Samsung error code 5E
Samsung error 5E means the machine has timed out trying to drain – it attempted to pump out water for 10 minutes and the water level did not fall below the expected threshold. The error can be reset with the Start/Pause button, but if the underlying fault is not fixed it will return. The cause is either genuinely not draining (blocked pump or filter) or draining correctly but the pressure system not registering it.
What Samsung Error 5E Means
Error 5E is a water drain error. The machine has tried to empty for 10 minutes and the water level sensor has not confirmed that the water has dropped below the required level. This can mean one of two quite different things – which is why the first step in diagnosis is observation.
Scenario A: Water is clearly still insideYou can see water through the door glass, the drum sounds heavy, and little or no water was heard leaving the machine. The machine genuinely failed to drain. Start with the pump filter – a blockage here is the most common cause. See our guide on the washing machine pump filter.
Scenario B: Water appears to have drainedYou could hear the pump running, the drum sounds lighter, but the error still appeared. The machine drained correctly but the pressure system did not register that the water had gone – the PCB still thinks water is present. This is a pressure system fault. See our guide on pressure system faults.
Diagnosing the Cause
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Observe what happened during the drain cycle.
Could you hear the pump running? Did water leave the machine? Is there still water visible inside the drum? The answers to these questions determine which scenario applies and which checks to carry out first.
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If water is still inside: check the pump filter.
The pump filter on most Samsung machines is behind a small cover at the front bottom of the machine. A blocked filter is the most common cause of a genuine drain failure. Clean it thoroughly and check for any foreign objects – coins, hair grips, and small items of clothing are frequently found here. See our full guide on washing machine not draining water for step-by-step diagnosis including pump checks.
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If water drained but error still appeared: check the pressure system.
The pressure system uses a pressure switch and a small hose to detect the water level inside the machine. If the hose is blocked, kinked, or the switch is faulty, the machine does not register that the water has gone. The PCB then times out and triggers 5E even though the machine has drained correctly. See our guide on pressure system faults.
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Reset the error and test.
Press the Start/Pause button to reset the 5E error and run a short drain or rinse cycle to confirm whether the fault is resolved. If the error returns, the underlying cause has not been fixed and further investigation is needed.
If the pump filter is clear and the drain hose is unobstructed, but the machine is still not draining, the pump itself may have failed. See our guide on washing machine pump faults and our guide on not draining despite no visible blockage.
Need a Repair?
Related Guides
Washing Machine Won’t Drain WaterFull diagnosis guide for a machine that will not empty – pump filter, pump, and drain hose checks.
Washing Machine Pump FilterHow to locate, remove, and clean the pump filter – the first check for any drain fault.
Pressure System FaultsHow the pressure system works and what happens when it fails to register the correct water level.
No Blockage But Still Not DrainingWhat to check when the filter and drain hose are clear but the machine still will not empty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Samsung error code 5E mean?
Error 5E is a water drain error. The machine attempted to drain for 10 minutes and the water level sensor did not confirm the water had dropped below the required threshold. It can indicate a genuine drain failure (blocked filter, failed pump) or a pressure system fault where the machine drains correctly but the PCB does not register it.
How do I reset the Samsung 5E error?
Press the Start/Pause button to clear the error. However, if the underlying cause is not fixed the error will return as soon as the machine reaches the next drain phase. Resetting alone is not a fix – it simply allows the cycle to be restarted so you can test whether the fault has been resolved.
The machine drained but still shows 5E – why?
This points to a pressure system fault. The pressure system uses a switch and a small hose to detect the water level inside the machine. If the hose is blocked or kinked, or the switch has failed, the machine does not register that the water has gone. The PCB then triggers 5E even though the drain was successful. Check the pressure hose for blockage or kinking and test the pressure switch.
The filter is clear but the machine still won’t drain – what next?
With the filter clear and the drain hose unobstructed, the pump itself may have failed – either the pump motor has stopped working or the impeller is damaged. The pump can also be partially blocked internally in a way that is not obvious from the filter alone. See our guides on washing machine pump faults and draining problems without a visible blockage for further diagnosis.
27 Comments
Grouped into 22 comment threads.
