How to resolve a 5E or 5C error code on a washing machine

A 5E or 5C error code indicates that the washing machine has detected a drainage issue. The most common reason for this error is a blocked filter or a kinked drain hose. You should also check that the drain hose has been installed properly and clean the hose thoroughly to remove any blockages that may be preventing your washing machine from draining properly.

For more information on how to look after your washing machine, you can visit our washing machine support site.

Please note: The buttons on your washing machine will be disabled for 3 minutes after the error code appears.

How to resolve 4E or 5E codes on your Samsung Washing Machine How to resolve 4E or 5E codes on your Samsung Washing Machine

Your washing machine's drain pump is responsible for pumping water out of the main drum so that it can be drained away. The drain pump filter protects the pump by filtering the water that drains out from the drum. However, over time, lint builds up in the filter and small items such as coins, hairclips or hair can become trapped in the filter. If the filter is clogged, your washing machine may not drain properly so your clothes may be wet when the cycle finishes, or the cycle may take longer than expected to finish. In some cases, the washing machine might not spin properly or may by noisy or vibrate excessively. To stop the filter getting clogged and to ensure the smooth running of your washing machine, it is important to clean the drain pump filter regularly.

1 Locate the small access door on the front of your washing machine.
Access door is located on the front of your washing machine
2 Place a towel on the floor in front of the washing machine and have a shallow dish ready nearby to collect any water that may come out of the washing machine.
3 Press firmly on the access door on the front of the washing machine or use a coin to open the door, depending on the model of your washing machine.
The access door on the washing machine is open
4 Pull out the emergency drain hose and position the spout over the dish. Remove the cap and let the water flow out into the dish until it stops flowing.
Water is flowing from the washing machine's drain hose
5 Replace the cap on the emergency drain hose and secure it properly back in position.
Cap is replaced on the drain hose
6 Rotate the drain filter anti-clockwise to remove it from the housing.
Drain filter is rotated anti-clockwise to remove
7 Remove any debris from the filter and wash it in warm water to clean it properly.
8 Wipe the drain pump filter recess with a damp cloth.
9 Replace the drain pump filter and rotate it clockwise to lock it in place.
Drain filter is rotated clockwise to replace
10 Close the access door.
Access door is closed

For further assistance, find out how to check the drain pump filter on your washing machine.

If your machine is having trouble draining, it is important to check that the drain hose has been installed correctly so that the water from your machine can drain away properly. There are two ways your washing machine's drain hose could be connected to the waste: either via a spigot or via a standpipe.

A spigot is a valve on another pipe. Your washing machine's drain hose might be connected to a spigot on the waste pipe itself, or it might be connected to a spigot on a pipe or waste trap that leads to the waste (such as a sink waste pipe).

Image of drain hose connected to a spigot

If the drain hose is connected via a standpipe, your washing machine's drain hose simply hooks over an open standpipe which is connected to the waste pipe.

Image of drain hose connected to a stand pipe

Follow the instructions below to check that your drainpipe is correctly positioned and installed.

 

If the drain hose is connected via a spigot:

1 Check that the blanking cap has been removed.

If you have recently installed your washing machine, make sure that you have removed or cut off the blanking cap.

Blanking cap is removed from the spigot
2 Check that the drain hose is pushed onto the spigot correctly and that the hose clip (if there is one on the pipe) is screwed up securely.
3 Check that there are no kinks or bends in the drainpipe.

If the drain hose is connected via a standpipe:

1 Make sure that the hose is correctly positioned and secured using the hose clips.
2 Make sure that the drain hose is at least 60cm above the floor.
Image showing a washing machine with a standpipe
3 Make sure that the standpipe covers the drain hose completely.
Image showing a washing machine with a standpipe
4 Make sure that no more than 150mm of the drain hose is in the standpipe
Image showing a washing machine with a standpipe
5 Check that there are no kinks or bends in the drain pipe.

If the drain hose is clogged or blocked, your washing machine might not be able to drain properly. Check the drain hose for blockages and clean it to ensure that the water can drain away.

1 Switch off the washing machine at the mains and unplug it from the socket.
2 Remove all laundry from the drum.
3 Pull the washing machine out from the wall enough so you can get behind it.
4 Locate the drain hose. The drain hose is usually the largest in diameter and is connected to a drain pipedrainpipe instead of a tap.
5 Detach the drain hose from the washing machine.

Please note: You might need to use a screwdriver or a wrench to open the clasp that attaches the pipe to the machine.

6 Detach the drain hose at the other end.
7 Use a clothes hanger or other tool to remove any material or blockages which are clogging up the hose.
8 Replace the hose and run a cycle on the washing machine to check if it is now clear.

If you're looking for information on how to fix issues with a 4E or 4C error code, read our FAQ on How to resolve a 4E or 4C error code on a washing machine.

If the issue persists after following the steps above, please visit Samsung Repair or contact Samsung Support for further assistance.

 

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