Samsung Washer 5C / 5E / nd Error Code
On Samsung washers, 5C, 5E, SC, SE, nd and 1 5C are the no drain error: water isn't leaving the washer at the right speed, or at all. Samsung says the most common reasons are a blocked filter or a kinked drain hose, and both are things you can check.
| Brand / appliance | Samsung washers |
|---|---|
| Codes | 5C, 5E, SC, SE, nd, 1 5C |
| Meaning | Water isn't draining correctly |
| Try yourself first? | Yes: drain hose, and the pump filter on front-loaders |
What 5C means on a Samsung washer
Samsung groups nd, 5E, SE, 5C, SC and 1 5C as the no drain error. The washer tried to pump the water out and it didn't drain in time. On front-load models, the usual suspect is the pump filter (sometimes called the coin trap or debris filter) behind a small door at the bottom front. Coins, hair ties, socks and lint collect there. Samsung's pump-filter step applies to front-loaders only, so on a top-load Samsung the drain hose is the main thing to check.
Common causes
- A clogged pump filter on a front-load washer.
- A kinked, crushed or clogged drain hose.
- A drain hose installed incorrectly, or a slow or clogged standpipe in the wall.
- A drain pump that's jammed or has failed (a technician's job).
Safety: unplug the washer first. There may be a lot of water behind the filter door, and it can be hot if you ran a hot cycle, so let it cool. Put towels and a shallow pan on the floor before you start.
Safe things to try first
- Check the drain hose. Pull the washer out a little and make sure the hose isn't kinked or squashed behind it. Samsung says the hose shouldn't go more than 6 to 8 inches into the drain pipe.
- Clean the pump filter (front-loaders). Open the small access door at the bottom front. Pull out the small emergency drain hose, remove its cap and let the water drain into the pan. Cap it again, then turn the filter counterclockwise to remove it, rinse off the debris in warm water, wipe the opening and screw it back in clockwise until it's secure.
- Try a Rinse + Spin. Plug the washer back in and run a short rinse and spin to see if it drains now.
- Use the right detergent. Too much detergent, or a non-HE detergent, makes excess suds that can slow draining. Use HE detergent and measure it.
When to call a technician
If the filter and hose are clear and the washer still won't drain, or you can hear the pump hum but no water moves, the drain pump may be jammed or failed, or there may be a wiring or control problem. That needs a technician. If water backs up out of the standpipe while the washer drains, the house drain line may be clogged, which is a plumbing issue.
Questions about Samsung 5C and nd codes
Where is the filter on a Samsung washer?
On front-load Samsung washers, it's behind a small access door on the lower front of the machine, next to a small emergency drain hose. Samsung's filter-cleaning step is for front-load models only; on a top-loader, check the drain hose instead.
Is 5C the same as nd?
Yes. Samsung lists nd, 5E, SE, 5C, SC and 1 5C as the same no drain error. The code shown depends on the model and display.
How often should I clean the pump filter?
Samsung recommends cleaning it regularly. Check your owner's manual for the interval for your model, and check it any time the washer drains slowly or shows a drain code.