Samsung Dishwasher 5C Error Code: Causes & Fix

What is the Samsung Dishwasher 5C error?#

A 5C code means your Samsung dishwasher cannot drain — dirty water is left standing in the bottom of the tub after a cycle. The pump tried to clear the water and could not do it in time. The most common causes are a clogged tub filter, a kinked drain hose, or — very often on dishwashers — a drain path blocked at the sink connection. You may also see dirty water backing up into the sink and notice an odor. It will not damage the machine, but you have a tub of standing water to deal with. Start by scooping out the water and pulling the bottom filter.

5C on a Samsung Dishwasher: likely causes and repair cost#

On a Samsung Dishwasher, the 5C code signals: drain error.

Typical professional repair: $100–$250 · Difficulty: moderate · often owner-fixable

Fastest thing to try first: Clean filter and check drain hose.

Symptoms that often accompany 5C: Water standing in the bottom of the tub after a cycle; Dirty water backing up from the sink when the dishwasher drains; Foul odor from the dishwasher

Technician diagnostic sequence for 5C:

1. Remove and clean the filter assembly at the bottom of the tub — this is the #1 cause of Samsung dishwasher drain codes
2. Check the drain hose under the sink: it should be connected to either the garbage disposal knockout or a high-loop on the drain pipe. Verify no kinks and that the connection is clear
3. If a garbage disposal is installed, ensure the knockout plug has been removed from the disposal inlet. A forgotten knockout is a common issue with new disposal installations
4. Bail out remaining water from the tub and run a drain-only cycle. If the drain pump makes no noise, it may be failed. Access it from below and test for continuity (approximately 10-15 ohms)

Parts a technician may check or replace: Samsung DD31-00005A; Samsung DD67-00070A; Filter assembly if damaged during cleaning

Field note: Samsung dishwashers require a high drain loop or an air gap to prevent backflow from the sink. If 5C appears after a sink backup, the drain water siphoned back into the dishwasher. Install an air gap or ensure the drain hose loops up to the underside of the countertop.

How to troubleshoot the 5C error yourself#

5C is a code most owners can tackle, and dishwashers have a specific gotcha worth knowing. Bail out the standing water, then twist out the bottom filter and clear the food debris — a clogged filter is the leading cause in the table above. Next, check the drain hose behind or under the cabinet for a kink. Here is the dishwasher-specific catch: if the drain line ties into a garbage disposal, a new disposal's knockout plug may never have been removed, or the disposal is packed with waste — both block the dishwasher's drain and trigger 5C. Run the disposal and check that connection. Where DIY ends is a failed drain pump: if the filter, hose, and sink connection are all clear but 5C persists, replacing the pump is a "moderate" repair for a technician.

Is the Samsung Dishwasher 5C error worth fixing?#

5C is nearly always worth resolving, and the cleaning fixes are free. When the drain pump itself has failed, the table above lists $100 to $250 — modest for a core dishwasher function. Against replacing the whole machine that is a small outlay, so I fix it on any unit with life left. For most owners the fix costs nothing beyond clearing the filter or the disposal connection; a genuine pump repair at $100 to $250 is still well worth it versus a new dishwasher.

Samsung Dishwasher 5C: frequently asked questions#

What does the 5C error mean on a Samsung Dishwasher?#

It means the dishwasher failed to drain, leaving standing water in the tub. A clogged filter, kinked hose, or blocked sink/disposal connection is usually to blame.

Is it safe to keep using a Samsung Dishwasher that shows the 5C error?#

There is no hazard, but you will have standing water and possible odor. Clear the drain path before running another cycle.

Can I clear the 5C error myself, or do I need a technician?#

Usually yes: clean the filter, check the drain hose, and confirm the disposal knockout plug is removed and the disposal is clear. A failed drain pump needs a technician.

How much does it cost to repair the 5C error on a Samsung Dishwasher?#

Often free if it is a clog. If the drain pump has failed, the table above lists $100 to $250.

Which parts usually fail when a dishwasher throws the 5C code?#

Most often nothing fails — it is a clog in the filter, hose, or sink connection. When a part is involved, it is the drain pump from the table above.

Why does a clogged filter trigger the 5C error?#

Debris blocking the filter or drain path stops the pump from clearing water; the dishwasher times the drain, sees water remaining, and flags 5C.