5E
Samsung Washing Machine
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
5E on a Samsung washing machine means the machine cannot drain the water. The most common cause is a blocked pump filter at the front of the machine. Clean the filter and check the drain hose is not kinked.
Affected Models
- Samsung WF45R
- Samsung WA50R
- Samsung WF42H
- Samsung WF56H
- Samsung front-load and top-load washers
Common Causes
- Pump filter (coin trap) blocked with lint, coins, or debris
- Drain hose kinked, crushed, or too high on the wall connection
- Drain hose installed too deep into the standpipe — causing a siphon
- Pump impeller jammed by a foreign object
- Drain pump motor fault
How to Fix It
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Locate the pump filter access door at the bottom front of the machine and clean the filter.
Place a towel and shallow tray below the filter door — water will pour out. Unscrew the filter cap counter-clockwise, remove lint and debris, rinse under running water, and replace.
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Inspect the drain hose at the back of the machine for kinks or crushing.
A drain hose kinked behind the machine prevents water from exiting. Pull the machine out and ensure the hose runs without sharp bends to the standpipe or sink.
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Check the drain hose height — it should connect to the standpipe at 60-100 cm height.
If the drain hose is too low (below 60 cm), water siphons back in. If too high (above 100 cm), the pump cannot push water out. Use the hose guide clip to secure the correct height.
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Check inside the filter housing for a small foreign object jammed in the pump impeller.
Coins, hair clips, and underwire from bras frequently jam the pump impeller. Shine a torch into the filter housing and rotate the impeller by hand to check for resistance.
When to Call a Professional
If the filter is clean and the hose is unobstructed but 5E persists with no water draining, the drain pump motor has failed. Contact Samsung support or a washing machine engineer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5E the same as E2 on older Samsung washers?
Yes — older Samsung models display E2 for the drain error. Newer models show 5E. The cause and fix are exactly the same.
How often should I clean the Samsung washer pump filter?
Samsung recommends cleaning the pump filter every 2 months. If you wash frequently or have pets, clean it monthly. A clean filter prevents 5E errors and keeps the machine draining efficiently.