FixByModel
5E

Samsung 5E: Washer cannot drain water properly

The washer detected that water is not draining within the expected time, so it halts the cycle. It is almost always caused by a blockage somewhere in the drain path rather than a failed part.

DIY fix

By the FixByModel editorial team · Verified 2026-09 · Researched against manufacturer support & repair references (below)

Most likely causes

  1. Clogged drain pump filter (lint, coins, small items)
  2. Kinked, blocked, or incorrectly installed drain hose
  3. Blockage or restriction in household plumbing/standpipe
  4. Failing or jammed drain pump
  5. Blanking cap left on the drain hose spigot after installation
The drain path — check in this order
1Drum
2Sump hose
3Filter
4Drain pump
5Drain hose

Schematic illustration of a typical washing machine — not your exact model.

Before you start — unplug the appliance and turn off the water supply. You'll be working near water and electrical parts, and drained water can be hot. If a step involves the pump, wiring, or opening the cabinet and you're unsure, stop and call a qualified technician.

Step-by-step fix

1Drain residual waterIf the drum is full, pull out the emergency drain hose at the bottom, remove its cap, and empty the water into a shallow container before opening the filter.
2Clean the drain filterOpen the filter access door, turn the debris filter counterclockwise, remove it, and clear all lint, coins, and gunk. Rinse it in warm water and refit it snugly.
3Inspect the drain hoseStraighten any kinks, detach the hose, and flush out blockages. Confirm the hose height and standpipe connection follow the install guide and that no blanking cap remains.
4Check household drainageMake sure the standpipe or sink drain the hose feeds into is not itself clogged or backing up.
5Restart and testRefit everything, run a Rinse + Spin cycle, and confirm the water drains. If 5E returns with a clean filter and clear hose, the drain pump likely needs service.

Still showing 5E?

If you’ve worked through every step and 5E keeps returning, an internal part likely needs testing and replacement. That’s a job for a qualified appliance technician, who can measure the suspect part against the service-manual spec before replacing it.

Which models this applies to

Samsung washing machines. Front-load and top-load Samsung washers. Newer models display this as 5C; both are identical drain-error codes (the middle character is the digit 5, not the letter S). Some documentation also lists it as SE on certain models.

FAQ

What does Samsung 5E mean?

Washer cannot drain water properly. The washer detected that water is not draining within the expected time, so it halts the cycle. It is almost always caused by a blockage somewhere in the drain path rather than a failed part.

What causes Samsung 5E?

The most likely cause is clogged drain pump filter (lint, coins, small items). Other causes include Kinked, blocked, or incorrectly installed drain hose; Blockage or restriction in household plumbing/standpipe; Failing or jammed drain pump; Blanking cap left on the drain hose spigot after installation.

Can I fix Samsung 5E myself?

Usually yes. Start by working through the steps above, beginning with: if the drum is full, pull out the emergency drain hose at the bottom, remove its cap, and empty the water into a shallow container before opening the filter.