Samsung Dishwasher Error Code 5C

Samsung Dishwasher Error 5C — What It Means

The Samsung dishwasher error code 5C (sometimes displayed as 5C or “5:c”) generally indicates a drain problem. In plain terms, the appliance senses water that isn’t leaving the tub quickly enough or a fault in the drain system. This can be caused by clogged filters, a blocked or kinked drain hose, debris or foreign objects in the sump, a faulty drain pump, or problems with the garbage disposal/air gap connection. Left unresolved, a 5C error can lead to standing water, longer cycle times, poor cleaning performance, unpleasant odors, potential water damage if leaks develop, and, in rare cases, electrical issues if water reaches components.

Common Causes

• Clogged filter or debris trapped in the sump
• Blocked, kinked, or clogged drain hose
• Obstruction at the garbage disposal or sink air gap
• Faulty or jammed drain pump impeller
• Failed drain pump motor or electrical connection
• Check valve or non-return valve stuck or broken
• Incorrect hose routing or poor installation (too low/high loop)
• Control board or sensor fault reporting drain incorrectly
• Foreign objects (glass, food, small utensils) blocking drain path

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Safety first. Turn off the dishwasher, unplug it or switch off the breaker, and shut off the water supply before any inspection or disassembly.
2. Check and clean the filter and sump. Remove the bottom rack, take out the filter assembly, and clear food debris or broken glass. Rinse the filter under running water.
3. Look inside the sump area. Use a flashlight and remove any visible foreign objects that could jam the pump impeller.
4. Inspect the drain hose. Follow the hose from the dishwasher to under the sink. Check for kinks, clogs, or pinched sections. Disconnect and flush the hose if safe to do so.
5. Check the garbage disposal and air gap. If the disposal was recently replaced or not used often, clear the knockout plug or debris. Ensure the air gap (if present) is free of buildup.
6. Run a drain cycle or diagnostic mode. After clearing debris, power the machine and start a drain or diagnostic cycle to see if the code clears and water evacuates normally.
7. Listen to the drain pump. During a drain attempt, a healthy pump makes a humming or whirring noise. If it’s silent or grinding, the pump may be faulty or jammed.
8. Inspect pump and impeller. Remove the lower access panel per your model’s service instructions and check the pump for obstructions. Manually spin the impeller (with power off) to ensure it moves freely.
9. Test electrical components. If you’re comfortable and qualified, use a multimeter to check pump continuity and wiring connections. If you’re not experienced with electrical diagnostics, skip this step and call a technician.
10. Reset the dishwasher. Sometimes a simple power cycle (cut power for 1–5 minutes) clears electronic glitches and the 5C code.
11. Replace parts if needed. If the pump, hose, or valve is defective after testing, replacing the faulty part typically resolves a persistent 5C error.
12. Call a professional. If the above steps don’t clear the error or if you find a failed pump or electrical fault, contact an authorized Samsung service technician to avoid further damage or safety hazards.

Maintenance / Prevention Tips

• Clean the filter assembly after every few cycles to prevent buildup.
• Scrape large food solids from dishes before loading to reduce debris entering the drain.
• Run the garbage disposal before starting the dishwasher and check the disposal knockout plug when newly installed.
• Inspect and flush the drain hose every 3–6 months to remove grease and sediment.
• Ensure the drain hose has a proper high loop or air gap to prevent backflow.
• Avoid putting fibrous foods (onion skins, corn husks) or sticky starchy residue down the dishwasher that can clog filters.
• Check the sump area periodically for small items like glass shards or utensils.
• Use dishwasher-safe rinse aids and detergents per manufacturer recommendations to reduce residue.
• Do not overload the dishwasher — proper loading improves drainage and cleaning.
• Inspect under-sink plumbing and the garbage disposal for clogs that could affect dishwasher drainage.
• Periodically run a short hot-water cycle to help dissolve grease in the drain path.
• Replace hoses and clamps showing wear, brittleness, or damage during routine maintenance.
• Address slow drains immediately; small clogs often become bigger problems if ignored.
• Keep the exterior and control panel dry and clean to prevent electrical faults.
• Schedule professional maintenance if you notice unusual noises, smells, or repeated error codes.

FAQs

Conclusion / Safety Notice

Samsung dishwasher error 5C is usually a drain-related problem that you can often resolve by cleaning filters, checking the hose and garbage disposal, and removing obstructions. However, because water and electrical components are involved, always turn power off before inspecting internal parts. If the drain pump is noisy, unresponsive, or you find an electrical fault, stop and contact a qualified appliance repair technician. Attempting complex electrical repairs without proper training can cause personal injury or further damage to the appliance.

If you are unsure or uncomfortable performing any step, call an authorized Samsung service provider or a licensed appliance repair professional to diagnose and fix the issue safely.