Samsung 5C Dishwasher Error Code — What It Means & How To Fix It

Diagnosis

What this error means

Drainage fault — the dishwasher cannot empty the water from the base

The 5C or SC error means the dishwasher has failed to drain within the expected time. This is most commonly caused by a blocked or dirty filter assembly, a kinked or incorrectly installed drain hose, a blocked drain pump, or a foreign object jamming the pump impeller. A failed drain pump motor will also produce this code.

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For information purposes only. Always consult a qualified engineer before attempting repairs. 🔌 Unplug your appliance before any inspection or repair.

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What to try first

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Fix time

5–10 minutes

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Difficulty

Competent DIY

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Appliance

Dishwasher

What you'll need first

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Cut Resistant Gloves → · Amazon

☐

Inspection Torch → · Amazon

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Dishwasher Cleaner → · Amazon

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Step-by-step

Remove the lower basket and unscrew the filter assembly at the base of the tub — Twist anti-clockwise to remove the cylindrical filter

Rinse both filter parts thoroughly under running water

Check the drain hose at the rear of the dishwasher for kinks, and confirm the end in the standpipe or sink waste is not inserted more than 10 to 12 cm

Check that the sink waste is not blocked

A blocked household drain prevents the dishwasher from draining regardless of pump function

Replace the filter, run a Quick cycle and check whether the fault clears

Diagnostic

Symptoms to look for

Water visible at the base of the tub at the end of a cycle
Dishwasher stops mid-cycle with standing water in the base
Gurgling or straining sound from the base of the machine during the drain phase
5C or SC displayed near the end of a wash or rinse programme

Step-by-step repair guide

How to fix it

Time 20–40 minutes

Skill Competent DIY

Prepare the machine

Unplug the dishwasher before any hands-on inspection. If the machine stopped mid-cycle there may be hot water in the base — have a towel and a shallow tray ready.

Always unplug the dishwasher before reaching into the filter area. The drain pump can activate without warning if power is present.

Remove and clean the filter assembly

Open the door and remove the lower basket. Unscrew the cylindrical coarse filter anti-clockwise and lift it out, then lift out the flat fine mesh filter beneath it. Rinse both thoroughly under warm running water, scrubbing with a toothbrush. On Samsung dishwashers food particles, grease, and label fragments collect quickly in the fine mesh and restrict drainage flow well below the pump threshold.

Samsung recommends cleaning the dishwasher filter at least once a week with regular use. A blocked filter is by far the most common cause of 5C.

Inspect the sump and pump impeller

With the filter parts removed, shine a torch into the sump cavity. Look for glass fragments, bone chips, or other solid debris that could have blocked the pump entrance. Locate the pump impeller at the base of the sump and try to turn it very gently with a non-metallic implement. It should rotate with slight resistance.

Use a torch before inserting your fingers — broken glass or ceramic fragments occasionally reach the sump and can cause cuts.

Check the drain hose

Pull the dishwasher forward slightly and inspect the drain hose along its full length. Straighten any kinks. The hose end should not be inserted more than 10 to 12 cm into the standpipe — deeper insertion creates a syphon that continually tries to drain the machine during filling. The hose should also form an anti-syphon loop rising to at least 40 cm above floor level before descending to the waste connection.

Also check the sink waste trap or garbage disposal connection for blockages — a blocked household waste line prevents dishwasher drainage completely and the pump cannot overcome this.

Run a drain test

Refit the filter assembly and lock it firmly. Replace the lower basket. Plug in and run a Quick Wash. You should hear the pump activate within 60 seconds and water should flow through the drain hose.

If the pump runs with a grinding or rattling noise but no water drains, there is still debris in the pump body that will require the pump to be removed.

Escalation

When to call an engineer

Pump impeller will not turn by hand after filter removal — debris in pump body or broken impeller
Pump motor hums but produces no water movement — motor winding has failed
5C returns immediately after filter cleaning and hose check
Burning smell or scorch marks under the dishwasher near the pump

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to leave water in the dishwasher base after 5C?

Do not leave standing water for more than a day — it encourages bacterial growth. Scoop out accessible water with a cup and absorb the rest with a sponge.

How often should I clean the Samsung dishwasher filter?

Samsung recommends weekly cleaning with regular use. At a minimum clean it every 10 to 15 cycles.

What is an anti-syphon loop and why does it matter?

It is an intentional upward curve in the drain hose that prevents waste water from flowing back into the dishwasher under gravity or suction from the household drain. Without it, dirty water can re-enter the machine and cause drainage faults.

Can a blocked household drain cause 5C?

Yes — if the sink waste or standpipe is blocked, the dishwasher pump cannot force water out regardless of how well it is functioning. Always check the household drain before investigating the machine.

🎯 What is likely causing this fault?

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Blockage (filter, hose, sink spigot) 55%

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Pump obstruction (debris in impeller) 20%

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Pump failure 15%

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Non-return valve issue 5%

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Wiring / PCB 5%

⚠️ Estimates based on common faults — not a guaranteed diagnosis. Always verify before ordering parts.

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Parts you may need

Enter your model number to filter results to your exact machine

Your model number

Usually found on a label inside the door frame or on the back panel of the machine.

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Part	Approx. UK Cost	Find it
Drain Pump model filtered	£30 - £40	🛒 Amazon UK →
Drain Pump model filtered	£30 - £40	🏷️ eBay UK →

ℹ️ Prices are approximate. Always check the part number matches your model before ordering. Not sure of your model number? Find out how to locate it here.

🇬🇧 UK — Parts & Replacements

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More Samsung Error Codes

Excessive Electrical Current

How to fix the Samsung 5C / SC error code

Open the door carefully — standing water may be present. Use towels to protect your floor.
Remove the lower basket and locate the filter assembly at the base of the machine. On Samsung models, this is usually a twist-lock cylindrical filter. Clean it under warm running water.
Remove the filter cover and check the drain pump impeller — visible through the filter housing. Remove any debris jamming the impeller blades.
Check the drain hose at the rear of the machine for kinks or obstructions.
Run a Rinse programme to test. If 5C persists, the drain pump motor itself may be faulty and require replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why does my Samsung dishwasher show SC instead of 5C?

A: On certain Samsung display types, the number ‘5’ can be mistaken for the letter ‘S’, particularly on older LED segment displays. 5C and SC are the same fault code.

Q: My Samsung dishwasher drains fine into a bucket when I test the hose — but still shows 5C. Why?

A: If the hose flows freely, the issue is likely inside the machine — either a partly blocked impeller slowing drainage below the required rate, or a faulty pump motor that cannot generate sufficient pressure.

Q: How do I reset the 5C error on my Samsung dishwasher?

A: After fixing the cause, press and hold the Start/Reset button for 3 seconds. If this does not clear it, try switching the machine off at the wall for 5 minutes.