How to Fix Samsung Washer 5C & SC Codes: A Technician’s Guide 2026

Is your Samsung washer stuck with a 5C or SC error code? Your machine isn’t draining. Follow our technician-verified guide to clean the debris filter, unblock the drain pump, and reset your washer in under 10 minutes. The error code is actually 5C, though it appears as SC on the washer’s display to many users.

Quick Fixes Samsung Washer Error 5C or SC

1. Clean the Debris Filter: Open the small access panel at the bottom front, drain the excess water thought the emergency hose, unscrew the filter cap and remove lint, debris, or hair.
2. Check the Drain Hose: Ensure the hose isn’t kinked or pushed too far into the standpipe (wall drain).
3. Inspect the Drain Pump: Listen for a humming sound; if the pump is blocked by a coin or bobby pin, it must be cleared.
4. Unblock the EcoBubble Recirculation Pump: On EcoBubble or Bespoke models, debris can bypass the main filter and clog the secondary circulation pump. Shine a flashlight into the filter housing; if you see a small plastic impeller, ensure it spins freely with a screwdriver or chopstick.
5. Check for “Vapor Lock” in the Emergency Hose: Ensure the tiny plug on the emergency drain hose is clicked in tight. If this cap is loose, the pump may lose its prime and trigger a false 5C code.
6. Clear the Pressure Sensor Tube: If the tub is empty but the 5C code persists, the “air tube” to the pressure switch may be blocked by detergent gunk. Blow air through the thin clear tube (located under the top panel) to clear the “pressure lock.”
7. Check for Updates: Open the SmartThings app on your phone. Newer models sometimes require a software update to fix errors caused by over-sensitive machines.
8. Reset the Washer: Unplug the machine for 1-5 minutes to clear the digital error code.
9. Read this article on SE, 5E, and ND error codes, which are also dealing with drainage on older model machines. Click Here.

samsung washer SC 5C Error Code Meaning

Samsung washer 5C code is triggered by a problem with its draining function. The drain pump removes water from the machine after each cycle, and the water passes through various parts of the machine. The code is likely due to a blocked drain pump filter or a drain hose that’s clogged or kinked. Accompanying symptoms include:

• The washer takes too long to drain water at the end of the wash cycle.
• The washer stops mid-cycle while there’s water in the drum.

If the error code appears along with either of those symptoms, the error code is accurate and your washer is suffering from a drainage issue.

5C Error Code Solutions for Samsung Washers

Blocked Drain Pump Filter (Debris Filter)

Water exiting the machine passes through a filter. This filter is located at the bottom on the front side of the washer, hidden behind a small access panel. This filter will capture large pieces of lint/dirt from the water leaving the washing drum. More importantly, it also captures foreign objects that might have been left in pockets, like coins and screws.

The drain pump filter should be cleaned at least once every six weeks. Even though water might flow past small objects, it will not be able to pass a severe buildup of lint and dirt. Once the water is not able to drain, the 5C code shows up.

How to fix: To fix this, you’ll need to access the drain pump filter and clean it out. It is usually located behind an access panel on the front of the washing machine. Pop the panel open, and you’ll see the drain pump filter. Before opening that filter, be sure to prepare a bucket and a few towels to capture any water that will come out.

Next, open and remove the filter and throw away all the dirt and any foreign objects you might find. For good measure, wash the filter in your kitchen sink to ensure it is clear. Reinstall the filter and then run a reset on the machine to clear the code.

Debris Filter Locations

Look for a small square or rectangular plastic door near the floor.

• Front-Load Models: The access door is almost always visible on the front exterior. You can typically pop it open using your finger or a flat-head screwdriver.
• Top-Load Models: Most modern Samsung top-loaders do not have a user-accessible front filter. Instead, the “filter” is often a mesh screen located inside the drum or a trap accessible only by removing the back panel or tipping the machine (which usually requires a technician).
• Bespoke & AI Models: On the newest high-end models, the door is designed to be “seamless” with the chassis. Look for a small indentation at the top of the bottom plastic trim where you can hook your finger to pull it down.

Inside the access panel is an Emergency Drain Hose. This is a small rubber tube with a tiny plug. You should always pull this out and drain the standing water into a shallow bowl before unscrewing the main filter to prevent a flood on your floor.

EcoBubble Recirculation Pump Clog– Newer Models Only

On newer Samsung washers, there is often a second pump—the circulation pump.

