Samsung Washing machines error code
No-drain error
Water is not draining at the correct speed. Some Samsung models show nd, 5E, SE, SC, or 1 5C for the same family of problem.
Also shown as: nd, 5E, SE, SC, 1 5C
Direct answer
5C at a glance
- Meaning
- No-drain error
- Urgency
- Pause and inspect
- First safe check
- Pause the cycle and prepare for residual water.
- Model note
- Samsung may display nd, 5E, SE, SC, or 1 5C for the same drain-error family. Confirm the exact display in the model manual because SE can be confused with 5E.
Confirm the symptom
What usually appears with 5C
- Water remains in the drum
- The cycle stops before the final spin
- The pump hums but drains slowly
- The code appears as 5C, 5E, SE, SC, nd, or 1 5C on some models
Likely causes
Why 5C appears
- 01Drain filter is blocked
- 02Drain hose is kinked or frozen
- 03Household drain is obstructed
Observation-led diagnosis
Start with what you can actually see
An error code identifies a system, not a replacement part. Match the observable condition before deciding what to check next.
| What you observe | What it suggests | Safest next move |
|---|---|---|
| The drain hose is kinked, pinched, or frozen | The outlet path is restricted | Owner checkCorrect the visible restriction and follow the model manual before testing a drain cycle. |
| The pump runs but drainage is slow | The filter or household drain may be partially blocked | Owner checkPrepare for residual water and clean only the user-accessible filter described in the manual. |
| The standpipe backs up or drains slowly | The home drain may be limiting washer discharge | Owner checkStop testing the washer until the household drain is clear. |
| The pump hums with no flow after hose and filter checks | An internal obstruction or pump fault may need diagnosis | Stop and serviceStop repeating cycles and arrange service. |
Safe diagnostic path
What to check, in order
- 01
Pause the cycle and prepare for residual water.
- 02
Clean the drain filter as described in the model manual.
- 03
Inspect the drain hose and household drain for restrictions.
- 04
Restore power and run a drain or spin cycle.
Know when to stop
Don’t push past this point
Request service if the pump hums without draining, a leak appears, or the code returns.
- Do not open a filter without preparing for residual water.
- Do not keep restarting a water-filled washer.
- Do not assume a humming pump proves the pump itself has failed.
Primary source
How this page was checked
The code meaning and manufacturer-specific guidance were checked against the linked support material on August 28, 2026. Confirm details against the manual for your exact model before removing panels or parts.
Read Samsung US: washing-machine error codes ↗Common follow-up questions
About Samsung code 5C
What does 5C mean on a Samsung washing machines?
5C means “No-drain error.” Water is not draining at the correct speed. Some Samsung models show nd, 5E, SE, SC, or 1 5C for the same family of problem.
Can I clear 5C by resetting the appliance?
A reset does not clear trapped lint, a frozen hose, or a slow standpipe. Correct the drain-path issue first, then run one drain or spin test.
Does 5C mean the same thing on every Samsung model?
Samsung may display nd, 5E, SE, SC, or 1 5C for the same drain-error family. Confirm the exact display in the model manual because SE can be confused with 5E.
When should I stop troubleshooting 5C?
Request service if the pump hums without draining, a leak appears, or the code returns.