Samsung 5C Error: Drain Pump Filter Clogged
Fix Samsung washer error code 5C (drain error, formerly 5E).
Drain error (formerly designated as 5E or nd). The washer took longer than 10 minutes to drain water during the spin transition cycle.
Probable Causes
Coins, bobby pins, lint, or baby socks trapped inside the lower front debris filter.
Kinked, frozen, or pinched corrugated drain hose behind the washing machine.
Defective drain pump motor with stripped plastic impeller shaft or burned stator coil.
Diagnostic & Testing Steps
- β’Washer pauses mid-cycle, beeps, and displays 5C (or 5E on older digital models).
- β’Door remains locked with tub full of soapy water; clothes soaking wet.
- β’Drain pump makes buzzing or grinding noise but water level does not decrease.
Tools & Equipment Required
- βShallow Drain Basin & Heavy TowelsCatch trapped wash water via front emergency drain hose before opening filter.
- βNeedle-Nose PliersExtract hair ties, coins, or fabric lint lodged in the pump impeller blades.
- βPhillips #2 ScrewdriverRemove lower front access panel or kickplate fasteners.
- βInspection FlashlightVerify pump impeller rotates freely without binding against housing.
- βSoft Cleaning Brush & Warm WaterScrub collected sediment and soap scum from cylindrical filter mesh.
Fast Reset Sequence: Samsung Appliance Power & Keypad Reset
Before unmounting panels or beginning diagnostic procedures, attempt this manufacturer reset to clear transient microcomputer lockouts:
- 1.Press Power to shut down the front display console completely.
- 2.Unplug the appliance power cord from the electrical wall outlet.
- 3.While unplugged, press and hold both Power and Start/Pause simultaneously for 10 seconds to drain residual board capacitors.
- 4.Wait 3 minutes, restore electrical power, and run a Quick Rinse or Diagnostics cycle.
- 1
Step 1: Drain Tub via Emergency Drain Tube
[ ] DonePlace shallow pan on floor, unclip small black rubber hose, pull plug, and drain water completely into bowl.
Verification:Water flow stops; tub is empty and door lock unlocks safely. - 2
Step 2: Remove & Clean Lower Debris Coin Filter
[ ] DoneTwist large round filter cap counterclockwise and pull out. Remove coins, lint clumps, and hairpins.
Verification:Filter mesh is spotless; verify inside pump impeller spins with finger without binding. - 3
Step 3: Check Impeller Rotation and Run Spin Test Cycle
[ ] DoneScrew filter cap clockwise until alignment markers line up. Close flap and run Spin Only cycle.
Verification:5C code clears, pump evacuates water within 90 seconds, and drum ramps up to high spin speed.
Repair Solutions
Open lower front access door, drain water using the black emergency drain tube, and unscrew filter plug.
Rinse coin trap under warm tap water and inspect pump cavity with a flashlight.
Check standpipe height (must be between 24 and 36 inches above floor level).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Samsung error 5C and 5E?
They are identical errors. 5E was used on 7-segment digital screens where the lowercase E looked like a C; modern Samsung machines show 5C.
Why does my Samsung washer display 5C only on heavy loads?
Heavy blankets generate high amounts of lint that temporarily block the pump filter screen during high-volume discharge.