Samsung dishwasher 5C / SC / 5E / SE error
Error5C / SC / 5E / SE
Samsung identifies 5C, SC, 5E, and SE as drain errors. Check the sink connection, hose routing, filter area, and frozen drain line before service.
What the code means
The dishwasher cannot drain
Isolate power before cleaning the drain area and wear protection against sharp debris. Close the water supply if a hose connection must be disturbed.
Typical symptoms
015C, SC, 5E, or SE appears after washing or draining
02Water remains in the tub
03The sink, disposal, drain hose, or filter area may be restricted
Likely causes
Start with the least invasive explanation and stop if the check requires internal electrical or sealed-system access.
01A blocked sink drain or disposal
02A pinched, kinked, or incorrectly routed drain hose
03Food or debris in the accessible filter and drain area
04A frozen drain line
Safe next steps
- 1Switch the dishwasher off and isolate power before cleaning the drain area
- 2Check the sink drain and garbage disposal for blockage; remove a disposal cap if the installation is new
- 3Inspect the drain hose for pinching, kinks, a missing high loop, or missing air gap
- 4Clean the accessible filter and drain area as the exact manual permits, watching for sharp debris
- 5Check for a frozen line, then run one drain test and request service if 5C/SC/5E/SE returns
Step-by-step repair
- 1Clear an accessible sink or disposal blockage, correct the visible drain-hose routing, and reassemble removable filter parts exactly as the Samsung manual shows. Do not replace a pump from the code alone; use service if the dishwasher still will not drain.
Repair details
€Estimated cost
Clearing the sink, hose, or filter area normally needs no part. A plumber or Samsung service quote is needed for a damaged hose or pump.
Clearing the sink, hose, or filter area normally needs no part. A plumber or Samsung service quote is needed for a damaged hose or pump.
⏱Estimated time
About 15–40 minutes for the sink, hose, and accessible drain-area checks.
About 15–40 minutes for the sink, hose, and accessible drain-area checks.
🔧Tools
Towel and shallow tray, Flashlight, Cut-resistant gloves for drain-area debris, Exact Samsung model manual
Towel and shallow tray, Flashlight, Cut-resistant gloves for drain-area debris, Exact Samsung model manual
▣Spare parts
A damaged drain hose may need model- and installation-specific replacement. A drain pump is not confirmed by 5C/SC/5E/SE alone.
A damaged drain hose may need model- and installation-specific replacement. A drain pump is not confirmed by 5C/SC/5E/SE alone.
What not to do
- Do not reach into the drain with power connected, use sharp tools, omit the high loop or air gap required locally, or run repeated cycles with standing water.
Preventive maintenance
- 1Keep the filter and drain area clear and maintain the locally required high loop or air gap.
Frequently asked questions
What do 5C/SC/5E/SE mean?
Samsung identifies them as dishwasher drain errors.
Why check the sink?
Samsung says the home's sink drain or disposal can prevent the dishwasher from draining.
Did this fix your appliance?
Your anonymous response helps us show which repairs work in the real world.