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5CSamsung Dishwasher

Samsung Dishwasher Error 5C – Meaning, Causes & How to Fix

Drain error – the dishwasher is unable to pump water out within the expected time.

Medium Severity
Low
Medium
High
Critical

Expert Verified

Reviewed by a Certified Electrical Engineer & Licensed Technician

Official Meaning

Drain error – the dishwasher is unable to pump water out within the expected time. The drain path is blocked or the drain pump is malfunctioning.

Real-World Causes

  • 1Drain filter and sump area at the bottom of the dishwasher are clogged with food debris
  • 2Drain hose is kinked, compressed, or the knockout plug in the garbage disposal was never removed
  • 3Drain pump impeller is jammed by glass, bones, or hard food particles
  • 4Kitchen sink drain is slow or blocked, backing up into the dishwasher
  • 5Drain pump motor has failed
  • 6Check valve on the drain hose is stuck closed

Symptoms

Look for these signs to confirm error 5C on your Samsung Dishwasher:

  • 5C error code displayed – often at the end of a wash cycle during drain phase
  • Standing water visible at the bottom of the dishwasher tub
  • Humming sound from the drain pump with no water movement
  • Dirty water backs up into the tub from the sink connection
  • Error may follow a period of gradually worsening drain performance

DIY Fix (Safe)

  1. 1Remove the bottom rack and pull out the drain filter assembly – clean all parts thoroughly under running water
  2. 2Check the sump area below the filter for any large debris like broken glass, toothpicks, or food
  3. 3If connected to a garbage disposal, ensure the knockout plug inside the disposal inlet was removed during installation
  4. 4Check the drain hose under the sink for kinks – it should rise to a high loop before connecting to the drain
  5. 5Run the garbage disposal to clear any blockage at the shared drain connection

Professional Action Required

  1. 1Access and inspect the drain pump for a jammed impeller – remove any debris lodged inside
  2. 2Test the drain pump motor for continuity – replace if windings are open or shorted
  3. 3Inspect the drain check valve (flapper) for stuck position or debris preventing operation
  4. 4Check the control board drain pump relay for proper operation
  5. 5If drain performance has been worsening over time, the entire drain pump assembly may need replacement due to worn impeller blades

Additional Context

Load Type
Heavy or greasy loads produce more food debris that can clog the drain
Drain Related
true
Sensor Issues
Water level sensor can prevent drain completion detection if blocked

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Samsung Dishwasher error 5C mean?
Error 5C means the dishwasher cannot drain the water. Start by cleaning the drain filter at the bottom of the tub. Also check the drain hose for kinks and ensure the garbage disposal knockout plug was removed if applicable.
Is Samsung Dishwasher 5C the same as 5E?
Yes, both codes indicate a drain error. Samsung uses 5C on newer models and 5E on older ones. The troubleshooting steps are the same for both codes.

Related Error Codes

Other Samsung Dishwasher Errors

4CWater supply error – the dishwasher is not receiving water or the fill rate is too slow
LCLeak detected – the dishwasher's leak sensor in the base pan has detected the presence of water, indicating a potential leak in the system
OCOver-level water error – the dishwasher has detected that the water level inside the tub is higher than expected, indicating a fill valve that won't shut off or drain that is too slow
tETemperature sensor error – the dishwasher's water temperature sensor is not responding or is returning readings outside the acceptable range

About the Author

Technical Review Team

Reviewed by certified appliance technicians with 10+ years of Samsung repair experience. Every error code is verified against manufacturer service manuals and real-world repair data.