Error 5E (SE) in a Samsung washing machine

error 5eError 5E (also known as SE) on a Samsung washing machine can occur quite frequently if owners don't properly maintain it, and sometimes even when it's properly maintained. While the 5E error code is quite definitive, it doesn't provide an answer to the question of what exactly is wrong with the Samsung washing machine. It only identifies a list of possible causes, which we'll discuss in this article.

Why does the error occur?

Error 5E usually appears on a Samsung washing machine's display when the program has already completed the wash cycle and is attempting to begin the rinse cycle. At this point, the program requires the machine to drain the dirty soapy water used for the wash cycle and fill it with clean water for the rinse cycle. This is where the problem arises. The system simply can't drain the dirty water, and the electronic controller displays error 5E.

This error occurs due to the inability to drain the water. This is roughly how this error is interpreted. What are the possible causes of this error, preventing the system from draining dirty water? There are three main reasons:

  • the drain filter is so clogged that water simply does not pass through it into the drain hose;
  • a blockage has formed in the drain hose, either at the connection with the filter or at the connection with the siphon;
  • Water is not pumped out due to a faulty drain pump.

Please note! To prevent unwanted blockages in your washing machine, check the pockets of items you load into the drum before washing, removing any loose change, keys, etc.

On some models of Samsung washing machines Instead of error 5e, the code may pop up nd or SE, keep in mind that this is all the same error.Don't confuse this with the E5 code. It indicates a faulty heating element in your washing machine.

Finding the source of the error: procedure

If your washing machine suddenly freezes during a wash cycle and the 5E error code appears on the display, the first thing you should do is check the debris filter, which is usually located in the lower right corner of the machine. This is a common procedure, described in the washing machine manufacturer's instructions, and if you don't know about it, you've never cleaned the filter. Clean the filter; if the 5E error code persists, you need to investigate further.error 5e

Next, check the drain hose; it may be clogged. Remove all laundry from the drum, then remove the drain hose from the trap or drain pipe and place it in the bathtub or sink. This will allow you to clearly see the draining water. Then, run a wash cycle and observe. If the pump tries to force water through the hose, but it barely moves, there's a blockage.

Samsung washing machines are fairly quiet, but if you listen closely while draining, you might notice a distinctive sound emitted by the drain pump. So, if you've left the end of the drain hose in the bathroom and no water flows out after the wash cycle, If you don’t hear the specific sound of the drain pump, the problem is most likely in it!

Important! A broken washing machine drain pump is considered a serious problem. You likely won't be able to fix it yourself, and you'll need to call a professional.

The cause of the error has been identified: how to fix it?

The easiest way to solve the problem is if the cause of the Samsung washing machine error 5E is a dirty filter. How can I quickly clean the filter?

  1. In the lower right corner of the machine, locate the plastic cover protecting the filter and emergency drain hose. Open it.
  2. Take a suitable container to drain dirty water from the drum (a basin is best).
  3. Remove the plug from the small rubber hose and drain all the water into a container.
  4. Without removing the container, turn the filter screw half a turn counterclockwise and remove it.
  5. Inspect the hole for foreign objects, remove anything stuck there, including clumps of fluff and hair.
  6. Replace the screw and insert the plug into the emergency drain hose, then close the plastic cap. This should solve the problem.

You can learn more about cleaning the filter with pictures and videos. Here.

If error 5E is caused by a serious blockage in the drain hose, disconnect it from the washing machine and then rinse it with a strong stream of water. While rinsing, you can simultaneously bend and straighten the hose to help clear the blockage. It's also possible that the blockage is deep in the drain pipe or in the trap. In this case, dirty water will stop draining not only from the machine but also from the sink drain.

error 5eYou can clear a blockage that has formed in the siphon manually by unscrewing the plug and washing out its internal parts, but with the sewer pipe, you may have to tinker with it a bit. In this case, it is best to contact a plumber who will quickly and professionally clear the pipes, but you can try liquids for removing blockages such as “Tiret turbo" or "Mole". If liquids don't clear the blockage, try inserting a long steel wire with a small hook on the end into the drain pipe; it can remove even the most stubborn blockage.

Please note! Do not use harsh chemicals when cleaning your washing machine's drain hose, as this may damage it.

In the worst case, error 5E could be caused by a faulty drain pump. To access it, you'll need to turn the machine over and remove the back panel. Locating the drain pump is easy. Look at the valve connected to the drain hose, which in turn is connected to the drain pump. As we've already noted, you shouldn't attempt to repair the drain pump yourself; in a pinch, you can do it yourself. replacing the drain pump.

To summarize, the SE error (or 5E error) on a Samsung washing machine isn't as serious as it might seem. In most cases, you can find and fix the cause yourself. However, if you don't want to deal with clogs or aren't confident in your abilities, contact a professional.

   

21 reader comments

  1. Mary's Gravatar Mary:

    Thanks! We solved the problem))

  2. Gravatar of Light Sveta:

    Thanks a lot!

  3. Gravatar Anastasia Anastasia:

    Thanks, the article was helpful, we were going to call a repairman))

  4. Gravatar Elena Elena:

    Thank you very much, you helped us a lot, now everything is fine!!!

  5. Gravatar Anonymous Anonymous:

    What does it mean when the machine does not drain during the programs, but drains during the rinse?

  6. Gravatar anonymous Anonymous:

    Thanks, friend)

  7. Gravatar Andrey Andrey:

    Thank you, the article helped)

  8. Gravatar Natalie Natalie:

    Thank you, the problem has been solved.

  9. Gravatar Natasha Natasha:

    After rinsing, the drain doesn't start. I set it to forced spin, and the pump runs.

  10. Gravatar Vlad Vlad:

    The video was very helpful, thank you.

  11. Gravatar Elya Elya:

    Thanks, my son figured it out himself. He's 17 years old.

    • Gravatar Gel Gel:

      Can I take your son?

  12. Gravatar Andrey Andrey:

    Thank you very much, everything is fine, I had to clean both the drain hose and the filter, now it works.

  13. Gravatar Ilya Ilya:

    Thanks for the advice! It all helped! There are good people in the world.

  14. Gravatar Islam Islam:

    Thank you.

  15. Gravatar Alexey Alexey:

    Thank you. Our washing machine had been broken for a while. I washed it, but when I started spinning it, it showed error 5E. The hose accidentally fell on the floor, causing a leak. It was an airlock, but we wanted to call a repairman.

  16. Gravatar Natalia Natalia:

    Thank you. Very useful article. I followed the instructions (I was getting an SE error). The machine started working.

  17. Gravatar Chron Chron:

    Thank you. 5E. There was a wooden toothpick in the drain filter. It was clogging the drain pump blades. It's good the pump didn't burn out.

  18. Gravatar Marina Marina:

    What to do with the laundry in the machine if it is blocked?

  19. Gravatar Tamara Tamara:

    Thank you!

  20. Gravatar Irina Irina:

    Thank you, the article was very helpful.

Add a comment

We recommend reading

Washing machine error codes