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Samsung Dishwasher Error Code C5

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 11, 2026
⚠ Medium Severity 🔧🔧 Moderate DIY

Drain-related sensor fault — drainage not confirmed by the water level sensor

The most common cause of the C5 error on a Samsung dishwasher is clogged drain filter or sump (~40% of cases); start with: clean filters and sump.

💰 DIY cost: $0–$70 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $140–$270 Save $140+ by doing it yourself
Samsung Dishwasher error code C5 on the display panel
How the C5 code appears on a Samsung dishwasher display

What Does Error Code C5 Mean on a Samsung Dishwasher?

Drain-related sensor fault — drainage not confirmed by the water level sensor.

C5 on Samsung dishwashers (notably Waterwall and some DW80 series) flags a drainage/level-sensing inconsistency: the level sensor still sees water after the drain phase. It overlaps heavily with 5C in cause — check drainage first, sensor second.

What Causes Error Code C5?

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

  1. 1
    Clogged drain filter or sump 40% of cases
  2. 2
    Drain hose kinked or air-gap/disposal port blocked 30% of cases
  3. 3
    Drain pump weak or failed 20% of cases
  4. 4
    Water level (case) sensor fault 10% of cases

How to Fix Samsung Dishwasher Error Code C5

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

    Clean filters and sump

    Remove and rinse the filter stack and clear the sump of food debris.

  2. 2

    Check the drain path

    Confirm the hose has a high loop, isn't kinked, and the garbage disposal knockout plug was removed if newly installed.

  3. 3

    Test the drain pump

    Listen for the pump at the end of cycle; a silent pump with standing water needs replacement.

    🔩 Samsung dishwasher drain pump ($30–$70)
    ⚠️ Disconnect power at the breaker before replacing the pump.

How to Reset Error Code C5

Power off at the breaker for 60 seconds after clearing the drain path, then rerun a cycle.

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

If water still stands after the filter, hose, and pump check out, the level sensor and board need professional diagnosis.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $140–$270

Related Error Codes

5C
Drain failure — water not draining from dishwasher
⚠ High Severity
OC
Over-level water error — too much water in the tub
⚠ High Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code C5 appears on these other brands too. See every brand that shows C5 →

GE Appliances logo
GE Appliances Dishwasher C5
Drain failure — dishwasher not draining

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

LC Leak sensor activated — water detected at base of dishwasher 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Samsung Dishwasher when error C5 appears? +
You often can for a cycle or two, but the drainage issue behind C5 will keep interrupting normal operation until it is fixed. Plan the repair rather than ignoring the code.
What most commonly causes C5 on a Samsung Dishwasher? +
Across reported Samsung dishwasher repairs, the most frequent is clogged drain filter or sump (40% of cases), drain hose kinked or air-gap/disposal port blocked (30%), then drain pump weak or failed (20%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
C5 keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored C5 fault; if it returns, the drainage problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — clean filters and sump, then check the drain path — 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 C5? +
A DIY repair typically runs $0–$70 in parts, versus $140–$270 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $140. Expect the work to take roughly 30–60 minutes.

Sources & References

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 11, 2026.

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