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SAMSUNG 5C

Samsung Dishwasher Error 5C: Dishwasher Not Draining

Clear meaning, realistic next steps, and safe guidance without turning the page into a long repair manual.

What it means

Samsung dishwasher error 5C usually means the machine cannot drain water from the tub at the end of the cycle.

Severity

Medium - some user checks may help, but repeated faults often need service.

Can you fix it yourself?

Partial — start with DIY steps

Most likely cause

Filter assembly clogged with food debris — the most common cause of drain failure

Also displayed as 5C, SC, 5E, SE on some models.

Estimated time for safe first checks: 15–25 min for filter and hose check; Professional if pump fails.

Step-by-Step DIY Fix Guide

  1. SAFETY: Turn off power at the breaker before removing the filter or reaching into standing water.
  2. Remove the lower rack, take out the filter assembly, and clean both filter sections under running water.
  3. Check the sump area for glass, labels, pits, or other small objects that could block drainage.
  4. Inspect the drain hose under the sink and behind the dishwasher for kinks or crushing.
  5. If the hose connects to a garbage disposal, confirm the knockout plug was removed during installation.
  6. Restore power and run a drain or cancel cycle to see whether 5C clears.

If 5C is still showing

  • Check whether water backs up at the sink connection or air gap while the dishwasher tries to drain.
  • If the filter is clean and the hose path is clear, the drain pump may be blocked or worn.
  • If the dishwasher drains sometimes but not reliably, look for grease buildup in the hose or sink-side connection.

What This Error Means

Samsung dishwasher error 5C means water is not leaving the tub fast enough at the end of the cycle. In most homes the problem is still somewhere in the accessible drain path rather than a major internal failure.

The first thing to check is the filter area in the bottom of the tub. Food debris, grease, broken glass, and small scraps are the most common reason a Samsung dishwasher suddenly stops draining.

If the filter is clean and the hose path is clear, the next likely issue is the drain pump or the sink-side drain connection.

Most Likely Cause by Symptom

There is standing water in the bottom of the tub after the cycle ends.

Likely cause: The filter or drain path is restricted.

Check first: Clean the filter first, then inspect the drain hose connection under the sink.

The dishwasher tries to drain but little water leaves the tub.

Likely cause: The pump is pushing against a blockage.

Check first: Check the filter, sump area, and sink-side hose connection before assuming pump failure.

Common Causes

  • The filter assembly is clogged with food debris or grease.
  • The drain hose is kinked, pinched, or crushed behind the dishwasher.
  • The garbage disposal knockout plug was never removed after installation.
  • The drain connection or air-gap path is restricted.
  • The drain pump is blocked or no longer pumping strongly enough.

What Not to Do

  • Do not keep running full cycles with standing water still in the tub.
  • Do not pour drain chemicals into the dishwasher.
  • Do not assume the pump has failed before the filter and hose path are checked fully.

Model and Display Variation Notes

Model-family notes

  • Samsung dishwashers may show 5C, SC, 5E, or SE for the same basic drain fault depending on the control panel.
  • Drain path layouts vary slightly by model, but the accessible filter area is still the first place to start.

Display and panel differences

  • This same drain fault may also display as SC, 5E, or SE on some Samsung dishwashers.
  • If the dishwasher is leaking rather than failing to drain, compare LC instead of following the full 5C path.

Parts, Tools and Service Options

Common parts

  • Drain pump motor ($40–$100)
  • Drain hose if kinked or cracked ($15–$35)

Manual and model check

Check your exact model and manual before ordering any Samsung parts.

Service option

Service visit if the dishwasher still will not drain after the filter and hose checks are complete.

Suggestions in this section are organized to support the troubleshooting flow first. Any future affiliate relationships should be disclosed clearly.

When Not to Keep Troubleshooting

5C returns after the filter is cleaned and the drain hose path is confirmed clear.

  • Standing water remains in the tub after repeated drain attempts.
  • The drain pump hums or grinds but water movement is still poor.

How to Prevent It Recurring

  • Clean the filter monthly and check the drain hose routing annually — most 5C errors are prevented by regular filter maintenance
  • Scrape large food particles off dishes before loading to reduce filter clogging

Related Error Codes

Extra notes

  • This page is based on Samsung support material and stays conservative where model-specific guidance may vary.
  • The goal is to help you identify safe first checks before you move into parts, service, or model-specific manual lookup.

Source and model notes

Last reviewed: 2026-04-08

Based on: Based on Samsung dishwasher drain-fault guidance and edited to help users separate filter and hose blockages from a true drain-pump problem.

View Samsung US Official Support

Model coverage note: Filter design and drain-hose routing vary by Samsung dishwasher family, so confirm your exact access layout in the owner manual if needed.

Important: FixThisError is an independent guide, not the manufacturer. Use your model-specific manual when the panel wording or behavior differs.

Always disconnect power before inspecting appliances. If unsure, contact a licensed appliance technician.