Samsung Washer Error Code C5

C5 is a drain check error indicating the washer has detected a problem with the drain pump system. Possible causes include foreign material jammed inside the pump, a clogged drain hose, a damaged pump impeller, incorrect voltage to the pump motor, or frozen pump components in cold weather. The washer will stop mid-cycle when this code appears to prevent further issues.

You should not continue running the washer with the C5 code active. When the drain system is not functioning correctly, water cannot be expelled from the drum, which can lead to water sitting in the machine, potential leaks, or further damage to the pump motor. Address the fault before running another cycle.

A reset may temporarily clear the C5 code from the display, but it will return as soon as the washer attempts to drain again if the underlying problem has not been fixed. Resetting is only useful as a step to confirm whether a minor glitch caused the code. For a persistent C5 error, the drain pump and hose system must be physically inspected and repaired.

Start by checking and cleaning the drain pump filter and inspecting the pump housing for any foreign objects like coins or debris. Next, check the drain hose for kinks or blockages. If those steps do not resolve the error, the pump motor may have a damaged impeller or an electrical fault, which would require testing the voltage supply to the pump and potentially replacing the pump assembly.

If the fix is simply removing a foreign object from the pump, the cost is minimal and often a DIY job with no parts needed. If the drain pump assembly needs to be replaced, parts typically range from around $30 to $100 depending on the model, with professional labor adding $80 to $200 on top of that. Diagnosing the root cause first will help you determine which repair path applies.