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Samsung Washing Machine Error Code 5C

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

Drain error — water not draining within the time limit

The most common cause of the 5C error on a Samsung washing machine is clogged drain pump (debris) filter (~45% of cases); start with: clean the debris filter.

💰 DIY cost: $0–$80 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $150–$280 Save $150+ by doing it yourself
Samsung Washing Machine error code 5C on the display panel
How the 5C code appears on a Samsung washing machine display

What Does Error Code 5C Mean on a Samsung Washing Machine?

Drain error — water not draining within the time limit.

5C fires when the control board commands the drain pump but the pressure sensor still reads water in the drum after roughly 15 minutes, so the cycle halts with the tub full. Unlike LC (a leak/overflow detection) or OE (overflow on some Samsung models), 5C specifically flags a failure to remove water within the time window. A blocked debris filter or restricted drain path is by far the most frequent trigger, ahead of an actual pump failure.

Models affected: Samsung front-load and top-load washers across most current lines (older units show the same drain fault as 5E or OE); examples include WF45T6000AW, WF45R6100AP, WF42H5000AW, WA50R5400AV, WA45T3200AW, WF50BG8300AV, WV60M9900AV, and WA54R7600AV.
What owners report: Owners commonly report 5C appearing mid-cycle with standing water in the drum, and clearing the debris filter often resolves it quickly. It can also be falsely triggered by a hose kinked behind the machine after moving the unit or by pushing the drain hose too far into the standpipe.

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
    Clogged drain pump (debris) filter 45% of cases
  2. 2
    Kinked, frozen, or improperly installed drain hose 25% of cases
  3. 3
    Drain hose inserted too far into standpipe (siphon/backflow) 15% of cases
  4. 4
    Drain pump failure 15% of cases

How to Fix Samsung Washing Machine Error Code 5C

🔧 Easy DIY Est. time: 10–20 min
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Clean the debris filter

    Open the small access door at the bottom front, place towels and a shallow pan, slowly unscrew the filter, and clear coins, lint, and hair. This alone fixes most 5C errors.

    ⚠️ Drain water can be hot right after a cycle.
  2. 2

    Check the drain hose

    Straighten any kinks behind the washer and confirm the hose enters the standpipe no more than 6 inches with an air gap.

  3. 3

    Listen to the drain pump

    Start a Spin-only cycle and listen at the lower front. A humming pump with no water movement has a jammed impeller; silence points to a dead pump or board relay.

  4. 4

    Replace the drain pump

    Remove the lower front panel, disconnect the hoses and harness, and swap the pump assembly.

    🔩 Samsung drain pump ($35–$80)
    ⚠️ Unplug the washer before opening any panel.

How to Reset Error Code 5C

After clearing the filter and hose, unplug the washer for 60 seconds, then run a Rinse+Spin cycle to confirm draining.

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

Full Samsung washer reset guide → Enter diagnostic mode → Symptom guide: Washer won't drain →

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

If the filter and hose are clear and the pump runs but 5C persists, the pressure sensor or its air hose may be misreading the water level — that diagnosis is worth a technician if you're not comfortable with a multimeter.

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

Related Error Codes

OE
Drain failure — water not draining
⚠ High Severity
LC
Leak detected — moisture sensed in the base pan
⚠ High Severity
UE
Unbalanced load detected
✓ Low Severity

Find Replacement Parts

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

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

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

More Samsung Washing Machine Error Codes

4C Water supply not detected LE Motor locked — drum cannot rotate DE Door not properly closed or door lock failure HE Water heater error — water not heating to target temperature SUD Excessive suds detected tE Temperature sensor (thermistor) fault

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Samsung Washing Machine when error 5C appears? +
It is not advisable. The washing machine 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 Washing Machine? +
Across reported Samsung washing machine repairs, the most frequent is clogged drain pump (debris) filter (45% of cases), kinked, frozen, or improperly installed drain hose (25%), then drain hose inserted too far into standpipe (siphon/backflow) (15%). 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 debris filter, then check the drain hose — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a beginner-friendly job needing only basic hand tools.
How much does it cost to fix Samsung Washing Machine error 5C? +
A DIY repair typically runs $0–$80 in parts, versus $150–$280 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $150. Expect the work to take about 10–20 minutes.
Which Samsung Washing Machine models show error 5C? +
5C is documented on Samsung front-load and top-load washers across most current lines (older units show the same drain fault as 5E or OE); examples include WF45T6000AW, WF45R6100AP, WF42H5000AW, WA50R5400AV, WA45T3200AW, WF50BG8300AV, WV60M9900AV, and WA54R7600AV.. Other units sharing the same control platform can display it too, so the fixes here generally transfer across the series.

Sources & References

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

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