Samsung Washer 5C Error — Drainage Blockage Fix

What it means

Samsung washer 5C error means the machine cannot drain water — Samsung's 'No drain error'.
The most common cause is a blocked debris filter at the front bottom of the machine; coins, hair clips, and lint collect there over time.

Affected Models

Samsung Front Load Washer
Samsung Top Load Washer
Samsung AddWash Washer
Samsung EcoBubble Washer
Samsung QuickDrive Washer

Common Causes

Debris filter (drain pump filter) blocked
Drain hose kinked, crushed, or installed too high
Drain pump impeller jammed by a small object
Drain hose discharge end blocked or frozen (in cold rooms)
Faulty drain pump motor

How to Fix It

Empty the debris filter.

Front-load Samsung washers have a small access door at the front bottom corner.
Place a shallow tray underneath to catch water.
Unscrew the filter cap counter-clockwise and pull it out.
Clean off lint, hair, coins, and any small objects.
Check the drain hose.

Pull the machine away from the wall and check the corrugated drain hose at the back.
Straighten any kinks.
Make sure the discharge end isn't pushed deeper than 100 cm into the standpipe — too deep causes siphoning issues.
Check for hose blockage.

Disconnect the drain hose from the standpipe and aim it into a bucket lower than the machine.
Run a Drain & Spin cycle.
If water flows freely now, the standpipe or house drain is blocked, not the washer.
Listen for the drain pump.

Start a Drain cycle and listen at the front bottom of the machine.
You should hear a low humming as the pump runs.
Silence means the pump isn't getting power or has failed.

When to Call a Professional

If the debris filter is clean and the drain hose is clear but 5C persists, the drain pump motor has failed and needs replacement — usually a one-hour repair for a competent technician.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Samsung 5C the same as 5E error?

Yes — same fault.
Newer Samsung washers display 5C; older models display 5E.
Samsung's official term is 'No drain error' for both.
The fix is identical: filter, hose, pump in that order.