What Does Error Code 5A Mean on a Samsung Washing Machine?
Remove and clean the pump filter at the bottom front of the machine — a blocked filter is the most common cause of the 5A error, and clearing it should restore normal draining within about 10 minutes.
Fault description
Error code 5A is Samsung's way of telling you that water is not draining from the drum as expected. When the machine attempts to drain — typically at the end of a wash or rinse cycle — it monitors how quickly the water level drops. If the level doesn't fall within a set time, the 5A code is triggered and the cycle is paused or cancelled.
When this error appears, you'll usually find the drum still full or partially full of water, and the machine will stop mid-cycle. In some cases the display may flash the code repeatedly. The fault sits entirely within the drainage system, so the motor, drum bearings, and electronics are not the concern here.
The good news is that the majority of 5A errors are caused by simple blockages that you can clear yourself without any specialist tools or knowledge.
Causes
- Clogged pump filter — Lint, coins, hair grips, and other small items collect in the pump filter over time and restrict water flow. This is by far the most frequent cause of the 5A error and is straightforward to fix at home.
- Kinked or blocked drain hose — If the drain hose has been bent sharply behind the machine or has accumulated debris inside, water cannot pass through freely. Even a partial kink is enough to trigger the error.
- Drain hose installed at the wrong height — Samsung recommends the drain hose end sits 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) inside the standpipe or wall outlet. If it is inserted too deeply, a siphoning effect can prevent proper drainage and cause the error to appear repeatedly.
- Faulty or obstructed drain pump — Small objects such as buttons or broken zip pulls can pass through the filter and jam the pump impeller. A jammed impeller means the pump motor runs but cannot move water, triggering the 5A code.
- Blocked household standpipe or waste pipe — If the blockage is further down the plumbing — in the standpipe or the shared waste pipe — the washing machine cannot drain regardless of its own condition. Other appliances or sinks draining slowly nearby can confirm this.
- Defective drain pump — If the pump motor itself has failed electrically or mechanically, it will not activate when the machine calls for drainage. This is less common than a blockage but does occur on older machines.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Switch off and unplug the machine
Before doing anything else, turn the washing machine off at the programme dial and unplug it from the wall socket. If the drum is full of water, have a shallow tray and old towels ready before you open the filter cap, as water will spill out.
- 2
Clean the pump filter
The pump filter is located behind a small access panel at the bottom front of the machine. Open the panel, place your tray underneath, and slowly unscrew the filter cap anti-clockwise. Allow the water to drain into the tray, then pull the filter out completely. Remove all lint, debris, and foreign objects, rinse the filter under a tap, and screw it firmly back in before closing the panel.
- 3
Inspect the drain hose for kinks and blockages
Pull the machine gently away from the wall and trace the drain hose from the back of the machine to where it enters the standpipe or wall outlet. Straighten any kinks and check that the hose is not crushed under the machine's feet. If you suspect an internal blockage, disconnect the hose and flush it through with water from a tap.
- 4
Check the drain hose insertion depth
The end of the drain hose should sit no more than 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) inside the standpipe. If it is pushed in further, pull it back to the correct depth and use the hose guide clip (supplied with the machine) to hold it in place. Also confirm the standpipe opening is not sealed airtight around the hose, as the machine needs an air gap to drain correctly.
- 5
Check for a blockage in the household waste pipe
Run water in a nearby sink or basin and watch how quickly it drains. Slow drainage elsewhere in the same waste run suggests a household plumbing blockage rather than a machine fault. In this case, use a drain unblocker or contact a plumber before running the washing machine again.
- 6
Check the pump impeller for obstructions
With the filter removed, shine a torch into the filter housing and look for the impeller — a small plastic fan. Try turning it gently with your finger. It should rotate freely with slight resistance. If it is completely stuck, there is likely a foreign object lodged behind it. Use long-nose pliers to carefully retrieve any visible debris.
- 7
Restore power and run a drain or spin cycle
Once you have completed the checks above, plug the machine back in and select a Spin or Drain programme. Watch and listen — the pump should activate within the first minute and water should flow out of the drain hose. If the machine completes the cycle without displaying 5A, the fault is resolved.
Affected models
Select your model to see its full troubleshooting page.
When to call a service technician
If you have cleaned the filter, straightened the hose, confirmed the correct insertion depth, and verified that household drainage is clear, but the 5A error still appears, the drain pump itself is the most likely culprit. A pump that hums but does not move water, or one that is completely silent when the machine should be draining, will need to be tested with a multimeter and replaced if faulty — this is work best left to a service technician.
You should also call a service technician if you find water pooling under the machine, notice a burning smell near the pump area, or if the filter housing is cracked or damaged. These signs point to a more serious fault that DIY steps will not resolve safely.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my washing machine while it is showing error code 5A?
No — you should not run a wash cycle while the 5A error is active. The machine cannot drain, so running a cycle will leave your laundry sitting in dirty water and may put unnecessary strain on the pump motor. Resolve the drainage fault first, then resume normal use.
How often should I clean the pump filter on my Samsung washing machine?
Samsung recommends cleaning the pump filter at least once every three months. If you wash frequently, have pets, or regularly wash heavily soiled items, cleaning it monthly is a sensible habit. A quick clean takes less than ten minutes and prevents the majority of 5A errors.
Why does the 5A error keep coming back after I have already cleaned the filter?
If the error returns quickly after cleaning, check the drain hose insertion depth first — a hose pushed too far into the standpipe causes repeated siphoning issues that mimic a blockage. If the depth is correct, the pump impeller may be partially damaged or a small object may be lodged behind it, which would require the pump to be inspected or replaced.
Is error code 5A the same as error code 5C or OE on Samsung machines?
Yes, these codes all refer to the same drainage fault. Samsung uses different code formats across different model ranges and production years — 5A, 5C, and OE all indicate that the machine has failed to drain within the expected time. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical for all three codes.
How much does it cost to replace a drain pump on a Samsung washing machine?
A genuine Samsung drain pump typically costs between £25 and £55 for the part alone, depending on the model. If you are comfortable with basic appliance repairs, fitting it yourself is achievable with standard tools and can save on labour costs. If you prefer to have a service technician carry out the replacement, expect to pay an additional call-out and labour fee on top of the part price.