1 reply My initial problem was the program completing, but the clothes were hot and wet - I cleaned out the filters and when that didn't work, checked the condenser - it was fowled terribly with fluff and lint, which i cleared - I then found that the valve feeding the condensor was misbehaving (the solenoid had a crazy high resistance and the coil was cracked) and replaced this. Now I have the 5E problem. I thought I might have not securely reconnected the hoses, causing a pressure switch problem, but I have now checked this. The confusing thing is - the 5E Error only happens when the unit is on a drying cycle - the machine can properly complete any wash program, but if drying is included, it fails with 5E. Any ideas on where to go next? I have found your articles very helpful so far!
0 replies Yes Natalie. The pump is the main suspect. You need to read the section "If the pump isn’t running" towards the bottom of the article that's linked to with the first link in this article.
Yes Natalie. The pump is the main suspect. You need to read the section “If the pump isn’t running” towards the bottom of the article that’s linked to with the first link in this article.
0 replies Could you get the same problem error code if the pump was broken. I have taken out the filter removed the hose and no blockage so I'm wondering if it the pump???
Could you get the same problem error code if the pump was broken. I have taken out the filter removed the hose and no blockage so I’m wondering if it the pump???
1 reply I now have the dreaded 5E problem I get it when washing and also drying When drying the machine has spun the washing and in theory removed most of the water, however when the 5E comes up and machine stops in DRY mode when the 'hot' symbol has gone out, the bowl is half full of water :( I have blown down the extraction hose and the hose was clear, the debris filter was clean and the emergency drain was clear. I have removed the drain hose from the back of the machine and it is clear and no obstructions. This machine is unusable now as 5E is now happening in wash mode :( Thanking you in advance
I now have the dreaded 5E problem
I get it when washing and also drying
When drying the machine has spun the washing and in theory removed most of the water, however when the 5E comes up and machine stops in DRY mode when the ‘hot’ symbol has gone out, the bowl is half full of water :(
I have blown down the extraction hose and the hose was clear, the debris filter was clean and the emergency drain was clear.
I have removed the drain hose from the back of the machine and it is clear and no obstructions.
This machine is unusable now as 5E is now happening in wash mode :(
Thanking you in advance
Likely replying to Paul Mainwaring
Hello Paul. The 5E fault is usually only caused by either failing to empty the water out properly or by a fault on the pressure system preventing the machine from getting the water-has-gone signal. Both faults have links to further help in this article and those articles contain further links covering everything relevant that I could think of.
If you get the error and can see water in the drum it’s got to be something preventing the water pumping out. If the error happens and there’s no water in the drum it has to be a fault on the pressure system. If it happens only on tumble dry mode there’s a possibility water could be getting stuck in the condenser chamber. Water runs into a plastic container at the back and mixes with steam from the drying process. This water should run out of the bottom of the chamber and into the tub to be pumped out but could get blocked.
0 replies The small emergency drain hose must attach to the pump. You'll probably need to look underneath or take the kick strip panel off to get to it.
The small emergency drain hose must attach to the pump. You’ll probably need to look underneath or take the kick strip panel off to get to it.
0 replies Hello! I had the 5e problem so drained the machine by opening the filter, cleaning it and opening the emergency drain tube. The black emergency drain tube has now completely detached from my machine and I can't work out or see where in the washing machine it is meant to attach to. Please help!
Hello!
I had the 5e problem so drained the machine by opening the filter, cleaning it and opening the emergency drain tube.
The black emergency drain tube has now completely detached from my machine and I can’t work out or see where in the washing machine it is meant to attach to.
Please help!
0 replies Sorry Anonymous I've put all the advice I could think of in my article. Either there's an intermittent fault or blockage causing it to occasionally not drain the water or there's an intermittent fault on the pressure system as mentioned in my article. Intermittent faults can be difficult to diagnose even if you are an experienced repairman so it may not be easy to deal with on your own. All possible causes though are described in the article and within the related articles it links to.
Sorry Anonymous I’ve put all the advice I could think of in my article. Either there’s an intermittent fault or blockage causing it to occasionally not drain the water or there’s an intermittent fault on the pressure system as mentioned in my article. Intermittent faults can be difficult to diagnose even if you are an experienced repairman so it may not be easy to deal with on your own. All possible causes though are described in the article and within the related articles it links to.
