ApplianceFaults

Error code

Samsung Washing Machine 5C Error - Not Draining Water

Samsung washing machine 5C usually means the washer cannot drain the water away within the expected time. Drain standing water safely, check the debris filter, drain hose and waste connection, then stop if 5C returns or the pump hums without moving water.

Last updated: 27 May 2026

Quick answer

5C: The washer cannot drain the water away properly.

Severitymedium

Meaning

The washer cannot drain the water away properly.

First safe check

Switch the appliance off and unplug it from the mains before opening any filter or touching wet areas.

Stop if

Unplug before opening the filter, drain slowly, and stop if the pump appears damaged, the area leaks, or the next step requires removing panels.

Who to call

Call an engineer if the debris filter and hose are clear but 5C returns, the pump will not run, the pump impeller appears damaged, water still will not drain, or the washer also shows leak or overfill behaviour.

Medium severity: check safely and stop if it returns. Disconnect power before checking accessible parts where the appliance guidance says to do so.

Fix time

10-30 minutes

Difficulty

Easy to moderate

The main work is controlled draining, cleaning the debris filter, and checking the visible drain route.

Expected outcome: A blocked filter or hose may clear after one drain test; repeat 5C means the drain path or pump still needs diagnosis.

What does this error code mean?

Samsung washing machine 5C usually means the appliance has not drained within the expected time. It is the drainage counterpart to fill faults such as Samsung 4C, so the first checks should focus on water leaving the machine.

The most common safe checks are the emergency drain hose or drain method in the manual, the accessible debris filter, the drain hose route, and the sink or standpipe connection. Coins, lint, hair grips, and fabric debris can block the filter or pump path and stop the washer reaching spin.

If the washer is also leaking or showing water-protection behaviour, compare Samsung LC or Samsung OC. If the machine cannot work out the water level, compare Samsung 1C.

Symptoms users may notice

  1. Water may remain in the drum at the end of the wash.
  2. The machine may stop before spin or show 5C during the drain stage.
  3. The pump may hum without water leaving the appliance.
  4. Clothes may come out soaked because the washer never reaches a proper spin.

What users often notice

  1. Samsung 5C often appears after washing or rinsing, when the appliance expects to empty before spinning.
  2. Users often describe the same issue as not draining, not spinning, or water stuck in the washer.

Why is this happening?

  1. Blocked debris filter or pump filter
  2. Kinked, crushed, frozen, or poorly routed drain hose
  3. Blocked sink waste, standpipe, or drain outlet connection
  4. Drain pump jammed, weak, or not running under load
  5. Foam or poor draining causing the water level not to drop as expected

What this usually points to

This code usually points to the drain path, including the debris filter, pump impeller area, drain hose, waste connection, and pump control.

How to fix this safely

  1. Switch the appliance off and unplug it from the mains before opening any filter or touching wet areas.
  2. If water is still in the drum, use the emergency drain process in the manual and prepare towels because water can escape quickly.
  3. Clean the accessible debris filter and remove visible coins, lint, hair grips, or small items.
  4. Check the drain hose and waste connection for kinks, crushing, blockages, or a hose pushed too far into the standpipe.
  5. Run one drain or spin-only test after everything is refitted and dry; stop if 5C returns, the pump hums, or water remains in the drum.

Can I fix this myself?

Yes

You can safely check the emergency drain route, debris filter, visible hose, and waste connection. Anything involving the pump body, wiring, or internal controls should be left to an engineer.

Safety boundary: Unplug before opening the filter, drain slowly, and stop if the pump appears damaged, the area leaks, or the next step requires removing panels.

What not to do

  1. Do not keep selecting spin if water is still sitting in the drum.
  2. Do not remove the filter quickly without draining first.
  3. Do not remove panels or dismantle the pump.

Common misdiagnoses

  1. 5C can be mistaken for a spin fault, but the machine usually refuses to spin because it has not drained.
  2. If water is appearing underneath the appliance as well, the issue may overlap with leak-protection codes such as LC.

Reset steps

  1. Refit the filter securely, wipe away water, and make sure the drain hose is back in position.
  2. Reconnect power only when the filter area and floor are dry.
  3. Run one drain or spin-only programme to confirm water leaves the drum.
  4. Stop if 5C returns, the pump hums without moving water, or the washer leaks.

Intermittent vs persistent faults

A one-off 5C after a blocked filter may clear once debris is removed. Repeated 5C usually means the drain path or pump needs diagnosis.

When to call a technician

Call an engineer if the debris filter and hose are clear but 5C returns, the pump will not run, the pump impeller appears damaged, water still will not drain, or the washer also shows leak or overfill behaviour.

Safety warning

Always disconnect the appliance from the mains before opening an accessible filter or checking hose connections. Do not keep selecting spin while water is still sitting in the drum.

Useful hub links

Samsung appliance error code hub

Browse all Samsung appliance error code clusters.

Samsung Washing Machine error code list

See every washing machine code in this cluster.

Related drainage fault codes

LC Error in Samsung Washing Machine - Meaning, Water-Level Checks and Safe Help

Samsung UK lists LC as low water level detected.

Samsung Washing Machine OC Error - Overflow, Overfilling or 0C Warning

Samsung OC usually means the washer thinks the drum is overfilling or the water level is rising too high.

1C Error in Samsung Washing Machine - Meaning, Water Level Checks and Help

1C error in a Samsung washing machine usually means the washer is not getting a reliable water-level reading.

Samsung Washing Machine 4C Error - Not Filling With Water

The washer is not filling with water properly.

After resolving this fault, use the right wash setting to help prevent repeat issues.

Relevant guide

Washing Machine Smells After Wash: What Setting Should You Use?

Use a hotter cottons wash for towels and bedding where allowed, avoid overloading, reduce detergent if needed, and check whether poor drainage is contributing to smells.

Frequently asked questions

What does 5C mean on a Samsung washing machine?+

Samsung 5C usually means the washer cannot drain the water away within the expected time.

How do I fix Samsung 5C safely?+

Unplug the washer, drain standing water slowly using the model's emergency drain method, clean the accessible debris filter, and check the visible drain hose and waste outlet.

Is Samsung 5C the same as 5E?+

On many Samsung washing machines, 5C and 5E are closely related drainage warnings. Check the exact model manual for the displayed wording.

How is Samsung 5C different from 4C?+

5C means water is not draining out. [Samsung 4C](/samsung/washing-machine/4c/) means water is not filling in properly.

Can I open the debris filter with water in the drum?+

Only after unplugging the machine and draining slowly as the manual describes. Opening the filter too quickly can release a lot of water.

Can I keep using the washer with 5C showing?+

No. The washer needs to drain before it can spin properly, so pause use until the drain fault is resolved.