A kinked, crushed, or incorrectly installed drain hose is one of the most common reasons a Samsung washing machine fails to drain, often triggering error codes like **4C**, **5C**, **5E**, or **LC** . This problem restricts water flow, preventing the machine from completing its cycle. Fortunately, resolving this issue is usually a simple, no-tools-required fix that you can perform in a few minutes.
### Step 1: Safety First and Initial Inspection
Before you begin, **unplug the washing machine** from the power outlet . While the risk is low for this procedure, it is a crucial safety measure.
Carefully pull the machine away from the wall to access the rear panel. Visually trace the drain hose—the large corrugated pipe connected from the back of the washer to your home's drainpipe or standpipe .
Look for any sharp bends, twists, or areas where the hose appears flattened or crushed. This is often caused by the machine being pushed too tightly against the wall during installation or after a vibrating cycle . If you find a visible kink, gently straighten it. Ensure there is enough clearance behind the machine to prevent the hose from becoming pinched again.
### Step 2: Verify Correct Installation Height and Positioning
If the hose appears to be in good condition, the problem may be its installation. A hose that is too long or positioned at the wrong height can cause drainage issues due to siphoning .
- **Check the Standpipe Connection:** If your drain hose is hooked over a standpipe, it should not be inserted too deep. The general rule is to insert it no more than **6 to 8 inches (approx. 15-20 cm)** into the pipe . Inserting it too far can create an airtight seal or siphon, causing water to drain improperly or be pulled back into the machine.
- **Verify the Height:** The height of the drain hose is critical. According to Samsung guidelines, the end of the hose should be positioned at a specific height above the floor to ensure the pump can work effectively. The recommended height is between **60 cm and 90-100 cm** (approximately 24 to 36-40 inches), depending on the model . If the hose is too low, it can create a siphoning effect that continuously drains water from the tub; if it's too high, the pump may struggle to push the water out .
### Step 3: Clean the Drain Pump Filter
While a kinked hose is often the primary culprit, a blocked drain pump filter can cause very similar symptoms . Many Samsung washers display a 4C or 5C error when the filter is clogged, so this is a worthwhile step to perform alongside checking the hose .
1. Locate the small access panel at the lower front of your washing machine.
2. Place a towel and a shallow pan on the floor beneath the panel to catch any residual water .
3. Open the panel and pull out the emergency drain hose (if your model has one). Remove the cap to let water drain into your pan .
4. Once the water has stopped, unscrew and remove the pump filter by turning it counterclockwise.
5. Clean the filter thoroughly, removing any lint, coins, hairpins, or other debris that may have collected . Rinse it with warm water.
6. Use a damp cloth to wipe out the filter housing.
7. Reinsert the filter and turn it clockwise to lock it back into place. Close the access panel .
### Step 4: Test the Machine
Once you have straightened the hose, adjusted its height, and cleaned the filter, plug the machine back in. Run a short Rinse + Spin cycle to test the drainage . Observe the machine to ensure it drains normally and no error codes appear. If the problem persists, the internal drain pump itself may be faulty, or there may be a blockage further inside the hose, which would require professional attention .