Samsung washing machine 5E error code
What 5E means on a Samsung washing machine
Drain fault or blockage.
Meaning checked by NAC's engineers, 9 November 2026.
What our engineers say
When a Samsung washing machine shows 5E, it is telling you there is a drain fault or a blockage. You will usually notice that the machine is not draining, with water left sitting in the drum.
Engineers sometimes find a blockage in the drain filter, or a drain hose that has become blocked and needs clearing. At other times the filter and hose turn out to be clear and the drain pump itself is at fault, perhaps running noisily, draining more slowly than it should, or sticking as it turns.
An engineer will typically check the drain filter and the waste pipe for anything stuck inside, then run a series of rinse and drain cycles to see how well the water clears and listen to how the pump sounds. If a blockage is to blame, clearing it is often enough to put things right there and then. If the pump is worn or faulty, the engineer replaces it, and as that part often has to be ordered, it is usually fitted at a second visit before the machine is tested again.
Written by our engineers from NAC's own jobs.
Faults this code turns up with
What our engineers found and fixed for each, from NAC's own repair records, with Samsung's own figures where we have enough of them.
What we fixed. We'll add what our engineers found, the parts they fitted and what customers typically paid once enough of these repairs are confirmed. How we work out our figures.
Before you check anything yourself
- Switch the washing machine off and unplug it, or turn it off at the isolator switch, before you touch anything. Our guide to safely isolating an appliance walks you through it.
- An error code tells you where to look, not that it's safe to take the washing machine apart. Don't remove panels or covers to get at the parts it points to: that's an engineer's job.
- If it involves the mains supply, sealed parts, or you're not confident at any point, stop and book a qualified engineer rather than risk injury or further damage.
Rather leave it to us?
- Fixed-price quote before any work starts
- Same or next-day visits where available
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