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Samsung Dishwasher 4C Error: Causes & Fixes

On a Samsung dishwasher, error code 4C (also shown as 4E) means the dishwasher is not getting water at the pressure or temperature it needs — a water supply error.

Before you work on your dishwasher

  • Power: Unplug the dishwasher or switch off its circuit breaker before removing panels or touching wiring.
  • Water: Turn off the water supply valve before disconnecting hoses or the inlet valve.
  • Heat: Water and the heating element can be hot right after a cycle; let the dishwasher cool first.
  • Sharp debris: Wear gloves when reaching into the filter or sump; broken glass often collects there.
  • Stop: If you smell burning, see smoke or sparks, or find water near wiring, switch off the breaker and call a technician.
  • Disconnect power before accessing internal dishwasher parts: Unplug the dishwasher or switch off the circuit breaker that powers it before removing panels, the filter, or the drain pump cover, or before reaching into the sump.
  • Shut off the water supply before disconnecting hoses: Turn off the water supply before disconnecting the drain hose, siphon connection, or water inlet, or before pulling the dishwasher out for service.
  • Hot water supply temperature: Keep the water heater setting for the dishwasher supply at or below 149°F (65°C); hotter water can cause severe burns.

What causes Samsung 4C

  1. Water inlet valve filter screen clogged: Debris or mineral buildup clogging the filter screen inside the dishwasher's water inlet valve can restrict flow and trigger 4C/4E. Difficulty 2/5.
  2. Water supply valve or inlet hose frozen: A frozen or ice-covered water supply valve or inlet hose can block water flow to the dishwasher and trigger 4C/4E. Difficulty 1/5.
  3. Household water pressure below required minimum: Household water pressure below Samsung's required 20 psi minimum can prevent the water supply valve from shutting off properly and can trigger the 4C/4E error. Difficulty 1/5.
  4. Hot water supply temperature outside required range: A hot water supply outside Samsung's required 120-149°F range can trigger the 4C/4E inadequate-temperature error. Difficulty 2/5.
  5. FloodSafe (automatic shutoff) supply hose restricting flow: Samsung's Canadian support guidance says to avoid FloodSafe (automatic shutoff) water supply hoses when troubleshooting the 4C/4E error, implying they can restrict flow or falsely trigger the code. Difficulty 2/5.
  6. Water inlet valve defective: A defective water inlet valve is a documented cause of the 4C/4E error; Samsung directs owners to the service center rather than DIY repair. Difficulty 1/5.
  7. Control board failure: Samsung lists control board failure as a possible cause of the 4C/4E water supply error. Difficulty 1/5.

Find the cause of 4C on your dishwasher

Step-by-step checks for Samsung 4C

Check for a frozen water supply line

About 5 minutes

  1. Inspect the water supply valve and the accessible inlet hose for ice or frost.

Check the water inlet valve's filter screen

About 20 minutes

  1. Switch off the dishwasher's circuit breaker.
  2. Turn off the household water supply valve.
  3. Remove the kick plate; do not open the junction box.
  4. Disconnect the water supply line from the dishwasher.
  5. Inspect the inlet valve's filter screen for debris or mineral buildup.

Verify household water pressure and temperature

About 15 minutes

  1. Confirm the home's water supply pressure is within 20-120 psi.
  2. Confirm the connected hot water supply is within 120-149°F.

How to fix Samsung 4C

Open the water supply valve

About 5 minutes · Difficulty 1/5

  1. Locate the household shutoff valve feeding the dishwasher.
  2. Open it fully.

Thaw the frozen water supply line

About 20 minutes · Difficulty 1/5

  1. Warm the frozen water supply valve or inlet hose, for example with a warm towel, until the ice melts.
  2. Confirm the hose is straightened once thawed.

Clean the water inlet valve's filter screen

About 25 minutes · Difficulty 2/5

  1. Switch off the dishwasher's circuit breaker.
  2. Turn off the household water supply valve.
  3. Remove the kick plate; do not open the junction box.
  4. Disconnect the water line from the dishwasher's inlet fitting.
  5. Clean the filter screen of debris or mineral buildup.
  6. Reconnect the line securely and turn the water supply back on.

Replace a FloodSafe-style supply hose

About 20 minutes · Difficulty 2/5

  1. Switch off the dishwasher's circuit breaker.
  2. Turn off the household water supply valve.
  3. Disconnect the FloodSafe-style (automatic shutoff) supply hose.
  4. Install a standard braided stainless-steel supply line without a built-in flow-restricting shutoff mechanism.
  5. Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks.

When to call a technician about Samsung 4C

  • Have household water pressure corrected
  • Have a technician service the control board

Sources

  1. Dishwasher SP.. Instruction Manual, Bosch Home Appliances US (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  2. Dishwasher SMS6HAI01A User Manual, Bosch Home Appliances US (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  3. Common Samsung dishwasher error codes and their meaning, Samsung Canada Support (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  4. Samsung DW6000J series dishwasher user manual, Samsung Electronics America (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  5. Dishwasher water supply requirements, Samsung Electronics America (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  6. 3C, 3C1~3C6 Error Code : Main Motor Error, Samsung Electronics Canada (retrieved 2026-09-20)
  7. What do 5C, 5E, 4C, 4E, LC, and LE mean on a dishwasher?, Samsung Gulf Electronics (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  8. Samsung dishwasher is displaying an error code, Samsung US Support (retrieved 2026-09-18)

Last updated September 29, 2026 · facts last verified September 20, 2026 · How we source and verify

Guidance only; follow your appliance manual and local codes. If anything looks unsafe, stop and call a qualified technician. Safety disclaimer