Samsung Washer 5C Error Code – Meaning, Causes & Fix

What Does 5C Mean?

What Causes This Error?

• Clogged pump filter (debris trap) — the single most common cause; lint, coins, tissues, and small clothing items accumulate in the filter over months of use
• Kinked or pinched drain hose — particularly after moving the machine or if the hose became compressed behind the unit
• Drain hose inserted too deeply into the standpipe (more than 15cm / 6 inches) causing siphoning that impedes drainage
• Clogged household standpipe or utility sink unable to accept water at the pump's output rate
• Failed drain pump motor — the pump does not run or runs at reduced speed
• Small object lodged in the drain pump impeller — a coin or button jams the impeller even if the filter itself is clear
• Foam or excessive suds from non-HE detergent reducing pump hydraulic efficiency on HE machines

How to Fix 5C

1. 1

   Cancel the cycle. Press Start/Pause to pause, then hold Start/Pause for 3 seconds or press Power to cancel. Wait for the machine to attempt an automatic drain. If the drum remains full of water, you must drain it manually before accessing the filter.

2. 2

   Drain residual water manually. On Samsung front-loaders, locate the pump filter access door at the lower front-right of the machine. Open it, unscrew the emergency drain hose cap (the small hose inside the door), point it into a shallow pan, and allow water to drain out completely before proceeding.

3. 3

   Remove and clean the pump filter. Once water is drained, unscrew the large round filter cap counterclockwise. Pull it out fully and remove all lint, coins, hair, and debris. Rinse the filter under running water. Check the filter housing cavity for any debris that did not come out with the filter. Clean it out with a cloth.

4. 4

   Check for an object in the pump impeller. With the filter removed, shine a flashlight into the pump cavity and look for any hard object (coin, button, underwire) visible in the impeller. Carefully feel around the impeller with your fingers (machine unplugged) and try to rotate it manually — it should spin freely. If it is stuck, remove the obstruction.

5. 5

   Inspect the drain hose. Pull the washer away from the wall and examine the drain hose at the back. Look for kinks. Check that the hose enters the standpipe no more than 15cm (6 inches) and that it is secured with the supplied hose guide/hook — Samsung includes a plastic hose guide that sets the correct insertion depth and prevents siphoning.

6. 6

   Confirm the household drain is clear. Pour a bucket of water into the standpipe or laundry tub and observe the drain speed. If it drains slowly, the household drain is the restriction — snake or clean the drain before retesting the washer.

7. 7

   Run a Spin Only or Rinse+Spin cycle to confirm the error is resolved. If 5C does not reappear and the drum drains fully, the cleaning resolved the issue. If 5C returns, listen for the drain pump — if you hear humming but no water movement, the pump impeller is still blocked or the pump motor has failed and requires replacement (Samsung drain pump assemblies: $25–60, varies by model).

When to Call a Professional

Can You Still Use the Device?

Do not run wash cycles while 5C is active and water remains in the drum. Clothes left sitting in standing water will mildew quickly. Manually drain the machine via the emergency drain hose before investigating. Once the drain path is clear and a test cycle completes without 5C, normal washing can resume.