Samsung is one of the most famous brands in the world. It is known for high-quality, durable, and technologically advanced household appliances. One of Samsung’s most revered and frequently-bought appliances is the Samsung washer, commonly known as a washing machine.
Samsung offers washers in various designs like front load, top load, 2-in-1 washers, and washer and dryer sets. No matter which machine you have or you are planning to buy from Samsung, it may give some error or get stuck at some point in time.
One of the errors many people experience with their machines is the SC error. One interesting thing about this error code is that no such error exists. The actual error code is 5C. Almost all the people confuse it with SC.
We have the solution for you, whether it is Samsung washer error code SC or Samsung washer error code 5C. For the sake of common perception, we will address the actual 5C error as error code SC. Let’s get to know the probable reasons behind this error code and how you can fix it.
Samsung Washer Error Code SC – Causes and Solutions
Before we begin our discussion, it is important to understand the meaning of the SC error code.
What is Samsung Washer Error Code SC?
The SC error indicates drain system failure. There can be various reasons behind your washing machine displaying this code. We will begin our SC error troubleshooting guide with the most basic ones. Let’s explore each of them and find out how to resolve it.
The drainage error may be denominated by codes like “nd,” “5E,” or “E2” in models before 2007.
Also read: What Does DC Mean on a Samsung Washer?
Drain Hose Installation and Positioning
The most common problem behind improper drainage is a faulty drain hose installation and position. It is important to check that the drain has been installed correctly so that the water’s path is not blocked in it.
Samsung washers are connected via two ways to the drainage system. One is via a spigot, and the other is via a standpipe. We will discuss troubleshooting for both ways.
Via a Spigot
A spigot is a valve on another pipe. Your machine’s drain hose might be connected to a spigot on the waste pipe itself, or to another pipe that leads to the waste like a sink waste pipe.
To check if everything is working correctly. Follow the steps below
- Ensure that the blanking cap has been removed. This is usually left installed in case of a recent installation.
- Make sure that the drain hose is pushed into the spigot correctly and the hose clip is screwed in the right way. The hose clip may not be present in some spigots.
- Make sure that there are no kinks or bends in the drain pipe.
Via a Standpipe
For the drainpipe installation, the drain pipe hooks over an open standpipe that leads to your drainage system. Go through the following instructions to ensure nothing is wrong with the standpipe!
- Begin by checking that the hose is correctly positioned and secured using the hose clips. Follow the user guide or check for details here.
- The drain hose must be at least 60 feet above the ground, and the standpipe must cover the drain hose completely. If it is not covered in the right way, water may spill from here, causing a mess in your laundry, which may lead to your machine displaying SC error.
- You must also ensure that the drain hose is not submerged more than 150 millimeters (a maximum of 6 inches) in the standpipe. The purpose of doing this is to provide ample space for water to flow from the drainpipe into the standpipe and provide some cushion if the water is standing in the drain pipe.
- Ensure that there are no kinks or bends in the drainpipe.
Drain Pump Checking
Another common reason for SC error code display is a blocked or malfunctioning drain pump filter. The drain pump is responsible for pumping water out of your machine’s main drum so it can be emptied. Samsung washing machine’s drain pumps come with a filter that protects the pump’s sensitive parts from buildup and other items in clothes like coins, hair clips, hair, and similar items.
Just a pro tip, check your clothes before throwing them in your washer. Most filter pump problems happen due to stuck items generally left in the clothes’ pockets.
Related guide: Samsung Washer Leaking from Bottom: Here are 6 Fixes
The basic solution is to clean the drain pump filter. However, if the problem persists, you will need to replace the drain pump in the machine. We recommend you get it replaced from a professional and don’t try DIY replacement if you don’t know how these things work.
Follow the instruction below for cleaning the drain pump filter!
- The filter is located behind a small access door in front of your machine. The location may vary from one model to another. It is best to check your machine’s user manual for finding the drain pump.
- Before opening the filter door, place a towel in front of it to catch any spills and keep a shallow dish ready to catch the water.
- You may need a coin or flat head screwdriver to open the filter compartment door. Some models have a push-to-open door.