0 replies Hiya, I bought machine in 2014 n was happy then every no and then I had the 5E appear, I'd sit n drain from the emergency flow at the bottom front filter and valve, this was fine as only done every few months, now it's on every wash, the leads have no kinks, the filter is empty n clean (I was very surprised how clean) the water pressure is fine, I've tested it with empty load it ok put small load or any amount of washing in it it will stop n say 5E. Any advice will b good please .
Hiya, I bought machine in 2014 n was happy then every no and then I had the 5E appear, I’d sit n drain from the emergency flow at the bottom front filter and valve, this was fine as only done every few months, now it’s on every wash, the leads have no kinks, the filter is empty n clean (I was very surprised how clean) the water pressure is fine, I’ve tested it with empty load it ok put small load or any amount of washing in it it will stop n say 5E. Any advice will b good please .
0 replies If you've disconnected the drain hose and reconnected it you might have introduced syphoning. Carefully read this article - washing machine fills and drains at same time. If it isn't related to this I can't think of any other cause apart from if the anti-flood protection on the pressure switch has somehow operated but it shouldn't be possible to cause such a strange problem by simply replacing the pump.
If you’ve disconnected the drain hose and reconnected it you might have introduced syphoning. Carefully read this article – washing machine fills and drains at same time. If it isn’t related to this I can’t think of any other cause apart from if the anti-flood protection on the pressure switch has somehow operated but it shouldn’t be possible to cause such a strange problem by simply replacing the pump.
0 replies My washing machine was not pumping water out so i went and bought a new pump after instaling the new pump now all it wants to do is pump water only what could i do to fix this problem please thank you
My washing machine was not pumping water out so i went and bought a new pump after instaling the new pump now all it wants to do is pump water only what could i do to fix this problem please thank you
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0 replies I too had the 5E error on my WF8802RPF machine, and after cleaning the debris filter and all the pipes, the error remained. I diagnosed it as a pump fault by doing the following... 1. disconnect the wires to the pump, then clip a mains test lead (Mains lead with plug on one end and crocodile clips on the other) to the two pump terminals making sure no exposed leads can touch any other part of the machine. 2. using a suitable hose, extend the drain hose over the top of the machine and in through the front of the machine, so that the drainage water will flow back into the machine when the pump is running. 3. manually fill the machine with enough water so you can see it in the bottom of the bowl but it doesn't spill out the front of the machine with the door open. 4. Power the pump on (preferably through an isolating transformer if you have one for extra safety ) and the pump should have sufficient power to push the water over the top of the machine and back into the washing chamber. If not, it can only be a blockage (between the bowl and the pump or the drain hose) or a faulty pump. A good pump should be able to lift the water at least a couple of feet above the top of the machine...mine wasn't even reaching the top of the machine which meant it was never ever going to pump it to my drain. I contacted the local Samsung service centre and obtained a replacement pump for $115 including GST After fitting it, I carried out the same test and there was a dramatic improvement...the flow rate was greatly improved and it lifted the water 2-3 feet above the top of the machine. The pump unit consists of the impeller and the electrical coils and is secured to the drain housing with 3 screws. There is a plastic surround that will need to be unclipped and transferred to the new pump unit, and you should note the orientation of the pump unit on the drain housing for correct installation. (Take a photo of the whole assembly before removing the 3 screws so you have something to refer to when you assemble it) I suggest carrying out the same test with the new pump to confirm it is pumping correctly before wrestling the machine back into it's original place....these suckers are a little heavy and awkward to move! Good luck.
I too had the 5E error on my WF8802RPF machine, and after cleaning the debris filter and all the pipes, the error remained. I diagnosed it as a pump fault by doing the following…
1. disconnect the wires to the pump, then clip a mains test lead (Mains lead with plug on one end and crocodile clips on the other) to the two pump terminals making sure no exposed leads can touch any other part of the machine.
2. using a suitable hose, extend the drain hose over the top of the machine and in through the front of the machine, so that the drainage water will flow back into the machine when the pump is running.
