Samsung Dishwasher Error Code 5C: Troubleshooting Guide

The Logic Verdict

My Take: The 5C error (often misread as SC) is a classic drainage fault. The video guide provides an excellent, deep-dive troubleshooting path. While many guides stop at the filter, this one demonstrates that a clog can hide deep within the drain pump assembly itself. If cleaning the filters and checking the sink connection doesn’t work, you’ll likely need to pull the dishwasher out to inspect the pump, as shown.

What It Means

The 5C error code (sometimes displayed as 5E, nd, or SC) indicates that the dishwasher is unable to drain water properly. The cycle will pause, and the machine may beep. This usually happens at the end of a cycle when the unit attempts to empty the tub.

Common Causes

1. Clogged Filters: Food particles blocking the main drainage filter.
2. Sink Disposal Blockage: The knockout plug in a new disposal wasn’t removed, or the disposal itself is clogged.
3. Drain Hose Issues: Kinks, bends, or clogs in the hose connecting the dishwasher to the sink.
4. Blocked Drain Pump: Debris (like glass, bone, or plastic) stuck in the pump impeller.

Step-by-Step Fix

1. Check the Interior Filters

Start with the easiest check. Remove the bottom rack and inspect the filter assembly at the base of the tub.

• Remove the cylindrical fine filter and the coarse mesh plate.
• Clean them thoroughly under running water.
• Check the sump area (the hole where the filter sits) for any solid debris.

2. Inspect Sink Connections

If the filters are clean, the blockage might be downstream.

• Garbage Disposal: If connected to a disposal, run it to ensure it’s clear.
• Air Gap: If you have an air gap (the small cylinder next to the faucet), check if it’s blocked.
• Hose Connection: Disconnect the drain hose from the sink tailpiece or disposal (have a bucket ready!). Check for clogs at the connection point.

3. Check the Drain Hose

Ensure the drain hose isn’t kinked behind the machine.

• If you can see the hose, verify it has a “high loop” (goes up before going down to the drain) to prevent backflow.
• The video demonstrates blowing through the hose to test for airflow, confirming if it’s clear.

4. Inspect the Drain Pump (Advanced)

If the error persists, the clog is likely internal.

• Safety: Turn off power to the dishwasher (unplug or flip the breaker).
• Access: You will need to uninstall the dishwasher and pull it out from the cabinet.
• Locate Pump: Tip the unit on its side (carefully). The drain pump is usually connected to the drain hose.
• Clear Debris: In the video, the user disconnects the hose from the pump and finds a small piece of debris jamming the internal mechanism. Remove any obstructions found here.

5. Reassemble and Test

• Reconnect all hoses and clamps securely.
• Slide the dishwasher back into place.
• Run a “Rinse Only” cycle to verify the machine drains correctly and the 5C error is gone.