Samsung Dishwasher 5C Code: Meaning & Fixes
- Meaning
- Drain error: the dishwasher can't drain water from the tub properly, usually because of a clogged filter, a kinked or blocked drain hose or debris in the drain pump.
- Can I fix it?
- Sometimes, may need a pro
- Also shown as
- SC, 5E, SE
- Seen on
- Samsung dishwashers with a digital display. Depending on the model, the same drain error shows as 5C, SC, 5E or SE.
5C on a Samsung dishwasher is a drain error: the dishwasher can’t pump water out of the tub properly. Samsung shows the same fault as SC, 5E or SE depending on the model. Start with the drain path: clean the filter and sump, straighten the drain hose and check the connection at the sink.
Try this first
- Remove the filter assembly and rinse the coarse and fine filters under running water.
- Clear food and debris from the sump at the bottom of the tub.
- Straighten the drain hose and make sure it isn't kinked, folded or trapped under the dishwasher.
- Check the drain connection at the sink and make sure the sink itself drains freely.
- After these checks, reset the dishwasher by cutting power for 1 to 5 minutes.
What causes 5C
| Cause | What you notice | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Clogged filter or sump | Dirty water left in the bottom of the tub | The filter assembly and the sump area under it |
| Bent, kinked or clogged drain hose | Code after a move, a new installation or work under the sink | The hose behind and under the dishwasher, and its connection at the sink |
| Frozen drain hose | Code in cold weather or in an unheated space | Whether the hose runs through a cold area |
| Debris in the drain pump impeller | Humming or grinding during drain, code comes and goes | Broken glass or small objects in the pump |
| Pressure switch sensor or control board fault | Code returns with a clear drain path | Needs a technician |
Fix it step by step
Tap a step number to tick it off as you go. Ticks stay on this device.
-
Turn off the power
Switch off the dishwasher at its circuit breaker or unplug it before you reach into the tub or under the unit.
Safety: The dishwasher runs on mains power. Turn it off before working on it, and watch for standing water near electrical parts.
-
Clean the filters
Turn the filter assembly counterclockwise and lift it out. Rinse the coarse and fine filters under running water or with a soft brush, then reinstall the assembly by pressing it down and turning it clockwise. Never run the dishwasher without the filters.
-
Clean the sump
Remove food particles and any foreign objects from the sump, the small area at the bottom of the tub under the filter.
Safety: Watch for broken glass or other sharp debris in the sump.
-
Check the drain hose
Make sure the hose is straight, not folded or kinked, and not blocked. If it may have frozen, remove it and soak it in warm water to melt any ice, then reinstall it.
Safety: Close the water supply valve before you disconnect any hose.
-
Check the sink connection
Inspect where the drain hose connects at the sink or garbage disposal and run the sink to confirm it drains. A clogged sink stops the dishwasher from draining too.
-
Reset and test
Restore power after 1 to 5 minutes and run a short cycle. Samsung notes that a reset won't clear a drain code until the drain hose problem is fixed.
When to call a technician
If the filter, sump, drain hose and sink are all clear and 5C keeps coming back, contact Samsung service. Samsung lists debris in the drain pump, a faulty pressure switch sensor and a control board failure as causes that need a technician.
Questions people ask
Are 5C, SC, 5E and SE the same code?
Yes. Samsung lists all four as the same drain error. Which one you see depends on the model's display.
Is 5C the same as the OC code?
No. 5C means the dishwasher can't drain. OC is an over-level water error: too much water in the tub. A blocked drain can cause both, so the first checks overlap.
Will resetting the dishwasher clear 5C?
Only after the drain problem is fixed. Samsung says a reset won't help until the drain hose is sorted out, and if the code returns after a reset, the dishwasher needs service.