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Samsung Dishwasher Error Code 5C

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 10, 2026
⚠ High Severity 🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Also shown as: 5E

Drain failure — water not draining from dishwasher

The most common cause of the 5C error on a Samsung dishwasher is debris blocking the drain filter and sump area (~45% of cases); start with: clean the drain filter.

💰 DIY cost: $0–$100 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $150–$280 Save $150+ by doing it yourself
Samsung Dishwasher error code 5C on the display panel
How the 5C code appears on a Samsung dishwasher display

What Does Error Code 5C Mean on a Samsung Dishwasher?

Drain failure — water not draining from dishwasher.

The dishwasher cannot drain within the expected time. Water will remain standing in the bottom of the tub. This usually means the drain pump is blocked or the drain hose is kinked.

What Causes Error Code 5C?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

  1. 1
    Debris blocking the drain filter and sump area 45% of cases
  2. 2
    Kinked or clogged drain hose 25% of cases
  3. 3
    Failed drain pump motor 20% of cases
  4. 4
    Blocked sink drain or garbage disposal knockout plug not removed 10% of cases

How to Fix Samsung Dishwasher Error Code 5C

🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Est. time: 30–60 min
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Clean the drain filter

    Remove the bottom rack. Unscrew the cylindrical drain filter (turn counterclockwise), lift out the flat filter underneath, and rinse both under running water. This should be cleaned monthly.

  2. 2

    Check the drain hose

    Trace the drain hose from the back of the dishwasher to the sink drain/garbage disposal. Make sure it has a high loop (up to the underside of the counter) and is not kinked.

  3. 3

    Check garbage disposal

    If connected to a garbage disposal, run the disposal before starting the dishwasher. Also confirm the knockout plug was removed when the disposal was installed.

  4. 4

    Test the drain pump

    If filter and hose are clear, the pump may have failed. You should hear it running when the dishwasher attempts to drain. No sound = possible pump failure.

    🔩 Samsung dishwasher drain pump ($50–$100)
    ⚠️ Unplug before accessing the pump.

How to Reset Error Code 5C

After clearing the blockage, run a rinse cycle. The code clears once a complete drain cycle succeeds.

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

Full Samsung dishwasher reset guide → Enter diagnostic mode → Symptom guide: Dishwasher not draining →

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

Call a pro if the drain filter and hose are clean but the pump is not running — the pump motor or wiring needs testing.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $150–$280

Related Error Codes

LC
Leak sensor activated — water detected at base of dishwasher
⚠ High Severity

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your Samsung Dishwasher:

🔩
Search PartSelect
Samsung Dishwasher repair parts
🔧
Search RepairClinic
Step-by-step video guides

External links — ApplianceErrors.com is not affiliated with these retailers.

More Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes

3C Wash motor error — circulation pump failure HE Heater error — water not heating tE Temperature sensor failure — NTC thermistor fault 7E Water wall reflector error — water wall sensor blocked 1E Water inlet sensor failure bE2 Button error — control panel button shorted

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Samsung Dishwasher when error 5C appears? +
It is not advisable. The dishwasher may still power on, but running it while 5C is active can worsen the drainage fault or damage related parts. Treat it as a soon-as-possible repair.
What most commonly causes 5C on a Samsung Dishwasher? +
Across reported Samsung dishwasher repairs, the most frequent is debris blocking the drain filter and sump area (45% of cases), kinked or clogged drain hose (25%), then failed drain pump motor (20%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
5C keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored 5C fault; if it returns, the drainage problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — clean the drain filter, then check the drain hose — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a moderate job — a multimeter and some disassembly are usually involved.
How much does it cost to fix Samsung Dishwasher error 5C? +
A DIY repair typically runs $0–$100 in parts, versus $150–$280 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $150. Expect the work to take roughly 30–60 minutes.

Sources & References

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 10, 2026.

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