Samsung washer 5C code: drain error

The washer could not drain the water in time. The usual cause is a clogged drain filter, followed by a kinked or blocked drain hose.

Likely causes

Listed from most to least common.

1. Drain filter (debris filter) is clogged with lint, coins or hair ties
2. Drain hose is kinked or squashed behind the machine
3. Drain hose or house standpipe is blocked
4. Drain hose froze in an unheated room
5. Drain pump has failed

How to fix the 5C code

1. 1

   Step 1: Unplug the washer and prepare for water

   Lay towels on the floor and keep a shallow tray or baking dish nearby. There may be several litres of water in the drum.

2. 2

   Step 2: Open the filter cover

   On front-load models, open the small panel at the bottom front corner. Pull out the short emergency drain tube, remove its cap and let the water run into the tray.

3. 3

   Step 3: Remove and clean the drain filter

   Once the water stops, turn the filter counterclockwise to remove it. Clear out lint, coins and any small items, and check the opening for anything stuck in the pump.

4. 4

   Step 4: Check the drain hose

   Make sure the hose at the back is not kinked and is not pushed too far down the standpipe. Run water down the standpipe to confirm the house drain is clear.

5. 5

   Step 5: Run a Drain/Spin cycle

   Refit the filter firmly, close the panel, plug in and run Drain/Spin. If it drains and the code clears, you are done.

You'll need: Towels, shallow tray or baking dish, flashlight.

Parts that may need replacing

Check your model number on the label inside the door or on the back before ordering.

• Samsung washer drain pumpCheck prices
• Replacement drain hoseCheck prices

When to call a technician

If the filter and hose are clear and you can hear the pump humming but no water leaves, or you hear nothing at all, the drain pump likely needs replacing.

A typical repair for this code costs $150–$350 in the US, including parts and labor. Prices vary by area and model.

Models this applies to

• Front-load washers (WF series)
• Top-load washers (WA series)
• FlexWash and washer-dryer combos

Codes can differ slightly between models. Your owner's manual is the final word and is available from Samsung support.

Common questions