Samsung Dishwasher Not Draining? The 5C and OC Codes and the Fixes
Quick answer: Samsung Canada lists 5C, SC, 5E, SE and SR as drain errors (difficulty draining water) and OC, 0C or oE as too much water in the tub, often linked to drainage. The fix is the same for all of them: inspect and clean the drain connections, the hose, the filter and the sump. Samsung also says to check the sink itself, since a slow sink drain can back up the dishwasher.
Once it drains, we pick BLITZ: one tablet in the empty dishwasher on a normal cycle breaks down the grease and food film left in the sump, filter and spray arms, for about $1.04 a clean. Septic-safe, like every BLITZ product, from a Québec company in Laval, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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Before you start: power off and get the water out
Turn off the power at the breaker or unplug the dishwasher first, and lay towels in front of it. Bail the water into a bowl, then use a turkey baster or a sponge for the last of it in the sump, the low well around the filter.
If a code is showing, write it down before you cut the power. Samsung Canada's code list gives the drain codes and the over-level codes the same fix, so you'll follow the same steps either way. If the code keeps coming back after everything is clean, Samsung's support pages say to contact Samsung.
How to fix a Samsung dishwasher that won't drain, step by step
- Take the filter out. Lower rack out, hold the lower spray arm still and turn the filter assembly counterclockwise to lift it out; some models also have a fine filter.
- Wash the parts in warm soapy water, with no abrasive tools.
- Clean the sump: shine a flashlight in and pick out seeds, bones and glass.
- Check the sink. Run water: if the sink itself drains slowly, clear it first, as Samsung's not-draining guide says.
- Refit the filter, lock it and run a short cycle.
The Samsung drain hose, high loop, air gap and garburator
Samsung's fix names the drain connections and the hose: follow the hose from the back of the dishwasher to the sink for kinks and clogs, and clear the connection at the garburator or sink tailpiece.
- Frozen hose: Samsung's code pages list a blocked or frozen drain hose as a cause. In an unheated cottage or along a cold outside wall, let it thaw before you run a cycle.
- High loop or air gap: the hose should rise under the counter or pass through an air gap, so sink water can't flow back.
- New garburator: make sure its knockout plug was removed.
What the Samsung drain codes mean
- 5C, SC, 5E, SE or SR: difficulty in draining water.
- OC, 0C or oE: excessive water in the tub, often linked to drainage problems.
Samsung Canada gives both groups the same fix: inspect and clean the drain connections, hose, filter and sump. The code clears once the dishwasher drains normally; if it comes back right away with everything clean, the pump or a sensor may need service.
Once it drains: clean out the grease that caused it
The food and grease that blocked the filter also coat the sump, the spray arms and the walls. Left there, they slow the next drain and smell. One BLITZ Dishwasher Cleaner tablet clears them:
- Put the clean filter back and lock it.
- Put one tablet in the detergent compartment of the empty dishwasher.
- Run a normal cycle, then one tablet every two weeks.
A box of 24 is $24.95, about $1.04 a clean, a year at one tablet every two weeks. The rest of the routine is in how to clean a Samsung dishwasher, and every brand's drain checks are in dishwasher not draining: 6 causes.
When to call Samsung or a technician
- No sound from the pump at the end of a cycle, with a clean filter and a clear hose.
- A steady hum but no water moving: something may be stuck in the pump.
- Water on the floor or under the cabinet.
- A burning smell, damaged wiring or a breaker that keeps tripping: stop using it.
Have the model and serial number ready: they're on a label on the edge of the door or the tub opening.
Frequently asked questions
What does 5C mean on a Samsung dishwasher?
A drain error: Samsung Canada describes 5C (also SC, 5E, SE and SR) as difficulty in draining water. Clean the filter, the sump, the hose and the drain connections.
What does OC mean on a Samsung dishwasher?
Too much water in the tub, often linked to a drain problem, Samsung says. The fix is the same as for 5C.
Why is my Samsung dishwasher not draining with no code?
Usually the filter or the sink: a slow sink drain backs up the dishwasher. Clear the filter and sump, then run water at the sink to check it.
Can I use the Samsung Self Clean cycle to fix it?
No: a cleaning cycle can't drain if the filter or hose is blocked. Fix the drain first, then clean the inside with the dishwasher empty.
Sources
Samsung Canada: “Common Samsung dishwasher error codes and their meaning”; Samsung: “Samsung dishwasher is not draining” and the 5C/5E information code pages (blocked or frozen drain hose); BLITZ Dishwasher Cleaner product page and directions. Checked October 30, 2026.
Samsung is a trademark of its owner. BLITZ is not affiliated with Samsung.
KEEP THE SUMP CLEAN
BLITZ Dishwasher Cleaner & Deodorizer
One tablet in the detergent compartment of an empty dishwasher removes grease, grime and limescale from the sump, walls, racks and spray arms. 24 tablets for $24.95, a year at one every two weeks.
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