• The Issue: While the main drain pump might be clear, the smaller recirculation pump can get clogged with detergent buildup or small debris. This triggers a 5C code, even if the main filter looks clean.
• The Fix: If you have a Bespoke or EcoBubble model and the main filter is clear, you need to inspect the internal sump hose (the large black bellows hose) that leads to both pumps.

Pressure Switch Air Tube Blockage

The 5C code can be triggered when the Pressure Switch doesn’t sense the water level dropping.

• The Issue: A tiny clear air tube connects the drum to the pressure sensor. If a small amount of film or moisture gets trapped in this tube, it locks the pressure, telling the computer the tub is still full of water even when it’s empty.
• The Fix: Disconnect the thin clear tube from the sensor (usually under the top panel) and blow through it toward the drum to clear any obstructions.

Blocked Drain Hose

When the drain pump is in good working order, it will drive all of the water from the washer out of the machine. The drain hose is detachable, and it connects directly to the Samsung washer. Its only purpose is to carry the drained water to your household’s drainage system.

The drain hose is a simple and flexible accessory typically made of rubber. You’ll find it connected to the rear of your Samsung washing machine closer towards the bottom of the machine.

A blockage in the hose will cause the drained water to get backed up to the drain pump inside the washer. That will trigger the 5C error code to appear on the display.

How to fix: 1) Detach the hose, being careful to use towels and buckets to catch excess water. 2) Flush the hose using a garden hose or push a hanger through to break up blockages. Be careful not to damage the hose. 3) Reattach the hose, using care to make sure it is installed properly. 4) Reset the machine by unplugging it and run a test cycle.

Proper Drain Hose Installation Practices

The top of the drain hose—where it enters your wall drain or laundry sink—must be positioned between 30 and 96 inches (76 to 244 cm) from the floor.

• If it’s too low (below 30″): Gravity will pull water out of the machine while it’s trying to fill, and the washer can’t reach the correct water level.
• If it’s too high (above 96″): The drain pump will struggle to push the water up that far, leading to slow drainage, standing water in the drum, and pump failure.
• The “U” Hook: Always use the plastic U-shaped hose guide provided with the washer. This maintains the correct bend and prevents the hose from kinking. See below.
• Insertion Depth: Insert the hose into the drain 6 to 8 inches only. Too far triggers siphoning, too little can cause the hose to jump out under pressure.
• Air Gap: Do not create an airtight seal between the hose and the drain pipe. There must be an air gap around the hose to prevent backflow and pressure issues. Secure the hose to the standpipe with a zip tie to keep it stable without sealing the opening.

Emergency Drain Hose Vapor Lock– Front load washers

Newer front-loaders have an emergency drain hose next to the filter.

• The Fix: Many people forget to securely “click” the cap back into its clip. If the emergency hose is vibrating against the housing or has a tiny air leak at the cap, it can interfere with the pump’s prime, causing intermittent 5C errors.

Kinked Drain Hose

Remember: the drain hose on your Samsung washer is flexible, so it can get kinked with enough pressure pushed against it. Typically, this happens when you push the washer too close against the wall behind it.

How To Reset A Samsung Washer

Once you’ve successfully cleared any kinks or blockages, you will need to reset the washer. This will clear all of the active error codes and any other glitches causing your machine problems. Error codes will appear again if you fail to solve the root cause.

To reset your Samsung washing machine, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect the washer from the wall socket or turn off its circuit breaker.
2. Leave the washer alone for one to five minutes, to discharge any remaining electrical charge it has.
3. Reconnect the washer and turn it on again.

How To Enter Diagnostic Mode

Another helpful troubleshooting step is to enter the washer’s Diagnostic Mode. In this mode, you will see all error codes that the washer has to show.

To enter Diagnostic Mode on your Samsung washer, follow these steps:

• With the washer on, press and hold the Delay Start and the Soil Level buttons. Wait until the display shows all zeros.
• Turn the dial to scroll through all of the error codes (if any). When you see the alphabet ‘D’ on display, that means you’ve reached the end.
• If you do not see any codes, that means your washer has no errors.

Samsung Washer Drainage Error Codes

How To Test A Samsung Washer After Fixing it

The best way to test your Samsung washer after a repair is to run a complete wash cycle from start to finish. Doing that will help you confirm that all of the washer’s functions are working correctly without any problems.

However, in this case, the focus is on your washer’s ability to drain water out through the drain pump and hose without any problems. In that regard, Samsung washers also have a Rinse+Drain cycle that you’ll find helpful. This cycle is much shorter than an entire wash cycle, and you can use it to test the machine’s draining function.

Common Samsung Washer Error Codes

Click on the link for additional information specific to clearing each code.