What does the Samsung 5C error code mean?

The dishwasher tried to drain, but the water level didn't drop. It also shows as 5E, SC, SE or SR. 5C2 means the drain pump didn't start, ran only briefly or stalled.

Can I fix Samsung 5C myself?

Easy (About 30 minutes). 1. Check the sink first: The dishwasher drains into the sink plumbing. Run the tap for about 30 seconds: if the sink won't drain either, it's a job for a plumber. A waste disposal unit should be clear of food, and on a new installation, check its knockout cap was taken out. 2. Check the drain hose: The dishwasher mustn't be sitting on it, and it shouldn't be kinked or blocked. Samsung US says it should run to an air gap, or rise in a high loop above where it joins the sink drain. 3. Clean the filter and sump: Take out the filter at the bottom of the tub, rinse it, and clear food from the area underneath. Watch for sharp bits, and refit everything correctly or the code can come back. 4. Frozen hose?: Samsung UK says to take the hose off and soak it in warm water until the ice melts, taking care not to break it.

Is Samsung 5C worth repairing?

Usually free. Most of the time it's a blockage in the filter, the hose or the sink, which costs nothing to clear.

Samsung 5C dishwasher error: Not draining

What to check, in order

Check the sink first
The dishwasher drains into the sink plumbing. Run the tap for about 30 seconds: if the sink won't drain either, it's a job for a plumber. A waste disposal unit should be clear of food, and on a new installation, check its knockout cap was taken out.
Check the drain hose
The dishwasher mustn't be sitting on it, and it shouldn't be kinked or blocked. Samsung US says it should run to an air gap, or rise in a high loop above where it joins the sink drain.
Clean the filter and sump
Take out the filter at the bottom of the tub, rinse it, and clear food from the area underneath. Watch for sharp bits, and refit everything correctly or the code can come back.
Frozen hose?
Samsung UK says to take the hose off and soak it in warm water until the ice melts, taking care not to break it. Samsung US says to let the area under the sink warm up, and call a plumber if it stays frozen.
For 5C2, listen for the pump
Cancel the cycle to make it drain, and listen for the pump. Then, with the power off, take out the lower rack and the filter and look in the sump for anything that could jam the pump: labels, bones, food sludge.

When to call an engineer

If the sink drains, the hose and filter are clear and the code stays, the drain pump has probably failed. Less often it's the control board or a sensor. Samsung UK lists both as service centre jobs.

Good to know

Samsung US notes that a frozen drain line isn't covered by its warranty.

Parts people end up buying

Only if the checks above point to a part. Match it to your model number first: it's on a label on the edge of the door or the side of the tub.

Drain pumpSearch on Amazon
Filter assemblySearch on Amazon

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Last reviewed September 2026. Manufacturers update their pages, and your manual is the final word.

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Samsung 5C error code

What to check, in order

When to call an engineer

Good to know

Parts people end up buying

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