SC is a moisture sensor error code that tells you water isn't draining properly

When SC appears on your Samsung washer display, the machine has detected that water is still in the drum after the drain cycle should have finished. The washer's moisture sensor is designed to stop the cycle and alert you rather than let standing water sit in the tub, which can lead to mold, mildew, and odors. This is a safety feature, not a permanent failure—but it does mean something is blocking the drain path.

The code appears most often during or right after the spin cycle, and the washer will not advance to the next step until you address it. You may also see water pooling at the bottom of the drum or hear the drain pump running without water actually leaving the machine.

Key Takeaways

  • SC means the moisture sensor detected water that should have drained, and the washer stopped to prevent mold and damage.
  • The most common cause is a clogged drain filter or kinked drain hose, both of which you can check and clear yourself in under 10 minutes.
  • Always unplug the washer or turn off the water supply before opening the filter compartment or moving hoses.
  • If the filter and hose are clear and SC still appears, the drain pump or sensor itself may need professional service.

Check the drain filter first—it catches lint and small objects

The drain filter is a small cylindrical part located behind a panel at the bottom front of your Samsung washer. It traps lint, coins, buttons, and other debris before water leaves the machine. When it clogs, water backs up and the moisture sensor reads standing water.

To access it: unplug the washer, open the small door or panel at the bottom front (some models have a small lever or latch), and locate the filter. Turn it counterclockwise by hand—water may spill out, so place a shallow pan underneath. Once removed, rinse it under running water and use an old toothbrush to scrub away lint buildup. Check the filter opening itself for debris, then screw the filter back in clockwise until snug. Do not overtighten.

Reinstall the panel, plug the washer back in, and run a short drain cycle or spin cycle to test. If SC clears, the filter was your problem. If SC appears again, move to the next step.

Inspect the drain hose for kinks, clogs, or disconnection

The drain hose carries water from the washer to your home's drain system. If it is kinked, pinched behind the washer, or clogged with lint, water cannot flow out and the sensor will trigger SC.

Unplug the washer and pull it away from the wall so you can see the back. Look at the drain hose—it is usually a ribbed plastic tube running from the back of the washer to either a standpipe (a vertical drain pipe), a sink, or your laundry sink. Check for visible kinks or sharp bends and straighten them. If the hose is connected to a standpipe, make sure it is not pushed too far into the pipe (it should sit about 4 to 6 inches inside). If it is shoved all the way in, it can create a seal that traps water.

If the hose looks clear and straight, disconnect it at both ends (water may spill, so have towels ready) and look through it toward a light source. If you see lint buildup or debris, run water through it from a faucet to flush it out. You can also use a plumbing snake or straightened wire coat hanger to push through any stubborn blockage. Reconnect the hose, making sure both connections are tight, and test again.

Verify the drain pump is running and water is actually leaving

If the filter and hose are both clear, the problem may be the drain pump itself. This is the motor that pulls water out of the tub. If it is not working, water stays put and SC appears.

Run a drain or spin cycle and listen carefully at the back of the washer. You should hear a humming or buzzing sound as the pump runs. If you hear nothing, or if you hear the pump running but no water is flowing out of the hose, the pump may be jammed or broken. Check inside the pump inlet (the opening where water enters the pump from the tub) for debris—sometimes a coin or piece of plastic gets stuck there. If you can see something, try to remove it with tweezers or needle-nose pliers.

If the pump is silent or if clearing the inlet does not help, the pump motor itself has likely failed and will need to be replaced. This is a job for a service technician, as it requires opening the washer cabinet and disconnecting internal plumbing.

Rule out a faulty moisture sensor

The moisture sensor is a small probe inside the drum that detects dampness. If it malfunctions, it can report water present even when the drum is dry, triggering SC repeatedly.

After you have confirmed the filter is clean, the hose is clear, and the pump is running, run a complete wash and spin cycle. If SC appears but the drum is visibly dry and no water comes out of the hose, the sensor may be the culprit. Some Samsung models allow you to run a diagnostic test through the control panel—check your user manual for the key sequence (it varies by model). If diagnostics confirm a sensor fault, or if you have ruled out all other causes, contact Samsung service or a local appliance repair technician.

When to call a professional

If you have cleaned the filter, straightened the hose, and confirmed the pump is running but SC still appears, the problem is inside the washer and requires professional tools and parts. Do not attempt to disassemble the cabinet yourself—you risk electrical shock and may damage internal components.

Contact Samsung support with your model number (found on the back or inside the door frame) and describe what you have already checked. They can walk you through additional diagnostics or schedule a service visit. If your washer is still under warranty, repair costs may be covered. If not, ask for an estimate before authorizing work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the washer if SC keeps appearing?

No. The washer will not complete its cycle while SC is displayed, and water will remain in the drum. Continuing to run cycles without fixing the underlying problem risks mold growth and damage to the motor. Address the drain issue before using the machine again.

Does SC mean my washer is broken?

Not necessarily. In most cases, SC is caused by a clogged filter or kinked hose—both straightforward fixes. Only if the filter and hose are clear and the pump is not running should you assume an internal part has failed.

How often should I clean the drain filter?

Check it every few months, or more often if you wash heavily soiled clothes or have long hair that sheds. Regular cleaning prevents clogs and keeps SC from appearing in the first place.

What if water is leaking from under the washer?

A leak usually means the drain hose is loose, cracked, or disconnected. Unplug the washer, check all hose connections at both ends, and look for visible cracks. Tighten connections or replace the hose if damaged. If water is leaking from inside the cabinet, contact a technician.

Can I clear SC by unplugging the washer?

Unplugging resets the display, but SC will return the next time you run a cycle if the drain problem is not fixed. Always address the underlying cause—the filter, hose, or pump—rather than just clearing the error code.