Samsung washers are known for their efficiency and advanced features, but like any appliance, they can sometimes experience errors. One common issue users encounter is the SC error code on Samsung washers, which indicates a drainage problem. When this error appears, your washer might not drain water properly, leaving your clothes soaked and delaying the wash cycle. In this article, we will discuss what the SC error code means, its common causes, step-by-step solutions to fix it, preventive maintenance tips, and when to seek professional help.
What Does SC Error Code Mean on a Samsung Washer?
The SC error code on a Samsung washer signals a drainage failure. In some models, this error appears as 5C, SE, or nd, but they all indicate the same issue—your washer is unable to drain water efficiently.
Why Does the SC Error Occur?
The SC error code on a Samsung washer generally means that the washer is taking too long to drain water. This can be caused by several factors, including:
- A clogged drain hose preventing water from flowing out.
- A faulty or blocked drain pump that can’t push water through the system.
- A dirty filter restricting proper drainage.
- Electrical or sensor malfunctions affecting the control board.
Quick Overview of Troubleshooting Steps:
- Inspect and clean the drain hose to remove kinks or blockages.
- Clean the washer’s filter to ensure proper water flow.
- Check and reset the drain pump if it’s malfunctioning.
- Look for electrical or sensor issues and perform a system reset.
How Does the SC Error Affect Washer Performance?
When your Samsung washer displays the SC error, you may experience the following issues:
- The washer stops mid-cycle and won’t continue.
- Water remains in the drum after a wash cycle.
- The washer takes longer than usual to complete a cycle.
- The machine makes unusual noises or fails to spin.
To fix this problem, let’s explore the common causes and step-by-step solutions.
Common Causes of SC Error Code
Before jumping into the fixes, it’s essential to understand why the SC error on a Samsung washer happens. Here are the most common reasons:
1. Clogged Drain Hose
- The drain hose might be twisted, bent, or clogged with lint, dirt, or detergent residue.
- A blocked hose prevents water from flowing out, causing the washer to stop draining.
2. Faulty Drain Pump
- The drain pump is responsible for pushing water out of the washer.
- A damaged or jammed pump can stop water from exiting the machine.
3. Blocked Filter
- The washer filter collects lint, hair, and debris.
- If it becomes clogged, water won’t drain properly, triggering the SC error on your Samsung washing machine.
4. Electrical or Sensor Issues
- A faulty pressure switch may send incorrect signals, preventing the washer from draining.
- Software glitches in the control board can also cause drainage errors.
Now that we know the causes, let’s go through the solutions step by step.
Also Read: Enable Voice to Text on Samsung Keyboard
Step-by-Step Fixes for SC Error Code
1. Check and Clean the Drain Hose
The drain hose is the primary outlet for removing water from your washer. If it’s blocked, twisted, or submerged, water will not drain properly, leading to the SC error.
How to Inspect and Clean the Drain Hose:
- Turn off the washer and unplug it from the power source.
- Locate the drain hose at the back of the washer.
- Check for any twists, kinks, or damage in the hose.
- Remove the hose and inspect it for blockages (lint, dirt, or debris).
- Use hot water and vinegar to clean the hose thoroughly.
- Reattach the hose properly and ensure it’s positioned at the correct height (18–96 inches from the ground).
- Turn on the washer and run a test cycle to check if the error is resolved.
2. Clean the Washer Filter
The washer filter (also known as the pump filter) helps catch small objects, preventing them from clogging the drain system. Over time, it accumulates dirt and can block water flow, triggering the SC error on Samsung washers.
How to Remove and Clean the Filter:
- Locate the filter panel on the lower front side of the washer.
- Place a towel or container under the panel to catch any water.
- Open the panel and pull out the black rubber drain hose.
- Remove the drain plug to let excess water flow out.
- Twist the filter counterclockwise to remove it.
- Clean the filter using warm water and a toothbrush to remove lint, hair, or debris.
- Reinsert the filter, secure the drain plug, and close the panel.
Pro Tip: Clean the washer filter every month to prevent drainage problems.
3. Inspect and Reset the Drain Pump
If cleaning the drain hose and filter doesn’t fix the Samsung washer SC code, the drain pump might be faulty. The pump can get clogged, or its motor may fail, stopping water from draining.
How to Check and Reset the Drain Pump:
- Unplug the washer and turn off the water supply.
- Remove the back or bottom panel of the washer to access the pump.
- Look for clogged debris, hair, or small objects inside the pump.
- Check if the pump impeller spins freely (if it’s stuck, the pump is faulty).
- Use a multimeter to test the pump for electrical continuity.
- If the pump fails the continuity test, it must be replaced.
Reset the drain pump by unplugging the washer for 5 minutes, then plugging it back in and running a drain cycle.
4. Check for Electrical or Sensor Issues
If all mechanical components are working, the SC error on a Samsung washer could be due to electrical malfunctions.
How to Reset the Washer and Clear the SC Error:
- Turn off the washer and unplug it for 2-5 minutes.
- Plug the washer back in and run a short wash cycle.
- If the error persists, check the control board for loose connections.
- Use a multimeter to test the pressure switch and door lock sensor.
- If any components fail the test, they need to be replaced.
5. Preventing Future SC Errors on Your Samsung Washer
To avoid SC errors in the future, follow these maintenance tips:
- Clean the drain hose every 3 months.
- Check and wash the pump filter monthly.
- Use HE (High Efficiency) detergent to prevent residue buildup.
- Never overload the washer to allow proper water flow.
- Run a cleaning cycle using white vinegar and baking soda every month.
When to Call a Professional?
If the SC error on your Samsung washer persists after trying all troubleshooting steps, it may be time to call a professional.
Signs That Indicate a Serious Issue:
- The washer is leaking water.
- The drain pump makes a loud noise but doesn’t work.
- The control board isn’t responding.
- Electrical components fail the multimeter test.
Contact Samsung Support or a professional repair service to get your washer inspected and fixed.
Conclusion
The SC error code on a Samsung washer is usually caused by a clogged drain hose, blocked pump filter, faulty drain pump, or sensor issues. By following this troubleshooting guide, you can easily fix the SC error and prevent future drainage problems.
Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your washer running smoothly! If you’ve tried everything and the error persists, don’t hesitate to call a professional technician.
Your Samsung washer deserves proper care—keep it clean, and it will work efficiently for years!
