DIY Error Codes

Samsung washer error 5C

Drain error

Front-load: unplug, drain and clean the drain filter. Top-load: check the drain hose, then power-cycle.

Unplug the washer before any cleaning or maintenance.
Why
Samsung: "Before cleaning or performing maintenance, unplug the appliance from the wall socket." "Do not attempt to repair, disassemble, or modify the appliance yourself." (Front-load manual pp.9, 13; top-load manual pp.9, 12.)

Fix it step by step

Step 1 of 7

  1. Front-load: drain the leftover water

    • 10 min
    • Container, Towels
    • Caution

    Safety: Unplug the washer before any cleaning or maintenance.

    Unplug, open the filter cover and drain the water into a container first.

    Why & details

    Front-load: drain the leftover water.

    Samsung, Emergency drain (front-load p.42): "Turn off the washer, and then unplug the power cord." Open the filter cover, stretch the emergency drain tube to a container, then open the tube cap and let the water flow out. Samsung notes: "Use a spacious container because the water in the drum may be more than expected."

    Did the code clear?

  2. Front-load: clean the drain filter

    • 10 min
    • Soft brush, Container
    • Caution

    Safety: Unplug the washer before any cleaning or maintenance. Water will come out when the knob opens.

    Turn the knob counterclockwise, brush the filter and check the pump impeller.

    Why & details

    Front-load: clean the drain filter.

    Samsung, Drain filter (front-load p.44): "Turn the drain filter knob (A) counterclockwise, and then drain the remaining water." "Clean the drain filter using a soft brush. While the drain filter is removed, make sure the impeller inside the drain pump is free of debris." Then reinsert the filter, turn the knob clockwise and close the cover. Samsung (p.45): "Make sure the filter knob is closed properly after cleaning the filter. Otherwise, this may cause a leak."

    Did the code clear?

  3. Front-load: restart the washer

    • 2 min
    • None
    • DIY

    After cleaning, restart the cycle.

    Why & details

    Front-load: restart the washer.

    Samsung chart, 5C (front-load p.54): "If the drain filter is clogged, clean the filter, and then restart the washer."

    Did the code clear?

  4. Top-load: check the drain hose

    • 5 min
    • None
    • DIY

    Not frozen or clogged, positioned correctly, and straight to the drain.

    Why & details

    Top-load: check the drain hose.

    Samsung chart, 5C (top-load p.57): "Make sure the drain hose is not frozen or clogged." "Make sure the drain hose is positioned correctly, depending on the connection type." "Make sure the drain hose is straight all the way to the drain system."

    Did the code clear?

  5. Top-load: the mesh debris filter

    • Varies
    • None
    • Caution

    Samsung's chart lists cleaning it; follow your manual for access.

    Why & details

    Top-load: the mesh debris filter.

    Samsung chart, 5C (top-load p.57): "Clean the mesh debris filter as it may be clogged." The top-load manual on file does not give separate steps for this filter, so do not open panels to look for it.

    Did the code clear?

  6. Top-load: power-cycle

    • 2 min
    • None
    • DIY

    Safety: Unplug the washer before any cleaning or maintenance.

    Off, unplug, wait one minute, plug back in.

    Why & details

    Top-load: power-cycle.

    Samsung chart, 5C (top-load p.57): "Turn off the washer, unplug it, wait one minute, and then plug the washer in again. If the information code remains, contact a Samsung customer service center."

    Did the code clear?

  7. Call Samsung service

    • Decision
    • None
    • Pro decision

    If 5C keeps coming back.

    Why & details

    Call Samsung service.

    Samsung (front-load p.55): "If any information code keeps appearing on the screen, contact a local Samsung service center." Samsung also says not to repair, disassemble or modify the washer yourself (p.9).

    Still showing 5C?Need a pro → call a pro

Code cleared. Nice work.

Watch the display for a day to make sure it stays clear.

Back to top

Fixed after any step? Watch the display for a day to make sure it stays clear. Still 5C after step 7? call a pro.

What 5C means

The washer could not drain the water. Samsung points to a clogged drain filter (front-load) or a frozen, clogged or badly positioned drain hose (top-load).

More detail
Samsung's Information codes table lists 5C as "Check the drain system." on the front-load WF45T6000A* (p.54) and "Water is not draining." on the top-load WA54R7200A*/WA50R5200A* (p.57). The front-load maintenance section adds (p.45): "If the drain filter is clogged, the 5C information code appears on the washer's display screen."

5-minute checks

Full answer & models

Samsung washer 5C means the washer is not draining. On the front-load model, clean the drain filter; on the top-load models, check the drain hose and the mesh debris filter.

Applies to: WF45T6000A* (front-load)WA54R7200A*WA50R5200A* (top-load)
Also searched as: Samsung washer 5C, Samsung washer 5C code, Samsung washer error code 5C, Samsung 5C error, Samsung washer not draining code

Call a pro if…

  • 5C keeps returning after the filter and hose checks (Samsung: service center).
  • The drain pump impeller is jammed or damaged.
  • Any fix would mean opening the cabinet.

FAQ

What does 5C mean on a Samsung washer?

The washer is not draining. Front-load: "Check the drain system." Top-load: "Water is not draining."

Where is the drain filter on the front-load model?

Behind the filter cover on the front, bottom of the washer. Samsung says to unplug the washer and drain the water first (p.42, p.44).

How often should I clean the drain filter?

Samsung says to clean it 5 or 6 times a year to prevent it from clogging (front-load p.44).

Source: Samsung Washer User Manual WF45T6000A* (front-load, DC68-04006R-05): Information codes pp.54-55, Drain filter pp.44-45, Emergency drain p.42, Safety pp.9, 13; also Samsung Washer User Manual WA54R7200A*/WA50R5200A* (top-load, DC68-04037J-05) p.57. Written by the DIY Error Codes team. Updated 2026-10-17. DIY Error Codes is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Samsung.