Samsung SC Error Code — What It Means
The SC code on a Samsung dishwasher indicates a drain error. The machine cannot clear water from the tub within the expected time, so the control stops the cycle to prevent overflow. Samsung groups SC with 5C, 5E, and SE as the same fault family, all signaling difficulty draining water.
In practical terms, water is standing in the tub after the drain cycle completes, or the drain pump runs but fails to move water out. The error protects against flooding and points to a blockage or routing issue in the drain path.
Common Causes
- Clogged filter or sump Food debris, seeds, labels, or glass shards collect in the filter basket or sump area and block water flow to the drain pump.
- Debris in drain pump Small objects lodge in the pump impeller, causing grinding noise, slow drainage, or preventing the pump from spinning.
- Kinked or blocked drain hose The hose is crushed, bent sharply, or routed too low without a proper high loop or air gap, stopping water from evacuating.
- Blocked sink or disposal connection The drain hose connects to a clogged sink tailpiece, garbage disposal inlet, or a new disposal still has the knockout plug installed.
- Improper hose routing or air gap fault The drain line lacks a high loop or the air gap is clogged, allowing backflow or siphoning that prevents proper drainage.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Power off the dishwasher at the breaker or by unplugging the unit before any inspection or disassembly.
- Remove the lower dish rack and pull out the filter assembly from the tub floor, then rinse it under running water to clear trapped food and debris.
- Inspect the sump area under the filter for seeds, broken glass, labels, or other objects and remove any blockage by hand or with a damp cloth.
- Check the drain hose from the dishwasher outlet to the sink or disposal connection for kinks, crushing, or low loops, and confirm a proper high loop or air gap is in place.
- Verify the sink or disposal inlet is clear and that the knockout plug was removed if the disposal was recently installed, then flush the connection with water.
- Run a short drain test by starting a rinse cycle and listening for the pump. If the pump hums but water does not move, suspect a blockage in the hose or sump outlet. If the pump grinds or does not run, inspect the pump impeller for debris.
- Reassemble and test by replacing the filter, running a normal cycle, and confirming the SC code clears and water drains completely.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Drain pump assembly | Amazon | Replace if the impeller is cracked, the pump housing is leaking, or the motor fails to spin after debris removal. |
| Filter and sump cover assembly | Amazon | Order if the filter basket is cracked or the sump cover threads are stripped and no longer seal properly. |
| Drain hose | Amazon | Replace if the hose is split, crushed flat, or cannot be straightened to restore proper flow. |
When to Call a Pro
If the SC code returns after cleaning the filter, sump, and drain hose and confirming the disposal knockout is removed, the fault likely lies in the drain pump motor, internal check valve, or a wiring issue. A technician with the service manual for your model can measure pump resistance, check internal valve operation, and replace sealed components that require disassembly of the tub or pump housing. Also call for help if you see water leaking from the pump area during the drain cycle or if the error appeared immediately after installation and you suspect incorrect plumbing or electrical wiring.