Step-by-Step DIY Fix Guide
- SAFETY: Turn off power to the dishwasher and close the water supply valve before disconnecting any hose.
- Check the shutoff valve under the sink and make sure it is fully open, not just mostly open.
- Inspect the inlet hose for sharp bends, crushing, or obvious kinks behind the dishwasher.
- Turn off the valve, disconnect the inlet hose, and clean the mesh screen at the dishwasher connection if your model allows that basic maintenance step.
- Reconnect the hose, restore power, and run a short rinse cycle to confirm whether 4C clears.
If 4C comes back after the first checks
- Run another nearby cold-water fixture to see whether there is a broader household pressure issue.
- If the dishwasher makes no fill sound at all, the inlet valve may not be opening.
- If the code appears intermittently, compare whether it happens more often when other fixtures are using water at the same time.
What This Error Means
Samsung dishwasher error 4C means the machine cannot fill with water normally at the start of the cycle. In many kitchens the dishwasher pauses because it does not see enough incoming water pressure or flow within the expected time.
The most common cause is still the simple one: the shutoff valve under the sink is not fully open. A partly open valve can allow some water through but still trigger 4C once the dishwasher needs a full fill.
If the supply valve is open and the hose path looks normal, the next likely issue is a clogged inlet screen or a failing water inlet valve.
Most Likely Cause by Symptom
The cycle starts but you do not hear normal filling.
Likely cause: The supply valve is closed, the screen is blocked, or the inlet valve is not opening.
Check first: Confirm the shutoff valve under the sink is fully open and inspect the hose path.
The dishwasher fills weakly, then pauses with 4C.
Likely cause: Restricted flow or low supply pressure.
Check first: Check the inlet hose and compare water flow at another nearby fixture.
Common Causes
- The water shutoff valve under the sink is partly closed.
- The water supply hose is kinked or pinched behind the dishwasher.
- The inlet screen is restricted by sediment or mineral scale.
- Household water pressure is temporarily too low for normal fill timing.
- The water inlet valve is failing and not opening fully.
What Not to Do
- Do not keep restarting the dishwasher if it is not filling normally.
- Do not assume the control board has failed before checking the supply valve, hose, and inlet screen.
- Do not overtighten the hose connection when reinstalling it.
Model and Display Variation Notes
Model-family notes
- Samsung dishwasher panels may show 4C or 4E for the same basic water-supply fault depending on the model.
- Some models are more sensitive to marginal pressure when the kitchen plumbing is shared with another running fixture.
Display and panel differences
- This same fill fault may also display as 4E on some Samsung dishwashers.
- If the dishwasher is overfilling instead of failing to fill, compare OC rather than following the 4C path.
Parts, Tools and Service Options
Common parts
- Water inlet valve ($30–$70)
- Water supply hose if kinked or cracked ($10–$25)
Manual and model check
Check your exact model and manual before ordering any Samsung parts.
Service option
Service visit if 4C returns after the supply-side checks are complete.
Suggestions in this section are organized to support the troubleshooting flow first. Any future affiliate relationships should be disclosed clearly.
When Not to Keep Troubleshooting
4C returns after the supply valve is confirmed open and the hose path is clear.
- The dishwasher makes no fill sound when the cycle starts.
- You suspect a failed inlet valve or another internal fill-control problem.
How to Prevent It Recurring
- Check the water supply hose annually for kinks and mineral buildup at the inlet screen — catching partial blockages early prevents 4C errors
Related Error Codes
9E
The dishwasher has detected that the water level inside the tub is lower than required for safe operation. The water level sensor cannot confirm that enough water is present for the cycle to run without risk of pump damage or heating element damage.
OC
The dishwasher has detected that the water level inside the tub is higher than expected. The water level sensor has measured an overfill condition, and the cycle has been stopped to prevent overflow and potential water damage.
1E
On WaterWall models, 1E indicates the filter is clogged and restricting water flow. On rotary spray arm models, 1E indicates the water temperature has risen above safe operating limits or the high-temperature heater is faulting.
Extra notes
- This page is based on Samsung support material and stays conservative where model-specific guidance may vary.
- The goal is to help you identify safe first checks before you move into parts, service, or model-specific manual lookup.
Source and model notes
Last reviewed: 2026-04-08
Based on: Based on Samsung dishwasher water-supply fault guidance and edited to help users separate a simple shutoff-valve or hose issue from inlet-valve failure.
View Samsung US Official Support
Model coverage note: Inlet-hose routing and display wording vary by Samsung dishwasher family, so use this page as a safe starting point rather than a model-specific service procedure.
Important: FixThisError is an independent guide, not the manufacturer. Use your model-specific manual when the panel wording or behavior differs.
Always disconnect power before inspecting appliances. If unsure, contact a licensed appliance technician.