- Pull the emergency drain hose and place it over the shallow dish. Open its spigot to let the water flow in the dish until no water is left.
- Put back the spigot cap on the drain hose and secure it back in its position.
- Now you need to pull out the drain filter. You can do this by moving it counterclockwise or left side.
- Pull out the filter and clean it thoroughly. You will need an old toothbrush to remove any stuck debris or dust particles from the filter. Wash it with tap water.
- Insert the filter back in its place and rotate it clockwise to lock it in its place.
- Close the access door and run a test cycle to check if everything is working properly.
Drain Hose Blockages
Another common reason for SC error is a blockage in the drain pipe. The only way to ensure this is to manually check the drainage pipe. Follow the directions below to do this most easily.
- Turn off the machine and remove the plug from the socket.
- Remove the laundry if there is any.
- Pull out the washing machine from the wall so you can access the drainage pipe.
- Identify the drain hose. It is usually the largest and is connected to the drainage system instead of a tap or water inlet.
- Remove the drain hose from the machine. You may need a screwdriver to unscrew the clamp that holds the pipe in its place. Some models may have clamps that can be opened with the help of screws.
- Remove the hose from the other end as well.
- Straighten a cloth hanger to remove any material in the pipe. Be careful while doing this, as this can damage the pipe.
- Do the same from the other end.
- Replace the hose in the same way you took it apart and run a cycle on the machine to check if it is working in the right way.
Sensor Problems/Poor wire Connection
In some cases, the SC code may come due to a poor wire connection or a faulty sensor. You would need to inspect the circuits on your machine to ensure that nothing is wrong with the unit. Such issues arise after you move or transport an installed machine or the installation guys move the machine carelessly before installation.
Such issues are best dealt by professionals. Get in touch with customer service to ensure that nothing is out of order.
Defective Pressure Switch
The pressure switch in the machine can be the reason behind the SC error. If the pressure switch is not working correctly, the drainage process may stop halfway. If you have tried basic fixes like drainage pipe issues and filter cleaning and nothing satisfactory happened, it is time you revert to other methods.
Permanent Pump Damage
OK, we know that cleaning the pump filter can sort out the SC error but what to do if nothing good comes out of it. The drainage pump may have developed some permanent damage. You can check the pump is working or even replace it if you have the right set of tools with you. Follow the directions given below to diagnose pump problems.
- Pull out the washer and place it on its side. Just a pro tip, spread a plastic sheet or cloth sheet under the washer to avoid any scratches.
- Remove the control panel’s cover.
- Check the continuity of the electric terminals by using an ohmmeter. A correctly working machine will show resistance of 165 ohms.
- If the reading indicates fault, call an expert to solve the problem.
For Bosch dishwasher error solution, you can click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an SC error indicate some serious issue with the machine?
No. The SC error doesn’t indicate any serious issues with your Samsung washer. It means that the drainage system is not working properly and is fixed at home in most cases. Some machines, especially older ones, may need pump replacement if the error starts coming frequently.
How to reset a Samsung washer?
A simple reset can sometimes solve many errors and fix things for your washer. Resetting a Samsung washing machine is an easy process.
- Turn off the machine and remove the plug from the wall.
- Let the washer sit unplugged for 5-10 minutes.
- Turn on the washer.
Please note that resetting the machine will clear any active error codes, but the error may return if the root cause is not addressed.
How to enter diagnostic mode on a Samsung washer?
To enter the diagnostic mode on your washer, press and hold the delay start and soil level button together. Hold the buttons until the display shows all zeros.
- Turn the dial or press the buttons to navigate through the machine.
- When you see the alphabet D on the screen, it means that you have reached the end of the line and there are no errors in your machine.
- Please note that the diagnostic mode entry process may vary from one model to another.
How can I test my Samsung washer after fixing it?
The best way to check your washing machine is to perform a complete wash cycle on the unit. However, a rinse cycle will be enough to check if the SC error has been resolved because it is concerned with drainage system.
Final Words
Most of the SC error causes can be fixed at home. We don’t recommend calling professional help until you try the easy ways listed above to deal with Samsung washer error code SC. Once you have done the max you can do, get in touch with Samsung’s customer service to solve the issue.