3. manually fill the machine with enough water so you can see it in the bottom of the bowl but it doesn’t spill out the front of the machine with the door open.
4. Power the pump on (preferably through an isolating transformer if you have one for extra safety ) and the pump should have sufficient power to push the water over the top of the machine and back into the washing chamber. If not, it can only be a blockage (between the bowl and the pump or the drain hose) or a faulty pump.
A good pump should be able to lift the water at least a couple of feet above the top of the machine…mine wasn’t even reaching the top of the machine which meant it was never ever going to pump it to my drain.
I contacted the local Samsung service centre and obtained a replacement pump for $115 including GST
After fitting it, I carried out the same test and there was a dramatic improvement…the flow rate was greatly improved and it lifted the water 2-3 feet above the top of the machine.
The pump unit consists of the impeller and the electrical coils and is secured to the drain housing with 3 screws. There is a plastic surround that will need to be unclipped and transferred to the new pump unit, and you should note the orientation of the pump unit on the drain housing for correct installation. (Take a photo of the whole assembly before removing the 3 screws so you have something to refer to when you assemble it)
I suggest carrying out the same test with the new pump to confirm it is pumping correctly before wrestling the machine back into it’s original place….these suckers are a little heavy and awkward to move!
Good luck.
0 replies If you mean that you get the 5E error but the water has successfully drained away then the fault is more likely to be with the system that detects when the water has gone, which is the pressure system. Follow the link in my article.
If you mean that you get the 5E error but the water has successfully drained away then the fault is more likely to be with the system that detects when the water has gone, which is the pressure system. Follow the link in my article.
0 replies If water drain before the completion of wash then What we can do?
If water drain before the completion of wash then What we can do?
1 reply First I got all upset since its my daughters new machine, then my son in law came home saw this article and promptly found a babies sock stuck in the drain at the bottom left of the front of the machine. Thank goodness. Works fine now.
First I got all upset since its my daughters new machine, then my son in law came home saw this article and promptly found a babies sock stuck in the drain at the bottom left of the front of the machine. Thank goodness. Works fine now.
0 replies The other possible cause is if it has a pressure system fault or blockage which is a lot more involved. There's some advice about it here Faults on pressure system
The other possible cause is if it has a pressure system fault or blockage which is a lot more involved. There’s some advice about it here Faults on pressure system
0 replies Ok so I also have the dreaded 5E I usually empty it through the front drain (and clean up the huge puddle) then it works.. This time it won't spin... It will go through the whole cycle and then error again. I can make it drain on a drain cycle so not blocked.. What do I do now???
Ok so I also have the dreaded 5E I usually empty it through the front drain (and clean up the huge puddle) then it works.. This time it won’t spin… It will go through the whole cycle and then error again. I can make it drain on a drain cycle so not blocked.. What do I do now???
0 replies This is going to sound rather silly. I had the 5E error code. But on the display it looked more like SE. So there I was looking for a list of codes and disappointed I couldn't find SE lol. I've already found some coins at the drain plug when I removed it and I'm pretty sure I will find the problem, thanks to your advice and readers feedback.
This is going to sound rather silly. I had the 5E error code. But on the display it looked more like SE. So there I was looking for a list of codes and disappointed I couldn’t find SE lol.
I’ve already found some coins at the drain plug when I removed it and I’m pretty sure I will find the problem, thanks to your advice and readers feedback.
0 replies I am an electronics engineer, system developer we have a Samsung WA7589 with a common low cost permanent earth magnet synchronous induction motor drain pump. Recently it has not been draining consistently and throwing the dreaded 5E error. Well this machine is now over 10 years old and this pump drain motors rotor seals are beginning to let water into the plastic rotor cage , this in turn promotes wear and disturbs the motors synchronous permanent magnet rotor enough to prevent it from consistently achieving a head of 1 meter. Solution either fork out 100$ on a new motor ,or buy a new machine. Being the cheapskate I wasn’t prepared to do either instead I stripped the induction motor drilled a hole in the bottom of the plastic rotor cage just after the internal cage rubber seal (+/-5mm from the shaft entry into the cage) to let the water drain out the pump motor rotor cage onto the drip tray. Spray a little Q20 Wurth or other light oil lubrication into the rotor hole and now the washing machine is working perfectly again. I must admit although this solution works very well for me and will likely extend the working life of the machine the biggest problem with induction motors of this design tend to be the WORN BUSHES UPSETTING THE FLUX ALIGNMENT. THIS SOLLUTION WORKED VERY EFFECTIVELY FOR ME BUT BE ADVISED YOU WILL NOW NEED TO DEAL WITH SLIGHT PUDDLE OF WATER ON THE FLOOR.
