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ErrBase

Samsung Washer SC Error Code: Drain Failure

Quick Answer

SC is Samsung's current drain error code. It means the pump ran but water did not drain fast enough. The most common causes are a clogged pump filter at the lower front of the machine, a kinked drain hose, or a drain hose routed too high (maximum 96 inches from floor).

SC is Samsung's current drain error code. It means the pump ran but water did not drain fast enough. The most common causes are a clogged pump filter at the lower front of the machine, a kinked drain hose, or a drain hose routed too high (maximum 96 inches from floor). On older Samsung models the same fault shows as 5C. Clean the pump filter first before replacing any parts.

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 SC 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 SC Code Mean?

SC fires when the drain cycle runs but pressure drops too slowly. The pump filter (coin trap) at the lower front panel is the first thing to clean. It catches lint, coins, and debris that block pump flow.

Most Likely Causes

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

Pump filter (coin trap) clogged with lint, coins, or debris40%
Drain hose kinked or pinched behind the machine24%
Drain hose end positioned higher than 96 inches from floor14%
Foreign object lodged in pump impeller12%
Drain pump motor failed10%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • Water remains in drum after cycle ends
  • SC code appears during or after wash cycle
  • Machine pauses mid-cycle and will not advance
  • Gurgling sound followed by SC code

Can you reset a Samsung washer to clear the SC code?

After clearing the blockage, run a Drain + Spin cycle to confirm drainage. The SC code clears automatically once a successful drain is detected. If SC persists after cleaning, unplug for 60 seconds and retry.

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

Locate the pump filter access panel at the lower front of the washer

Locate the pump filter access panel at the lower front of the washer. Place towels on the floor and a shallow pan under the panel. Slowly unscrew the filter cap counterclockwise to drain residual water, then remove the filter completely.

2

With the filter removed

3

Pull the machine out from the wall and inspect the drain hose

4

Unplug the washer

5

Replace the drain pump assembly if motor test failed or if pump

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

How often should I clean the Samsung washer pump filter?
Samsung recommends cleaning the pump filter every 2 months or after any cycle with items that had coins or loose debris in pockets. If you see SC codes more than once, increase cleaning frequency.
What is the difference between SC and 5C on a Samsung washer?
Same fault, different display. SC appears on newer Samsung firmware; 5C appears on models built before approximately 2018. Both mean drain failure and are fixed identically.
My pump filter is clean and the hose is fine but SC still shows. What next?
Test the drain pump motor with a multimeter (should read 8-12 ohms). If the pump motor reads open or shorted, replace the pump assembly. If the pump tests good, the main control board drain relay may have failed.

Related Samsung Washer Error Codes

Code: 5CSamsung Washer 5C Error Code: Drain Error (Older Display)Code: SESamsung Washer SE/5E Error Code: Drain Error (Top Load)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 5C Error Code: Drain Error (Older Display)Samsung washerSamsung Washer 8C Error Code: Vibration Sensor Fault

Models Known to Experience SC Errors

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

WF45R6100AW, WF45T6000AW, WF45R6300AW, WF50R8500AV, WF45H5200AW

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026