Samsung dishwasher 5C error: what it means and how to fix it

Also shown as SC, 5E, SE, SR.

What 5C means

The dishwasher is not draining water the way it should. You’ll usually find a clog or kink in the filter area, sump/drain hole, or drain hose.

Samsung’s manual for code 5C says: after closing the water supply valve, check whether the drain hose is clogged or folded, and check whether the drain hole inside the sump is clogged. If the problem continues, contact an authorized Samsung service center. (p30)

Safety first

Close the water supply valve. If you need to access hoses behind/under the unit, turn off power at the circuit breaker before you move or inspect anything.

Stop and call for service if:

• You see leaking at hose connectors or the drain hose seems loose and you can’t secure it properly.
• You cannot safely access the back of the dishwasher without straining, tipping, or pulling hard on hoses/wires.
• The code returns after you’ve checked/cleaned the filter/sump and checked the drain hose for clogs/folds.
• You suspect a drain pump problem (won’t run, or runs but won’t move water) and you’re not comfortable stopping and arranging service.

Common causes

• Filters are dirty/clogged, slowing or stopping drain flow.
• Drain hole inside the sump is clogged with debris.
• Drain hose is folded/kinked behind the dishwasher.
• Drain hose is clogged/blocked somewhere along its run.
• Drain system obstruction or drain pump issue that requires service to verify/clear.
• Backflow (dirty water returns later) due to a check/backflow valve issue near the drain connection.

How to fix it

1. Close the water supply valve (as Samsung instructs for this code).
2. Clean the dishwasher filters: turn off the dishwasher, remove the filter insert (rotate counterclockwise) and the fine filter, remove all dirt/food, and rinse under running water. Reassemble and make sure the filter insert is closed properly.
3. While the filters are out, check and clear debris around the drain hole/sump area (the pit below the filters) so water can exit freely.
4. Turn off power at the house circuit breaker before checking anything behind the dishwasher, then inspect the drain hose for folds/kinks and straighten it. (A folded hose can stop draining.)
5. Still with power off, check whether the drain hose seems clogged and look for signs of downstream blockage mentioned in the video (for example, water spraying from an air gap during draining).
6. If the dishwasher drains completely but water comes back hours later, check the backflow/check valve near the drain connection and clean/replace it (video guidance).
7. After each change, reassemble parts and run a test to confirm it drains. Keep up regular filter cleaning to prevent repeat 5C errors.

When to call a technician

• If the drain hose or house drain is clogged and you can’t clear it easily—Samsung’s troubleshooting guide says to contact a qualified service technician to remove obstructions from the drain hose and check drain pump operation. (p29)
• If the 5C code continues after you’ve closed the water valve and checked for a clogged/folded hose and a clogged drain hole inside the sump. (p30)
• If you suspect a drain pump problem (needs diagnosis/replacement) or access is difficult/safety risks are present. (p29, video 320s)

From the owner's manual

• Samsung Dishwasher User Manual, DW80R5060/DW80R5061 series, page 30 (Information codes): “Code: 5C · Action: Drain check After closing the water supply valve, check whether the drain hose is clogged or folded. Also, check whether drain hole inside sump is clogged. If the problem continues, contact an…”
• Samsung Bespoke Dishwasher User Manual, DW90F89 series, page 48 (Drain pump): “If the dishwasher displays 5C and fails to drain or there is an abnormal noise coming from the drain pump, you must unclog and clean the drain pump according to the following instructions.”
• Samsung Bespoke Dishwasher User Manual, DW90F89 series, page 52 (Troubleshooting): “Code: 5C · Action: Check the drain pump cover Check if the drain pump cover is missing or incorrectly assembled. Drain pump check Check the drain pump and drain pipe. If it is jammed, clean it. If the issue continues,…”
• Samsung Dishwasher User Manual, DW80CG40 series, page 4 (safety information): “After the dishwasher is installed, check that the drain hose is properly connected and that there is no leakage from the hose connectors. If the drain hose is loose, it may cause property damage.”
• Samsung Dishwasher User Manual, DW80CG40 series, page 19 (Cleaning the filters): “CLEANING THE FILTERS 1. Turn off the dishwasher.”
• Samsung Dishwasher User Manual, DW80CG40 series, page 20 (Cleaning the filters): “4. Remove any dirt or other remains from the filter, and then rinse it under running water. … > CAUTION > If the filter insert is not closed properly, its performance will be decreased.”

Repair videos

• Samsung Dishwasher Not Draining? 5C/OC Error Fixed (6 Solutions!), Simply Swider (9:41)
  • 0:36 Understand the drain system layers
  • 1:35 Clean the filter and sump area
  • 2:33 Inspect hose for kinks or clogs
  • 3:32 Diagnose the drain pump
  • 4:36 Check for backflow after draining
  • 5:20 Decide DIY vs pro repair
  • 8:17 Test and prevent future 5C errors
• FIXED : Samsung Dishwasher Error Code 5C / SC #repair #DIY #howto #youtube #samsung #youtubeshorts, 612outdoors com (19:29)
  • 0:28 Shut power and clean filter
  • 1:28 Check drain hose under sink
  • 3:44 Unmount dishwasher and remove kickplate
  • 5:26 Raise feet and disconnect power
  • 8:45 Open lower access for drain path
  • 9:49 Remove pump cover and clear debris
  • 10:50 Reinstall pump with gasket aligned
  • 12:29 Reassemble, rewire, and level unit
  • 16:53 Test cycle and verify draining
• How To Fix Samsung Dishwasher SC/5C Error – Drain Problem, Filter Clean & Reset, Patchwave Tutorials (1:34)
  • 0:08 Power off and reset dishwasher
  • 0:32 Remove and rinse the filters
  • 0:56 Check drain hose for kinks
  • 1:12 Inspect drain pump and impeller