I am an electronics engineer, system developer we have a Samsung WA7589 with a common low cost permanent earth magnet synchronous induction motor drain pump.
Recently it has not been draining consistently and throwing the dreaded 5E error.
Well this machine is now over 10 years old and this pump drain motors rotor seals are beginning to let water
into the plastic rotor cage , this in turn promotes wear and disturbs the motors synchronous permanent magnet rotor enough to prevent it from consistently achieving a head of 1 meter. Solution either fork out 100$ on a new motor ,or buy a new machine.
Being the cheapskate I wasn’t prepared to do either instead I stripped the induction motor drilled a hole in the bottom of the plastic rotor cage just after the internal cage rubber seal (+/-5mm from the shaft entry into the cage) to let the water drain out the pump motor rotor cage onto the drip tray.
Spray a little Q20 Wurth or other light oil lubrication into the rotor hole and now the washing machine is working perfectly again. I must admit although this solution works very well for me and will likely extend the working life of the machine the biggest problem with induction motors of this design tend to be the WORN BUSHES UPSETTING THE FLUX ALIGNMENT.
THIS SOLLUTION WORKED VERY EFFECTIVELY FOR ME BUT BE ADVISED YOU WILL NOW NEED TO DEAL WITH SLIGHT PUDDLE OF WATER ON THE FLOOR.
1 reply Hi.. Samsung is generaly rubish !!! They programe there products to fail after some years.. for TV.. its burning hours.. washing machines.. its the amount of washes.. so if you want to have a product without problems, buy another NOT SAMSUNG
Hi.. Samsung is generaly rubish !!! They programe there products to fail after some years.. for TV.. its burning hours.. washing machines.. its the amount of washes.. so if you want to have a product without problems, buy another NOT SAMSUNG
1 reply Cheers for the help. Continually getting 5E up with standing water in the drum. Do you know the cost of new filters?
Cheers for the help. Continually getting 5E up with standing water in the drum. Do you know the cost of new filters?
Likely replying to Michael Winter
Thanks Michael: You shouldn’t need to replace a filter only clean it. But if one gets damaged you can search for one here Washing machine pump filters(best prices guaranteed).
0 replies Excellent Andrea, such feedback is nice.
Excellent Andrea, such feedback is nice.
0 replies It WAS the pump filter. Googled my problem and found you. Thanks for your help :)
It WAS the pump filter. Googled my problem and found you. Thanks for your help :)
My initial problem was the program completing, but the clothes were hot and wet – I cleaned out the filters and when that didn’t work, checked the condenser – it was fowled terribly with fluff and lint, which i cleared – I then found that the valve feeding the condensor was misbehaving (the solenoid had a crazy high resistance and the coil was cracked) and replaced this.
Now I have the 5E problem. I thought I might have not securely reconnected the hoses, causing a pressure switch problem, but I have now checked this.
The confusing thing is – the 5E Error only happens when the unit is on a drying cycle – the machine can properly complete any wash program, but if drying is included, it fails with 5E.
Any ideas on where to go next? I have found your articles very helpful so far!
Likely replying to Ian Lowe
Hi Ian. All the advice I could think of is in the article. However, it doesn’t make sense the error only occurring with the drying cycle set because the two faults it implicates should be equally affected on the wash cycle. The only thing I can suggest is to try it on a drying cycle and ascertain if water is being pumped out or not. Listen for water running down the drain, check outside if it pumps into a grate or put the drain hose into the sink. If water is regularly being pumped away it can’t be a drain error and maybe it’s pressure system but I don’t see how a fault on the pressure system could only cause problems on the drying cycle. It would cause errors on wash cycle.