What Does Error Code 15C Mean on a Samsung Washing Machine?
Clean out the drain pump filter — located behind the small access panel at the bottom front of the machine — removing any debris or blockages, then restart the cycle to clear the error (takes about 10 minutes).
Fault description
Error code 15C appears when your Samsung washing machine's control board measures an unexpected resistance level from the drain pump. This tells the machine that the pump is either struggling to operate or not responding correctly — so as a safety measure, the wash cycle is halted and the error is displayed on the control panel.
In practical terms, you may notice that the drum has stopped mid-cycle with water still sitting inside, or that the machine refuses to start a new cycle at all. The drain pump is responsible for removing water from the drum at the end of each wash and spin phase, so when it fails or is obstructed, water cannot exit and the machine protects itself by stopping.
The good news is that the most common causes of 15C are straightforward to investigate at home without specialist tools, and many cases are resolved simply by clearing a blockage from the pump filter.
Causes
- Blocked or clogged drain pump filter — Lint, coins, hair clips, and small items of clothing can accumulate in the pump filter over time, restricting water flow and placing extra load on the pump motor. This increased resistance is detected by the control board and triggers the 15C error.
- Kinked or blocked drain hose — If the drain hose running from the back of the machine to the standpipe or sink is kinked, squashed, or partially blocked, water cannot exit freely. The pump then works harder than normal, which can cause resistance readings to fall outside the expected range.
- Faulty or worn drain pump motor — Over time, the pump motor windings can degrade, causing the electrical resistance to shift outside the tolerance the control board expects. A pump that hums but does not move water, or one that is completely silent, is a strong indicator of motor failure.
- Foreign object lodged inside the pump impeller — Even after cleaning the filter, a small object such as a coin or button can pass through and jam the pump impeller. A jammed impeller prevents the pump from spinning, which the control board reads as an abnormal resistance condition.
- Wiring or connector fault between pump and control board — Loose, corroded, or damaged wiring between the drain pump and the main PCB can cause intermittent or incorrect resistance readings. This type of fault often produces an error that appears and disappears without an obvious pattern.
- Faulty main control board (PCB) — In less common cases, the control board itself may be misreading the pump's resistance due to a component failure on the board. This is usually only suspected after the pump and wiring have been checked and found to be in good condition.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Switch off and unplug the machine
Before doing anything else, turn the washing machine off at the control panel and unplug it from the wall socket. If there is water in the drum, wait a few minutes — some water may drain by gravity once the machine is off. Have a shallow tray and some old towels ready before you open the filter.
- 2
Clean the drain pump filter
Open the small rectangular access panel at the bottom front of the machine. You will see a short emergency drain hose and a round filter cap. Pull out the drain hose, remove its stopper, and let any remaining water drain into your tray. Once empty, unscrew the filter cap anticlockwise and pull it out. Remove all debris — lint, coins, hair, and any other objects — rinse the filter under a tap, then refit it firmly.
- 3
Check the drain hose for kinks or blockages
Pull the machine slightly away from the wall and inspect the full length of the drain hose. Straighten any kinks and make sure the hose is not squashed behind the machine or bent sharply at the standpipe connection. Also check that the end of the hose is not pushed too far down into the standpipe, which can create a siphoning effect that interferes with drainage.
- 4
Inspect the pump impeller for obstructions
With the filter removed, shine a torch into the pump housing and look for any object lodged in the impeller blades. Try turning the impeller gently with your finger — it should rotate freely with only slight resistance. If it is stiff or completely locked, there is likely a foreign object jammed inside that will need to be carefully extracted.
- 5
Restart the machine and run a short cycle
Refit the filter cap securely, close the access panel, and plug the machine back in. Select a short cotton cycle or a drain-only programme and observe whether the machine drains normally and the error clears. If the 15C code does not return, the blockage was the cause and no further action is needed.
- 6
Check the pump wiring connections
If the error persists, unplug the machine again and carefully pull it away from the wall to access the back panel or tilt it to reach the pump underneath. Locate the wiring connector on the pump body and check that it is fully seated and free from corrosion or visible damage. Disconnect and firmly reconnect the connector, then retest.
- 7
Test or replace the drain pump
If all the above steps have been completed without resolving the fault, the pump motor itself is likely defective. You can use a multimeter set to the resistance (ohms) setting to test the pump terminals — consult your model's service documentation for the expected resistance value. A reading that is open circuit or significantly outside the specified range confirms the pump needs replacing.
Affected models
Select your model to see its full troubleshooting page.
When to call a service technician
If you have cleaned the filter, cleared the hose, confirmed the impeller turns freely, and reseated the wiring connector — but the 15C error still appears — the fault is most likely inside the pump motor itself or on the main control board. Replacing a drain pump is a manageable DIY task for a confident homeowner, but if you are uncomfortable working around electrical components or accessing the pump requires significant disassembly, it is sensible to stop and book a visit.
You should also call a service technician if the machine is still under warranty, if you notice any burning smell near the pump area, or if the error code returns shortly after a new pump has been fitted — as this may point to a PCB fault that requires specialist diagnosis and equipment to confirm.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my Samsung washing machine while it shows error code 15C?
No — when 15C is active, the machine has halted the cycle because it cannot drain safely. Running it in this state risks leaving standing water in the drum for extended periods, which can cause odours and potential damage to internal components. Resolve the fault before using the machine again.
How often should I clean the drain pump filter on my Samsung washing machine?
Samsung generally recommends cleaning the pump filter every one to three months for a typical household. If you wash heavily soiled items, pet bedding, or items that shed a lot of lint, clean it monthly. A quick clean takes less than ten minutes and is the single most effective way to prevent drain-related errors.
Will the 15C error clear itself after I fix the blockage?
In most cases, yes — once the underlying fault is resolved and you restart the machine, the error will clear automatically when the control board detects that the pump is operating within its normal resistance range. If the code reappears immediately after restarting, the fault has not been fully resolved and further investigation is needed.
Is error code 15C the same as error code 5C or SC on Samsung machines?
They are related but not identical. Codes 5C and SC on older Samsung models indicate a general drain failure — the machine cannot drain water. Code 15C is more specific and refers to an abnormal resistance reading from the drain pump motor itself. The diagnostic steps overlap significantly, but 15C more directly points to the pump's electrical condition.
How much does it typically cost to replace a Samsung washing machine drain pump?
A replacement drain pump for a Samsung washing machine typically costs between £20 and £50 for the part, depending on the model. If you fit it yourself, that is your total cost. A service technician call-out to supply and fit the pump will usually bring the total to somewhere between £80 and £150, varying by region and the specific model involved.