Error code · Dishwasher

Samsung Dishwasher Code 5C / 5E / SC / SE: Drain Problem

On Samsung US dishwashers with a digital display, 5C, 5E, SC and SE all report the same thing: the dishwasher cannot drain. Water stays in the tub after the cycle stops, and the code remains on…

Medium · inspection needed

Start a Repair (713) 561-5298

Code: 5C / 5E / SC / SE
Appliance: Dishwasher
Brand: Samsung
Warranty: 30-day workmanship

What 5C / 5E / SC / SE means

On Samsung US dishwashers with a digital display, 5C, 5E, SC and SE all report the same thing: the dishwasher cannot drain. Water stays in the tub after the cycle stops, and the code remains on the display. On the DW80T5040US, the 5C check works by running the drain pump 11 times, pausing, and trying again. The cause is often outside the machine, in the sink drain or disposal, though the pump and its circuit can be responsible too.

Common causes of 5C / 5E / SC / SE

Clogged disposal or sink drain
Kinked or blocked drain hose
Debris in the filter or sump
Drain pump or its circuit

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Check that the garbage disposal and sink drain are clear. 2. If a disposal is connected, make sure its knockout plug was removed at installation. 3. Look for a kink in the drain hose under the sink. 4. Remove the filter at the tub floor and clear any debris. 5. Restart the dishwasher and run a short cycle.

! Why to stop there

Clearing the drain path does not show whether the pump responds when it is told to run.
We separate a restriction in the hose or air gap from a weak pump.
We put the price in writing before starting, and the job is warranted for 30 days.

Opening a panel yourself does not automatically cancel a manufacturer warranty, but it can cause accidental damage, and some manufacturers set their own service conditions. Check your warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.

→Same appliance

Other Dishwasher codes

SRSamsung Dishwasher Code SR: Water Not Draining Out 1E / IE (rotary models)Samsung Dishwasher Code 1E / IE on Rotary Models: Heater Overheating PESamsung Dishwasher Code PE: Half Load Error tESamsung Dishwasher Code tE: Temperature Sensor Blinking: Heavy (without Express 60) / NormalSamsung Dishwasher Heavy or Normal Light Blinking: Leak Detected Blinking: Normal, Delicate + Quick / Normal, Delicate + Smart Auto / Normal, Quick+ + Smart Auto / Smart Auto, Normal + DelicateSamsung Dishwasher Normal Light Trio Blinking: Supply Water Too Hot Blinking: Normal + HeavySamsung Dishwasher Normal and Heavy Lights Blinking: Thermistor Reading Blinking: Normal, Heavy + Express 60Samsung Dishwasher Normal, Heavy and Express 60 Blinking: Thermistor Short

5C / 5E / SC / SE5C / 5E / SC / SE questions

Are 5C and SC the same code?

Yes. 5C, SC, 5E and SE all point to the same drain condition, and the letters vary by how the display shows them. We read them as one problem.

Should I bail out the water?

Scoop out standing water so it does not sour, and check the filter. Do not keep running cycles over water that cannot leave. A towel and a small cup are enough for that job.

Could my sink be the cause?

Quite often. A clogged disposal or sink line stops a healthy dishwasher draining, so we check there before the pump. It takes only a few minutes to rule that out.

Book a visit

Still seeing 5C / 5E / SC / SE?

A technician diagnoses it on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.

(713) 561-5298