Samsung Washer 5C Error Code: What It Means and How to Fix It
Updated · from manufacturer service documentation
The 5C error code on a Samsung washer means Drain Check — the machine isn't draining water out. The washer detected the drain pump isn't clearing water and stopped the cycle rather than continue with standing water in the tub. The most common causes are a clogged drain pump or hose, both checkable without special tools.
What Causes the 5C Code
| Cause | Likelihood | DIY difficulty | Related part |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign material clogging the drain pump or hose | Most common | Easy — remove debris | Drain pump / drain hose |
| Frozen water in the pump (winter) | Occasional | Easy — thaw before use | — |
| Incorrect wire connections or broken wires to the pump | Less common | Moderate — check connector | Wiring harness |
| Drain pump impeller damaged internally | Less common | Moderate — multimeter | Drain pump assembly |
| Wrong voltage supplied to the pump | Rare | Pro repair | Main PCB / pump |
How to Fix the 5C Error, Step by Step
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Check for foreign objects in the drain pump
Per the service documentation, items like coins, hairpins, cotton, rubber bands, or bills commonly collect inside the drain pump assembly and block it — clear anything found.
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Check the drain hose for clogs
Look for injection-check blockages or foreign material restricting flow through the hose.
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In winter, check for frozen water
If the pump stopped because water froze inside it, thaw it following the standard repair procedure before running another cycle.
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Check the pump wiring
Verify the connections to the drain pump aren't loose, disconnected, or broken.
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Test the drain pump resistance
Unplug the washer and measure the pump: it should read 13.5–16.5 Ω. A reading outside that range means the pump has failed internally — replace the drain pump assembly.
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If the fault only shows up with hot wash water
The service documentation notes this points to an intermittent pump fault under heat — replace the pump.
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If everything above checks out — control board
A main PCB fault can also trigger 5C; this is a job for a technician.
Which Models This Applies To
Documented for the Samsung top-load series WA48H7400AW, WA48J7700AW, WA48J7770AP, WA48J7770AW (same series service manual as the 4C page). On the 7-segment display, 5C can visually read as "SC" since 5 and S look similar on that display style — if you searched for "SC" and landed here, this is the code you're looking at.
Related code: 4C — the opposite problem, water won't fill. See also: SC. Full list: all Samsung washer error codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to keep using the washer with a 5C code?
No damage risk immediately, but the washer won't finish the cycle until it can drain — don't leave a load of wet laundry sitting for long once you see 5C.
Why does my washer show "SC" instead of "5C"?
They're the same code. On Samsung's 7-segment display, the digit 5 can look like the letter S, so 5C often gets misread or mistyped as "SC" — there's no separate SC fault.
What's the difference between 5C and 4C?
5C is a drain error — water isn't leaving the machine. 4C is a water-supply error — water isn't coming in. They're opposite problems on the same code family.
How do I clear the 5C code after fixing the cause?
Power the washer off, confirm the drain pump and hose are clear, then restart the cycle. The code clears once the washer successfully drains the tub.
Based on the Samsung service documentation for the WA48J7700AW washer series. Last updated: .