Samsung Washer Error Code SC (5C): Not Draining (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)
What the code means
Samsung's error code list puts nd, 5E, SE, 5C, SC and 1 5C under one 'No drain error': water is not draining from the washer at the correct speed (or at all). The 'S' is how a 5 looks on the display, so SC and 5C are the same code. Samsung says incorrect drain hose installation is the most common cause and that service is rarely required; a clogged drain pump filter (front loaders) or a kinked or blocked hose are the next most likely. Samsung UK notes the buttons may be disabled for 3 minutes after the code appears. If the hose and filter check out and the washer still won't drain at the start of a test cycle, the drain pump or its wiring may be at fault and Samsung recommends requesting service.
Likely causes
- Drain hose installed incorrectly: pushed more than 8 inches or less than 6 inches into the standpipe, forming an airtight seal (which causes siphoning), or using a drain hose extension kit
- Drain hose too low or too high: Samsung US specifies at least 18 inches high (24 inches for a wash basin) and no higher than 96 inches (35 inches for a wash basin)
- Drain hose kinked, crushed, damaged or clogged
- Clogged drain pump (debris) filter on front loaders: lint, coins, hair clips or hair caught in the filter or around the pump impeller
- A blocked household drain or standpipe
- Washer not level
- Water frozen inside the washer (if stored or installed somewhere below freezing)
- Failed drain pump or an electrical fault in the drain circuit, once installation and blockages are ruled out
Safe DIY checks
Unplug the appliance (or switch off its breaker) and shut off the water supply valves before removing panels or disconnecting hoses. Keep towels handy for residual water.
- If you recently ran a hot cycle (such as Sanitize or Pure Cycle), wait about an hour for the water to cool before you start.
- Turn the washer off and check that it is level.
- Pull the washer out and check the drain hose: no kinks or damage, 6 to 8 inches into the standpipe, secured so it can't slip further, not sealed airtight, and within Samsung's height range. Remove any extension kit.
- Don't remove the screw on the back that holds the drain hose against the washer. If it's missing, put it back with any screw that fits; if the holder itself is missing, Samsung says service is required.
- Front loaders: put down a towel and a shallow pan, open the small access panel at the bottom front, pull out the emergency drain hose, remove its cap and let the water drain. Then twist the pump filter counter-clockwise to remove it, rinse and brush it clean, check the impeller behind it for debris, refit it clockwise and recap the hose.
- Top loaders don't have a removable pump filter, so focus on the drain hose and household drain.
- Check the standpipe or sink drain itself isn't backing up (run water down it or check other drains on the same line).
- Turn the washer back on and start a cycle. It should drain at the start of the test cycle. If it doesn't, or SC/5C keeps returning, stop and arrange service.
- Going forward, clean a front loader's pump filter about once a month or every 40 washes, whichever comes first, as Samsung recommends.
🛠 When to call a pro
- The washer still won't drain at the start of a test cycle after the hose, level and pump filter have been checked. Samsung recommends requesting service at this point.
- You suspect a failed drain pump or wiring fault. Testing involves removing panels and live voltage checks, so leave it to a technician unless you're trained.
- The drain hose holder on the back of the washer is missing, which Samsung says needs service.
- The household standpipe or drain line is blocked. That's a plumber's job.
- The washer is under warranty. Request service from Samsung instead of opening it yourself.
Parts that commonly fix it
Always match the part number to your exact model.
Drain pump (exact OEM part for your model)
Only after the hose, filter and household drain are ruled out. Part numbers vary by model, so match your washer's model number before ordering.
[affiliate link slot: AFFILIATE_SLOT_DRAIN_PUMP]Washer drain hose (model-specific)
Replace if kinked, cracked or damaged. Samsung advises against drain hose extension kits.
[affiliate link slot: AFFILIATE_SLOT_DRAIN_HOSE]Pump (debris) filter, front loaders
Replace only if the original is cracked or won't seal; usually it just needs cleaning.
[affiliate link slot: AFFILIATE_SLOT_PUMP_FILTER]Sources
- Samsung Caribbean: Washing machine information and error codes (nd, 5E, SE, 5C, SC, 1 5C: No drain error)
- Samsung Colombia: Códigos de error de una lavadora Samsung (Error 5C, 5E, SE, SC: washer not draining)
- Samsung Russia: Samsung washer error codes (5E/SE and 5C/SC: water not draining; causes incl. clogged hose or filter, failed drain pump, frozen water)
- Samsung US: Washing machine will not drain (hose depth 6 to 8 in, 18 to 96 in height, no airtight seal or extension kit; test cycle)
- Samsung US: How to clean your Samsung washer (pump filter monthly or every 40 washes; top loaders have none)
- Samsung UK: How to resolve a 5E or 5C error code (drainage issue; buttons disabled 3 minutes; emergency drain hose steps)
- Samsung Gulf: How to fix the washing machine with 5C error (drain pump or electrical fault if it persists)
Last reviewed 2026-10-22. Always confirm against the manual for your exact model number.