. The most likely parts involved are drain pump assembly, drain pump debris filter, drain hose.

How much does it cost to fix 5C?

A typical drain pump replacement costs about $225–$400 nationally, parts and labor included. This is a reference range, not a quote — local prices vary.

How do I get water out of my Samsung washer when it shows 5C?

Unplug the washer and put towels and a shallow pan down. On many models, you can drain the water through the small drain tube or filter cap behind the lower front access door. Drain slowly, since there may be a lot of water.

How often should I clean the drain filter?

Samsung suggests cleaning the debris filter regularly, and many owners do it every few months. Check your owner's manual for your model. Cleaning it often helps prevent 5C errors.

Error codes › Washer › Samsung

Samsung Washer 5C Error Code

No drain / slow drain error

Applies to: All digital display Front-Load and Top-Load models. May also appear as 5E, nd, SE, SC, 1 5C.

What's going on

The 5C code on a Samsung washer means water is not draining out of the tub fast enough. The usual causes are a clogged debris filter, a kinked or blocked drain hose, or a failing drain pump. Start with the simple checks below, and call a technician if the code keeps coming back.

During the drain part of a cycle, the washer's pump pushes water out through the drain hose. The washer watches the water level. If the water does not drop within a set time, the washer stops and shows 5C.

This code applies to Samsung washers with a digital display, both front-load and top-load models. Some older models may show it as SE or 5E instead. Check your model number and owner's manual to confirm.

The washer stops so it does not keep running with a tub full of water. That protects the pump and lowers the chance of a leak. It is usually not dangerous, but there may still be water inside the drum.

Likely causes

drain pump debris filter — Lint, coins, hair ties, and small socks can collect in the filter and block water from reaching the pump. This is the most common cause and often the easiest to fix.
drain hose — A hose that is kinked, crushed behind the washer, or clogged inside slows or stops the water flow. A hose pushed too far into the standpipe can also cause drain problems.
drain pump assembly — If the pump motor is worn out or jammed, it cannot move water out of the tub. You may hear humming with no draining, or no pump sound at all.

The same code can mean different things on different model generations. Check the model number on your washer's rating plate before ordering parts.

Can you fix it yourself?

Doable for an experienced DIYer with the right part, but many people still call a technician.

Safe things to check first

Unplug the washer or switch off its breaker first. Then power it back on after a minute and run a Rinse+Spin or Drain/Spin cycle to see if the code clears.
Pull the washer out gently and look along the drain hose for kinks, crushed spots, or sharp bends. Straighten any you find.
On models with an access door near the bottom front, unplug the washer and lay towels and a shallow pan on the floor. Slowly open the small drain tube or filter cap to let water out, then remove any debris from the filter. Expect water to spill.
Listen during a drain cycle. A humming sound with no draining can point to a jammed pump. Silence can point to a failed pump.

When to call a technician

Call a qualified appliance technician if the filter and hose are clear and the 5C code still returns, or if the pump hums or makes no sound. A handy owner can replace the drain pump with the correct part for their model, but if you are not comfortable taking off panels, have a technician do it.

What the repair usually costs

$225–$400

Drain pump replacement, parts and labor — national reference range

Confidence: medium (based on 2 cost guides). Plus a service call fee of about $50–$100, often credited toward the repair.

This is not a quote. Prices vary by region and by model.

Repair or replace?

Repair usually makes sense. Even the high end of this repair stays under $500, about half the price of a typical new washer.

A typical new washer costs about $700–$1,300.

Check your washer — free, 2 minutes

Common questions

What does 5C mean on a Samsung washer?: 5C means: No drain / slow drain error. The most likely parts involved are drain pump assembly, drain pump debris filter, drain hose.
How much does it cost to fix 5C?: A typical drain pump replacement costs about $225–$400 nationally, parts and labor included. This is a reference range, not a quote — local prices vary.
Should I repair or replace my washer?: Repair usually makes sense. Even the high end of this repair stays under $500, about half the price of a typical new washer.
Can I fix 5C myself?: Doable for an experienced DIYer with the right part, but many people still call a technician.
How do I get water out of my Samsung washer when it shows 5C?: Unplug the washer and put towels and a shallow pan down. On many models, you can drain the water through the small drain tube or filter cap behind the lower front access door. Drain slowly, since there may be a lot of water.
How often should I clean the drain filter?: Samsung suggests cleaning the debris filter regularly, and many owners do it every few months. Check your owner's manual for your model. Cleaning it often helps prevent 5C errors.