5UD is a Samsung washer error that means the drum is not draining properly

The 5UD code appears on your Samsung washer's display when water is still in the tub after the drain cycle should have finished. The washer detects this and stops the cycle to prevent damage. It is not a permanent failure — the drain line is blocked, kinked, or clogged somewhere between the tub and your home's drain.

This error stops the wash mid-cycle or at the end, depending on when the washer realizes water is not leaving. You will see the code on the screen and the door will lock until you clear the blockage and restart the cycle.

Key Takeaways

  • The 5UD error means water is trapped in the drum because the drain path is blocked, kinked, or clogged.
  • Check the drain hose first — it is the most common cause and the easiest to fix yourself.
  • The drain filter (a small basket inside the washer) catches lint and debris and needs to be cleaned regularly to prevent this error.
  • If the hose and filter are clear, the pump itself may have failed and will require a service call.

Where the blockage usually is: drain hose and filter

The drain hose runs from the back of your washer to either a standpipe (a vertical pipe in your wall) or directly into a sink. Over time, lint, hair, and detergent buildup collect inside this hose. If the hose is also kinked or bent sharply, water cannot flow through it even if it is not clogged.

Before you call for service, disconnect the hose from the back of the washer (have a bucket ready — water will spill) and look through it toward a light. If you cannot see light, or if the hose is visibly bent, that is your problem. Straighten any kinks and use a plumbing snake or a length of wire to push out any blockage inside.

The second place to check is the drain filter, a small basket-shaped part inside the washer near the bottom front. Samsung washers have a small access panel or door on the front lower edge. Open it, unscrew the filter by hand, and empty whatever lint and debris is inside. Rinse it under running water and screw it back in. This should be done every few months as part of regular maintenance.

How to clear the drain filter yourself

Locate the small door or panel on the front of your washer, usually at the bottom left or bottom right corner. It may be marked with a small icon or just be a slightly raised rectangular panel. Gently pry it open with your fingers or a flat tool — do not force it.

Inside you will see a round or oval filter with a handle or knob. Turn it counterclockwise by hand until it comes free. Empty the contents (usually lint, hair, coins, or small objects) into a trash bin. Rinse the filter under warm running water to remove any remaining debris, then screw it back in clockwise until it is snug but not over-tightened.

Close the access panel and run a test cycle with no clothes inside. If the 5UD error does not return, the filter was the cause. If it does return, move on to checking the drain hose.

What to do if the hose and filter are both clear

If you have cleaned the filter and checked the drain hose for kinks and blockages, but the 5UD error still appears, the problem is likely inside the washer itself. The drain pump — the motor that forces water out — may have failed, or there may be a blockage deeper in the drain path that you cannot reach from outside.

At this point, you will need to contact Samsung service or a local appliance repair technician. Bring the error code (5UD) and tell them what you have already checked. Most repair calls for a failed pump run between $200 and $400 in parts and labor, depending on your model and your location.

How to prevent 5UD errors going forward

Clean the drain filter every two to three months, or more often if you have pets or live in an area with hard water. This single step prevents most drain-related errors. Use a lint trap or mesh bag in your washer if you wash items that shed heavily, such as blankets or pet bedding.

Check the drain hose once a year for kinks or damage. If the hose is cracked or has a hole in it, replace it — a new hose costs $20 to $50 and takes 10 minutes to install. Make sure the hose is not bent at a sharp angle where it connects to the wall or sink.

Use the correct amount of detergent for your water hardness and load size. Too much detergent leaves residue that can build up in the drain line over time. High-efficiency (HE) washers need even less detergent than standard machines.

Difference between 5UD and other Samsung washer error codes

Samsung uses several drain-related codes. 5E or SE also means a drain problem, but it usually appears when the washer cannot detect water leaving at all — often a sensor issue rather than a blockage. UE means the load is unbalanced. dE means the door lock has failed. If you see a different code, check your washer's manual or the Samsung support website for that specific error.

The 5UD code is specifically about water still being in the tub when it should be gone. This is almost always a blockage or pump failure, not a sensor or electrical problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my washer with the 5UD error showing?

No. The door will be locked and the washer will not run another cycle until the error is cleared. You must fix the drain problem or restart the cycle after the water drains manually. If you restart without fixing the blockage, the same error will appear again.

How do I drain the water manually if the washer is stuck?

Most Samsung washers have a manual drain plug or emergency drain hose coiled near the filter access panel. Open the front panel, locate the small hose or plug, and direct it into a bucket. Let gravity drain the water, or use a siphon if the water level is low. Once empty, you can access the filter and hose.

Is the 5UD error covered under Samsung warranty?

If the drain pump has failed, it may be covered depending on your warranty length and purchase date. If the blockage is caused by lint or debris, it is usually considered normal wear and not covered. Check your warranty paperwork or contact Samsung directly with your model number and purchase date.

What if the error comes back after I clean the filter?

The hose may still be partially blocked, or the pump may be failing. Check the hose again for kinks and try running a drain cycle with no clothes. If the error persists, contact a repair technician — the pump is likely the problem.

Can I replace the drain pump myself?

It is possible, but requires removing the front or back panel of the washer and disconnecting hoses and electrical connectors. If you are not comfortable with appliance repair, a technician is safer and faster. A replacement pump costs $80 to $150, plus labor.