The 5E error on your Samsung Washer means the machine has detected a drainage problem and cannot remove water from the drum. This usually points to a blocked drain filter, a kinked hose, or a faulty drain pump, and most homeowners can check the first two causes themselves before calling a technician.

Error code 5E
Meaning Drain error — water is not leaving the drum within the expected time
Severity Medium — the washer won’t complete a cycle until fixed, but it’s often a simple blockage
Time to fix 15–40 minutes
Tools needed Towels, shallow tray, flashlight (torch), pliers (optional)

What the 5E error means

Samsung washers use a pressure sensor to monitor water levels throughout the wash and spin cycles. If the machine tries to drain and the sensor still detects water after a set time, it stops the cycle and displays 5E (sometimes shown as 5C on older models). It’s a safety measure to prevent the washer from spinning with a drum full of water.

Common causes

  • Debris, coins, or lint clogging the drain filter
  • A kinked, crushed, or blocked drain hose
  • The drain hose positioned too high or with an improper loop
  • A faulty or jammed drain pump
  • A malfunctioning water level (pressure) sensor
  • Overloading the machine, which restricts water flow to the pump

How to fix the 5E error

  1. Power down and unplug the washer — Always disconnect power before inspecting hoses or filters to avoid electric shock.
  2. Clean the drain filter — Open the small panel at the bottom front of the machine, place a shallow tray underneath, and slowly pull out the filter cap to remove trapped debris, lint, or coins.
  3. Check the drain hose — Pull the washer away from the wall and inspect the hose for kinks, tight bends, or squashing. Straighten it and make sure it isn’t pushed in too far at the drain point.
  4. Confirm hose height and loop — The drain hose should form a proper loop and sit at the height specified in your manual (usually 24–35 inches). Incorrect height can trigger false drain errors.
  5. Restart a test cycle — Plug the washer back in and run a short spin cycle to see if the 5E error clears once water drains normally.
  6. Call a technician if the error persists — If the filter and hose are clear but 5E keeps appearing, the drain pump or pressure sensor may need professional testing or replacement.

If you’re dealing with other Samsung appliance codes, it helps to compare symptoms — for example, the Samsung Washer SE Error Code: Causes and Fixes guide covers a different type of sensor fault, while the Samsung Washer DE Error Code: Causes and Fixes page explains door lock issues that can sometimes be confused with drain errors. If your machine shows a temperature-related fault instead, the Samsung Washer TE Error Code: Causes and Fixes article walks through those steps too.

FAQ

Can I ignore the 5E error and keep using the washer?
No. The machine will not complete a full cycle safely with standing water, and running it repeatedly can strain the drain pump further.

Why does 5E appear even after I’ve cleaned the filter?
The hose may still be kinked, positioned incorrectly, or the drain pump itself could be failing — check the hose next, then test the pump if the issue continues.

Is the 5E error covered under warranty?
If the drain pump or sensor is faulty due to a manufacturing defect and your washer is still within warranty, Samsung or an authorized repair service should cover the part and labor — check your warranty terms first.