Samsung Washer SC (5C) Error
What it means
The SC error — which is actually the code 5C displayed in a way that often looks like 'SC' (and shows as 5E on older models) — means the washer is not draining water correctly, or at all. It's most often caused by a clogged drain filter or a kinked/blocked drain hose, both of which you can usually clear yourself.
The bottom line on the SC (5C) error
The SC code (really 5C) means the washer will not drain, and the real culprit is almost always a clogged drain pump filter full of lint, coins, and hair rather than a failed pump. A common trap: after cleaning, a loose emergency drain cap lets the pump lose prime and throws a false SC again.
Start with the free move: unplug, clean the drain filter, and flush the drain hose. That clears the large majority of cases at no cost. Only if the pump itself has failed do you need a part, and a drain pump is typically about $25–$80.
SC (5C) snapshot
There is standing water at the pump — always unplug the washer before opening the drain filter or pump access panel so water and mains power never meet.
Our own at-a-glance triage of the SC (5C) error, from the verified data on this page. See error-code rankings → · How we score →
Common causes of the SC (5C) error
- Clogged drain pump filter (lint, coins, hair, debris)
- Kinked, blocked, or improperly installed drain hose
- Drain hose pushed too far into the standpipe
- Loose or missing emergency drain cap (causes a false code)
- Restricted household drain line
- Faulty drain pump (less common)
Which Samsung washers get the SC (5C) error
The drain fault appears as SC/5C on newer Samsung front-loaders (WF-series) and top-loaders (WA-series), and as 5E on older units. It shows up across roughly the last decade of models and is most common on machines that have not had their drain pump filter cleaned regularly, since lint and small items accumulate there over time.
How to fix the Samsung Washer SC (5C) error
- 1Unplug the washer firstDisconnect power before opening the pump access panel. There will be standing water, so this is an important safety step.
- 2Drain the water and clean the filterOpen the small access panel at the bottom front. Place towels and a shallow pan, drain the water through the emergency drain hose, then twist the drain filter counter-clockwise to remove it. Clear out lint, coins, and hair, rinse it in warm water, and screw it back in firmly (clockwise).
- 3Check the emergency drain capMake sure the small plug on the emergency drain hose is pushed in tight after draining. A loose cap can let the pump lose prime and trigger a false 5C/SC code.
- 4Inspect the drain hoseEnsure the drain hose isn't kinked and isn't pushed more than a few inches into the standpipe. Detach it (with towels and a bucket ready) and flush it out with water to clear any blockage.
- 5Reset and testPlug the washer back in and run a rinse/spin cycle to confirm it drains normally. If the code remains, unplug for 1–5 minutes to clear the control board, then retry.
🧰 When to call a professional
If the filter, drain cap, and hose are all clear but SC/5C keeps coming back, the drain pump itself may be failing or jammed. Accessing the pump often means tipping the machine or removing a panel — call an appliance technician if you're not comfortable doing that.
Samsung SC (5C) vs Samsung 4C vs Samsung dC: how they compare
How this code stacks up against related error codes for difficulty, urgency, and cost.
| Samsung SC (5C) | Samsung 4C | Samsung dC | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY difficulty (1–5) | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Urgency (1–5) | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Typical cost | $$ | $ | $ |
How much does it cost to fix the SC (5C) error?
| DIY (clean filter and drain hose) | $0 |
| DIY parts (drain pump, if it has failed) | $25–$80 |
| Professional repair (parts + labor) | $150–$350 |
| New appliance replacement | $650–$1,300 |
Repair or replace?
Most SC/5C errors cost nothing to fix — cleaning the drain pump filter and clearing the drain hose resolves the large majority of cases. Only if the drain pump itself has failed do you need a part, and the pump alone is typically about $25–$80. A professional pump replacement usually runs $150–$350 including labor, which is well worth doing on a washer under about 8 years old; on an older machine already showing other faults, replacement starts to make more sense. Prices vary by model and region.
Common replacement parts for the SC (5C) error
| Drain pump | $25–$80 | The main failed part when a clean filter and clear hose do not clear SC/5C. | |
| Drain hose | $15–$40 | Replace if kinked, split, or permanently blocked. | |
| Drain filter / pump filter | $10–$25 | Inexpensive; replace only if cracked or damaged while cleaning. |
Prices are typical retail ranges and vary by model and supplier — always confirm the exact part number for your appliance before buying. We are not linking parts for this code on purpose: it is a job for a qualified technician, and the right fix here starts with a diagnosis, not a purchase.
Samsung SC (5C) error — FAQ
＋ − Is SC the same as 5C on a Samsung washer?
Yes. The drain fault code is 5C, but the way it's shown on the display often looks like 'SC' to users. Older Samsung models display the same fault as 5E.
＋ − What's the most common cause of the SC error?
A clogged drain pump filter. Lint, coins, and small items collect there over time and block draining. Cleaning the filter resolves most SC/5C errors.
＋ − Why does SC come back right after I clear it?
If it returns quickly after cleaning the filter and hose, check that the emergency drain cap is tight and the drain hose isn't too deep in the standpipe. If it still recurs, the drain pump may be failing.
Sources & manufacturer references
This guide is independently written and not affiliated with Samsung. Always unplug appliances before servicing and follow your model's manual. Error codes and steps can vary by model — when in doubt, consult a qualified technician.