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Samsung Dishwasher 5C / 5E — Drain error

Editorial & technical review
  • Written by ApplianceWorth Editorial Team
  • Technically reviewed by Victor — appliance technician
  • Last reviewed 2026-07-01
  • Applies to Samsung dishwashers
  • Confidence medium
  • Also displayed as 5C, 5C1, 5C2, 5C3, 5C4, 5C5
  • Sources Manufacturer service documentation and field-repair experience · Methodology · Report a correction

What this code means

The dishwasher did not complete drainage normally or detected abnormal drain-pump operation.

Most likely causes

  • A kinked drain hose or incorrect high-loop/air-gap installation
  • A blocked sink disposal connection, air gap, filter or pump area
  • A failed drain pump
  • An inverter, wiring or main-control problem on applicable models

Safe checks for the owner

  1. Clean the dishwasher filter if the model provides owner access.
  2. Inspect the drain hose, air gap and disposal inlet under the sink.
  3. If a disposal was recently installed, confirm its knockout plug was removed.

Estimated U.S. repair cost

$230–$480, depending on model, access, parts availability and local labor.