Samsung Dishwasher SC Error Code: What It Means and How to Fix It
Updated · from manufacturer service documentation
SC on a Samsung dishwasher (also shown as 5C, 5E, or SE, depending on the model) means the machine is having difficulty draining water. Per Samsung's own support documentation, the fix starts with inspecting and cleaning the drain connections, hose, filter, and sump — most cases don't need a technician.
What Causes the SC Code
| Cause | Likelihood | DIY difficulty | Related part |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garbage disposal knockout cap not removed (new installs) | Most common | Easy — remove cap | — |
| Food waste blocking the disposal or drain connection | Common | Easy — clean disposal | — |
| Drain hose twisted, bent, or kinked | Common | Easy — straighten hose | Drain hose |
| Filter and drain area not cleaned | Common | Easy — clean removable parts | Filter |
| Home plumbing/sink drain backing up | Less common | Easy — test, or call a plumber | — |
| Frozen drain line (cold conditions) | Occasional | Easy — thaw the area | — |
How to Fix the SC Error, Step by Step
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Check the disposal connection
Make sure the garbage disposal is free of food waste and working correctly, and confirm any disposal knockout cap was actually removed during installation.
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Check the drain hose
Make sure it isn't twisted or bent, especially if the dishwasher was recently moved or reinstalled — it should connect to an air gap or form a high loop to prevent backflow.
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Test whether your sink drains normally
Run water in the sink for about 30 seconds. If it doesn't drain, the problem is in your home's plumbing, not the dishwasher — call a plumber rather than servicing the appliance.
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Clean the filter and drain area
Many models have removable filter parts specifically for this — check your user manual for the exact steps and clean them regularly, not just when SC appears.
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Check for a frozen line in cold conditions
If you suspect frozen water or drain lines, warm the area or leave the cabinet door open to help it thaw.
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Contact Samsung support if the steps above don't resolve it
At that point Samsung recommends a Service Centre visit rather than continued self-diagnosis.
Which Models This Applies To
Samsung uses SC, 5C, 5E, or SE interchangeably across different dishwasher models and display styles for this same drain-difficulty condition — there's no separate meaning behind the different letter combinations.
See also: Samsung dishwasher LC. Full list: all Samsung dishwasher error codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between SC, 5C, 5E, and SE on a Samsung dishwasher?
Nothing — Samsung's own support documentation groups all four under the same draining-difficulty explanation; the letter combination just varies by model/display.
Is SC the same problem as the LC (leak) code?
No — SC/5C is specifically about draining difficulty, while LC is Samsung's separate leak-detection code. Don't confuse the two even though both relate to water.
Do I need a technician for an SC code?
Usually not — cleaning the disposal, drain hose, and filter resolves most cases. Samsung only recommends a Service Centre visit if those steps don't fix it.
Could my home's plumbing be the actual cause?
Yes — Samsung's own troubleshooting has you test whether your kitchen sink drains normally first; if it doesn't, the issue is your home plumbing, not the dishwasher.
Based on Samsung's official support pages "Common Samsung dishwasher error codes and their meaning" and "Samsung dishwasher is not draining" (samsung.com/ca/support). Last updated: .