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 means your Samsung washer ran its drain pump but the water didn't leave fast enough. If you ignore it, the machine just sits there full of water and won't advance. Honestly, most of the time it's the debris filter at the bottom front. I've cleared this exact code in under 10 minutes just by cleaning that trap. But leave it alone too long and you'll burn out the pump motor, which turns a free fix into a $50 part.

SamsungWasherSeverity: moderate90% DIY Success

Time to Fix

20–75 min

Difficulty

beginner

Parts Cost

$30 – $55

Tools Needed

Digital multimeter, Phillips #2 screwdriver

What Does the SC Code Mean?

Think of the SC code as a timeout. The control board gave the drain pump several minutes to empty the tub, but the water level sensor still sees water in there. Before you go buying a new pump, you gotta check the debris filter first. It's a messy job, but it's usually the only thing standing between you and a finished load of laundry. If it does come to a pump, they run $35-65 and take about 45 minutes to swap.

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

You open the door after the cycle ends and there's 3-4 inches of standing water sitting at the bottom of the drum
SC or 5C flashes on the display while the machine is mid-cycle and everything just stops dead
You hear the pump rev up and buzz for a minute or two, then silence, then the error code pops up
Loud grinding or humming noise coming from the lower front of the machine right before the code appears
Clothes come out totally soaking wet and heavy even though the spin cycle supposedly ran

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

Once you've cleared the filter or fixed the hose, you don't need any special button combo. Just shut the door and select Drain + Spin. If water clears out within two minutes, the board resets the error automatically. If it hangs again, unplug the washer for a full 60 seconds to clear the logic board memory. Plug back in and try Drain + Spin again before running a full load.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Digital multimeterPhillips #2 screwdriverShallow pan or baking sheet (at least 1-quart capacity)Old towels or rags (bring at least 3-4)Needle-nose pliers

Diagnostic Checklist

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

ComponentComponent Under Test

Expected Range8–12 ohms

ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

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	OEM Number	Estimated Price
Drain Pump Motor AssemblyDC61-01080A · $30–$55	DC61-01080A	$30 – $55

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean the Samsung washer pump filter?

Every 30 days if you've got pets or kids in the house. Pet hair is brutal on these filters. If you wait until you see an SC code, you're going to have a drum full of water to deal with when you open that filter door, which is way more annoying than a quick monthly rinse. Set a phone reminder. I tell every customer the same thing and the ones who actually do it never call me back about drain issues.

What's the difference between SC and 5C on a Samsung washer?

No functional difference. It's just how the digital display renders the characters. On older Samsung models the 'S' looked like a '5' on a seven-segment display, so people started calling it 5C. Samsung cleaned up the font in later firmware to make it look more like an actual 'S'. Same code, same cause, same fix regardless of which one your machine shows.

My pump filter is clean and the hose is fine but SC still shows. What now?

Time to test the pump motor with a multimeter. You're looking for 8-12 ohms across the terminals. OL or zero means the pump's dead. But here's what a lot of people miss: if the pump tests fine electrically but still won't run, check the wiring harness for corroded pins or loose connectors. I've seen cases where a burned relay on the main control board stops sending power to the pump entirely. If you've got 120V at the pump connector during a drain cycle but the pump won't spin, it's mechanically seized and needs replacement.

How much does a Samsung washer drain pump replacement cost?

The pump itself runs $35-65 depending on your model. DC96-01585A and DC31-00054A are the two most common Samsung drain pump part numbers across these affected models. If you call a tech, add $100-150 for labor. Honestly the DIY swap is pretty approachable, maybe 45 minutes if you've never done it before. The hardest part is accessing it. Some models need the back panel pulled, others you just tilt the machine.

Can I still use the washer while it's showing SC?

Short answer: no. The machine won't complete a cycle in this state. It'll fill, tumble, then stall when it hits the drain portion. You'll keep ending up with a drum full of wet clothes going nowhere. Fix the underlying cause first, then run a Drain + Spin cycle to confirm it's actually working before you throw another full load in.

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 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 Stall Samsung washerSamsung Washer 3E Error Code: Motor Fault Samsung 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 Samsung washerSamsung Washer 8E Error Code: Motor Frequency 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, WF42H5000AW, WF45K6500AW, WF56H9100AG

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026