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ErrBase

Samsung Washer 5C Error Code: Drain Error (Older Display)

Quick Answer

5C is the older firmware display for the same drain error shown as SC on current Samsung models. Both codes fire when the drain cycle fails to lower the water level within the allowed time. 5C typically appears on Samsung washers built before 2018.

5C is the older firmware display for the same drain error shown as SC on current Samsung models. Both codes fire when the drain cycle fails to lower the water level within the allowed time. 5C typically appears on Samsung washers built before 2018. Clean the pump filter first, check the drain hose for kinks, and test the pump motor if those are clear.

SamsungWasherSeverity: moderate90% DIY Success
Time to Fix
20–75 min
Difficulty
beginner
Parts Cost
$30 – $55
Tools Needed
Multimeter, Phillips screwdriver
Wrong code?

Not seeing 5C on your display?

Select what your appliance is actually doing and we'll take you to the right guide.

long drain time, water in drum
WhirlpoolF21

What Does the 5C Code Mean?

5C and SC are identical faults on different firmware generations. If your Samsung displays 5C, follow the same repair steps as SC: pump filter, drain hose, then pump motor.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Pump filter clogged with lint, coins, or debris40%
Drain hose kinked or routed too high24%
Drain pump motor electrically failed22%
Foreign object lodged in pump impeller14%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • Water standing in the drum after the cycle ends
  • 5C code appears during wash or rinse
  • Machine pauses and will not continue to spin
  • Pump hums but no water drains

Can you reset a Samsung washer to clear the 5C code?

Run a Drain + Spin cycle after clearing any blockage. 5C clears automatically once drainage succeeds. Unplug for 60 seconds if code remains displayed.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

MultimeterPhillips screwdriverShallow panTowels

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

1

Open the lower front access panel

Open the lower front access panel. Place a towel and shallow pan under the opening. Slowly unscrew the pump filter cap counterclockwise to drain residual water. Remove and inspect the filter.

2

With filter removed

3

Trace the drain hose from the pump outlet to the standpipe or sink

4

Unplug the washer

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name
Drain Pump Motor AssemblyDC61-01080A · $30–$55

Repair vs. Replace Calculator

Appliance Age (Years)7 Yrs
Labor Approach
Our Verdict
REPAIR
Estimated Cost: $43 (Parts) vs $750 (New Machine)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 5C the same as SC on my Samsung washer?
Yes. 5C is the older firmware version of the SC drain error. Both codes mean the drain cycle failed. The fix is identical: clean the pump filter, check the hose, and test the pump motor if those do not resolve it.
My washer shows 5C but drains if I run it twice. Is the pump failing?
A pump that only drains on a second attempt often has a partially clogged filter or impeller. The pump motor is still running but restricted flow causes it to fail the timed drain test. Clean the filter before assuming the motor has failed.

Related Samsung Washer Error Codes

Code: SCSamsung Washer SC Error Code: Drain FailureCode: SESamsung Washer SE/5E Error Code: Drain Error (Older Models)Code: NDSamsung Washer ND Error Code: No Drain Detected

Same Fix on Other Brands

Whirlpool washerF21: Whirlpool Washer F21 Error Code

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Samsung shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

Samsung washerSamsung Washer 3C2 Error Code: Motor StallSamsung washerSamsung Washer 3E Error Code: Motor FaultSamsung washerSamsung Washer 4C Error Code: No Water SupplySamsung washerSamsung Washer 4E Error Code: Water Supply Fault (Top Load)Samsung washerSamsung Washer 8C Error Code: Vibration Sensor FaultSamsung washerSamsung Washer 8E Error Code: Motor Frequency Sensor Fault

Models Known to Experience 5C Errors

This repair applies to most Samsung washers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

WF45H5200AW, WA45T3400AW

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026