Drain Error (Water Not Draining)

What it means

This code appears on Samsung front-load and top-load washing machines when the washer cannot drain the water within the set time; older models show the same fault as 5E. The washer stops with water still in the tub, and the door may stay locked until the level drops. The same code can mean something else on other brands.

Models covered: Samsung front-load and top-load washing machines; newer models show codes ending in C (e.g. 4C), older ones end in E (e.g. 4E) with the same meaning.

Related codes: 4CSUDOC1C

Symptoms4

• Water stays in the tub after washing and 5C is shown.
• The spin stage does not start, or starts and then stops.
• A humming sound from the drain pump with no water coming out.
• The front-loader door stays locked because the water has not drained.

Possible causes7

• Drain pump filter blocked with lint, coins or small objects.
• Drain hose kinked or blocked, or installed at an unsuitable height.
• Blocked drain outlet in the wall or floor.
• Excess suds from non-machine detergent slowing the drain.
• Foreign object jammed in the drain pump impeller.
• Failed drain pump or pump wiring.
• Main board fault (rare).

How to diagnose6

1. Unplug the washer and let the water cool first if a hot cycle was running.
2. Check the drain hose behind the washer for kinks and make sure the drain outlet is not blocked.
3. Place a towel and a shallow tray under the pump filter cover at the bottom front, drain the water through the small emergency hose if fitted, then open the filter slowly.
4. Clean lint and objects from the filter and check that the impeller behind it turns freely, without reaching deep inside.
5. If the code remains after cleaning, a technician unplugs the washer before opening it and checks the drain pump, internal hoses and wiring.
6. If the pump is good, the technician checks whether the main board is sending power to the pump.

How to fix6

1. Clean the drain pump filter and close it tightly to avoid leaks.
2. Straighten the drain hose and clear any blockage in it or the drain outlet.
3. Use detergent made for automatic washers, in the recommended amount.
4. Remove any object stuck in the internal hose between tub and pump (technician job).
5. Replace the drain pump if it is confirmed faulty.
6. Run a drain and spin program and confirm water leaves quickly and the code does not return.

The cost is small when cleaning the filter or hose fixes it, and reaches the high end when the drain pump must be replaced with a technician visit.

Prices are rough estimates including the part and the technician’s fee, and vary with brand, model and part source.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions