EN

Severity: Low

Samsung Dishwasher Error 5C – Drain Error – Water Not Draining

Your Samsung dishwasher couldn't drain. Usually a clogged filter, the disposal or a kinked drain hose.

At a glance

Severity: 2/5 – Low2/5

Severity: Low

Meaning
Drain Error – Water Not Draining
Typical repair cost
$0–$350
DIY difficulty
Easy

Samsung shows 5C when the drain pump runs but the water level in the sump doesn't drop within the expected time. On many displays the code looks like SC, but it means the same thing. Samsung drain pumps sit under the tub and aren't reachable through a snap-off cover, so the homeowner's part of the job is the filter, the sump opening and everything downstream: drain hose, air gap and garbage disposal. If those are clear and the pump is silent or only hums, it's a job for a technician.

How it looks on the display

Samsung Dishwasher display showing error 5C

Model families & display variants

Model familyShowsNote
Top-control models (display on door edge)5CThe code shows on the hidden display at the top of the door; open the door to read it.
Displays where 5 looks like SSCSame drain error, just how the segments draw the 5. Treat SC exactly like 5C.
Front-control models with remaining-time display5CThe code replaces the remaining-time readout and the cycle pauses.

Safety first · Consult a professional

Turn the dishwasher off and unplug it or switch off its breaker before removing the filter. Wear gloves: broken glass can sit in the sump right below the filter.

  • Unplug the appliance or switch off the breaker before opening any panel. Mains voltage can kill.
  • Water and electricity: unplug first, keep towels ready and never stand in water while the appliance is connected.

Symptoms

  • 5C or SC on the display and the cycle stops
  • Standing water in the bottom of the tub
  • Bad smell from the tub between cycles
  • Humming from the bottom of the unit with no water moving
  • Gurgling or backup in the sink when the dishwasher drains

Possible causes

Ranked by how often each cause is behind this code (editorial estimate).

  1. Filter assembly clogged with food and grease 30%
  2. Garbage disposal knockout plug not removed, or disposal clogged 20%
  3. Drain hose kinked or crushed under the sink or behind the unit 20%
  4. Debris in the sump opening at the pump inlet 10%
  5. Air gap on the sink clogged 10%
  6. Drain pump or its wiring failed 10%

Fix it step by step

Diagnostic flow: 5C1Cancel the cycle and power off2Remove the filter3Clear the sump4Check the disposal and air gap5Follow the drain hose6Test the drain

  1. Cancel the cycle and power off

    Cancel the cycle (on most models by holding Start for about 3 seconds), then unplug the dishwasher or turn off its breaker.

    Tools: Towels & shallow pan

  2. Remove the filter

    Pull out the lower rack. Turn the filter handle counterclockwise, lift the cylinder out and separate the fine mesh filter. Wash both under hot water with a soft brush until the mesh is see-through.

    Tools: Soft brush, Gloves

  3. Clear the sump

    Bail out the standing water and shine a flashlight into the opening under the filter. Remove bones, glass, fruit pits or labels that could block the pump inlet.

    Tools: Flashlight, Gloves, Towels & shallow pan

  4. Check the disposal and air gap

    If a disposal was just installed, make sure the knockout plug at the dishwasher inlet was removed. Run the disposal, then remove the air gap cap on the sink and clean out any sludge.

    Tools: Screwdriver, Flashlight

  5. Follow the drain hose

    Check the hose under the sink for kinks, sharp bends or a crushed section. If it runs behind the unit, remove the toe kick and look along its route from the front.

    Tools: Flashlight, Screwdriver

  6. Test the drain

    Reassemble, restore power and start a short cycle, then cancel after a few minutes. Listen: a working pump sounds like a steady whir followed by water rushing into the sink drain.

How to reset 5C

  1. Press and hold Start (on some panels Start/Reset) for about 3 seconds to cancel and drain.
  2. If the code stays, turn off the breaker or unplug the dishwasher for about a minute.
  3. Restore power and run a short cycle; the code should not return if the drain path is clear.

Where the parts are

Dishwasher: filter, drain pump and sump – 5C123456789
Dishwasher: filter, drain pump and sump
  1. 1Door lock
  2. 2Water inlet valve
  3. 3Filter
  4. 4Circulation pump
  5. 5Heating element
  6. 6Drain pump
  7. 7Float switch
  8. 8Temperature sensor
  9. 9Water level sensor

Repair options & costs

RepairDIY?Estimated cost
Clean filter and sump Yes $0
Knock out disposal plug or clean air gap Yes $0–$15
Replace drain hose Yes $20–$45
Technician service call No $110–$200
Drain pump replacement (parts and labor) No $180–$350

Rough US estimates; technician call-out fees vary by region. Not a quote.

When to call a technician

Call a technician if 5C returns with a clean filter, a clear sump and a hose, air gap and disposal that are all free. A pump that is completely silent or only hums during drain needs to be checked from underneath, which means pulling the unit out of the cabinet.

Frequently asked questions

Is SC the same as 5C on a Samsung dishwasher?

Yes. On a segment display a 5 and an S look almost identical, so Samsung's drain error can read either way. The fix is the same.

Why does 5C show even though there is no water left in the tub?

The water may have slowly drained after the code appeared, or the level sensing took too long to see it drop. Power cycle the unit; if the code keeps coming back with an empty tub, have a technician check the pump and sensor.

Does a Samsung dishwasher have a self-cleaning filter?

No, Samsung filters need to be removed and rinsed by hand. Checking them about once a month prevents most 5C errors.

Could a new garbage disposal cause 5C?

Yes, it's one of the most common causes after installation. The dishwasher inlet on a new disposal is sealed by a knockout plug that must be punched out, and the loose disc taken out of the disposal.

Sources