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Samsung Washing Machine Error Code OE

High Severity 🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Also shown as: 5E, 5C, E2

Drain failure — water not draining

The Samsung washer cannot drain water within the expected time. This is a high-priority error as it will prevent the cycle from completing and leave standing water in the drum. The most common cause is a clogged pump filter, which is a 5-minute DIY fix.

💰 DIY cost: $0–$90 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $150–$250 Save $150+ by doing it yourself

What Does Error Code OE Mean on a Samsung Washing Machine?

Drain failure — water not draining.

The Samsung washer cannot drain water within the expected time. This is a high-priority error as it will prevent the cycle from completing and leave standing water in the drum. The most common cause is a clogged pump filter, which is a 5-minute DIY fix.

What Causes Error Code OE?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

  1. 1
    Clogged pump filter (lint, coins, debris) 55% of cases
  2. 2
    Kinked or blocked drain hose 25% of cases
  3. 3
    Faulty drain pump motor 15% of cases
  4. 4
    Blocked household drain standpipe 5% of cases

How to Fix Samsung Washing Machine Error Code OE

🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Est. time: 30–60 min
Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Clean the pump filter

    Locate the filter access panel on the lower-front of the washer. Place a towel and shallow pan below it. Turn the cap counterclockwise slowly — water will drain out. Remove and clean the filter under running water. Check for coins, pins, or lint buildup.

    ⚠️ Expect a significant amount of water. Have towels ready.
  2. 2

    Check the drain hose

    Inspect the drain hose at the back for kinks. Disconnect it from the standpipe and blow air through it to check for blockages.

  3. 3

    Check the household standpipe

    Make sure the drain standpipe is not clogged. Run water down it directly. If it backs up, the issue is your home plumbing, not the washer.

  4. 4

    Test the drain pump

    If the above steps are clear, the pump motor may have failed. You can hear the pump when the washer tries to drain — a grinding or no-sound indicates failure. Replace the drain pump.

    🔩 Samsung drain pump ($40–$90)
    ⚠️ Unplug before accessing the pump.

How to Reset Error Code OE

After clearing the blockage, restart the washer. If water remains in the drum, run a Spin/Drain-only cycle. The error should clear once a successful drain cycle completes.

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

When to Call a Professional

Call a pro if the drain pump has been replaced and the error persists — there may be a control board or wiring harness issue.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $150–$250

Related Error Codes

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code OE appears on these other brands too. Click to compare:

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your Samsung Washing Machine:

External links — ApplianceErrors.com is not affiliated with these retailers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does error code OE mean on a Samsung Washing Machine? +
Drain failure — water not draining
How do I fix error code OE on my Samsung Washing Machine? +
Start by Locate the filter access panel on the lower-front of the washer. Place a towel and shallow pan below it. Turn the cap counterclockwise slowly — water will drain out. Remove and clean the filter under running water. Check for coins, pins, or lint buildup.. If that doesn't resolve it, work through each step in the fix guide above.
How do I clear or reset error code OE? +
After clearing the blockage, restart the washer. If water remains in the drum, run a Spin/Drain-only cycle. The error should clear once a successful drain cycle completes.
Is error code OE serious? +
This is a high-severity error. You should address it soon. Running the appliance may cause further damage.