What are the symptoms of error code C5?

Washer stops mid‑cycle with C5 displayed, Water remains in the drum after draining, Washer takes unusually long to transition between cycles, Gurgling or humming noises from the drain pump

What causes error code C5?

Clogged drain filter or debris trap, Kinked or obstructed drain hose, Slow or restricted household drain line, Weak or failing drain pump motor, Foreign objects lodged in the pump impeller

How do I fix error code C5?

Clean the drain filter and remove any trapped debris., Inspect the drain hose for kinks, clogs, or ice buildup in cold environments., Run a drain‑only cycle to confirm water flow after cleaning., Check the household standpipe or sink drain for slow flow., If noises persist, inspect the pump impeller for damage or obstruction.

Samsung Washer - C5 Error Code

The washer is taking too long to drain.

Meaning

The washer is taking too long to drain.

The Samsung C5 error code indicates that the washer has detected an abnormally long drain time. Samsung washers monitor how quickly water leaves the tub during the drain cycle. If the drain pump cannot remove water within the expected time window—typically due to a blockage, restricted hose, or pump performance issue—the control board triggers C5 to prevent overheating, flooding, or incomplete cycles. Although sometimes caused by simple clogs, persistent C5 errors can also point to a failing drain pump or internal obstruction deeper in the plumbing path.

Symptoms

Washer stops mid‑cycle with C5 displayed
Water remains in the drum after draining
Washer takes unusually long to transition between cycles
Gurgling or humming noises from the drain pump

Causes

Clogged drain filter or debris trap
Kinked or obstructed drain hose
Slow or restricted household drain line
Weak or failing drain pump motor
Foreign objects lodged in the pump impeller

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Step-by-Step Fixes

Clean the drain filter and remove any trapped debris.
Inspect the drain hose for kinks, clogs, or ice buildup in cold environments.
Run a drain‑only cycle to confirm water flow after cleaning.
Check the household standpipe or sink drain for slow flow.
If noises persist, inspect the pump impeller for damage or obstruction.

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Safety Notes

Always disconnect power before accessing the drain filter or pump area.
Avoid forcing the drain hose into tight bends that restrict water flow.

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Applicable Models

Show Models

WF45K6500AV
WF42H5200AW
WF45R6300AW

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nd.md

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Other Samsung Washer Error Codes

Show All Error Codes

Model-Specific Notes

On the WF45K6500 platform, the washer may attempt multiple drain retries before displaying C5, resulting in extended cycle times when partial blockages are present.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only. Repairs involve electrical, mechanical, and water-related risks. Always follow manufacturer instructions and consider contacting a qualified technician for diagnosis or repair.