SC Error Code on Samsung Top Load Washer – What It Means and How to Fix It

If you’re seeing an SC error code (sometimes shown as 5C) on your Samsung top-load washer, you’re not alone. This code typically appears when the washer can’t drain water properly, and it’s one of the most common issues Samsung washer owners face.

The SC or 5C error means your washer is having trouble draining water. It’s not spinning because it still has water inside or detects a drainage issue.

Even though it may seem unrelated, this can happen after replacing parts like the suspension rods, especially if something got bumped, pinched, or disconnected during the repair.

Here are the most likely reasons:

1. Clogged Drain Pump or Filter: Lint, coins, hairpins, or small socks can clog the pump or filter. If your washer ran fine once, debris may have shifted and caused a blockage.
2. Drain Hose Issues: Kinked or bent hose; Blocked hose outlet; Improper hose height (too high or too low can affect drainage).
3. Loose Wiring or Disconnected: Pump During suspension replacement, it’s possible a wire to the drain pump came loose or was accidentally unplugged.
4. Faulty Drain Pump: If the pump is failing or weak, it may work once and then quit. Listen for the drain pump — if it’s silent, buzzing, or making weird noises, it may need replacing.

Here’s what you can do before calling for service:

1. Unplug the washer for safety.
2. Check the drain hose — make sure it’s not kinked or clogged.
3. Inspect the pump filter (if accessible on your model).
4. Look for any loose wires near the pump from your recent repair.
5. Run a drain/spin cycle to test.

Not directly — but it’s possible something got bumped or shifted during the repair. This isn’t necessarily bad luck — it’s just that washers are sensitive machines. A wire, a hose, or even a shifted weight sensor can trigger errors.

If your washer won’t spin and you see the SC code, draining is the first thing to fix. Once it drains properly, spinning should resume as normal. If the problem keeps coming back, the drain pump is your #1 suspect.

Have you dealt with the SC error before? Let us know how you fixed it in the comments — your tip might help someone else!