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Samsung Dishwasher Error Code OC

DIY checks firstReviewed November 2026Checked against manufacturer documentation
What this code means
OC: Over-level water error: there is too much water in the dishwasher

The machine has taken in more water than it should, or old water is not leaving, so it stops to avoid overflowing. It is often linked to a draining problem, too much foam from the wrong detergent, or an inlet valve that does not shut off properly.

Also shown as: OE, 0C

Fix level
DIY checks first
Start with the checks on this page. Testing or replacing a part is usually a technician job.
Time to run the checks
About 25–50 minutes
For the 5 checks on this page — not a full repair.
You may need
No special tools
The checks below use basic household items only.
Parts that may be involved
Water inlet valve, Water level sensor (+2 more below)
Parts are model-specific; see the note below before ordering.

Common causes

  1. Drain hose or sink connection partly blocked, so water stays in the tub
  2. Too much foam from hand dish soap or an overdose of detergent
  3. Water inlet valve sticking open and overfilling
  4. Clogged filters slowing the water flow
  5. Faulty water level sensor

What to check, in order

Safety first. Switch the dishwasher off and unplug it (or turn off its breaker) before checking hoses or filters. Expect water in the bottom of the tub and around the filter; keep a tray and towel ready. If you are not comfortable with any step, stop and call a technician.
  1. Cancel the cycle and let the machine drain; if water stays in the bottom, work through the drain checks for the filters, sump, and hose.
  2. Look inside for foam, and if there is a lot of it, switch off and let it settle, then run a rinse with no detergent.
  3. Make sure the drain hose is raised in a proper high loop and the machine is not sitting on top of it.
  4. Check whether water creeps into the tub while the machine sits off, which points to an inlet valve that is not closing.
  5. If the tub overfills on a fresh cycle with clear drains and no foam, have the inlet valve and level sensor checked.

Clear the code and test

  1. Fix what the checks above found first — a filter cleaned, a hose straightened, the spray arms freed. Clearing the code without fixing the cause only brings it back.
  2. Close the door, plug the dishwasher back in (or restore its breaker) and make sure the water tap is open.
  3. Run the shortest programme and stay nearby for the first minutes, watching for leaks and listening for the drain pump.
  4. If the programme finishes with no code, the fault is cleared. If the code returns, write down the code and when it appeared before calling a technician — it speeds up the diagnosis.

When to call a professional

Most cases are solved by the checks above. Book a technician if any of these apply:

  • The code comes back after you have run the checks and a test cycle.
  • You smell burning, see sparks or scorch marks, or the breaker trips.
  • Water is leaking and you cannot stop it at the tap.
  • The fix needs panels opened beyond what your manual describes, or a part tested with a meter, and you are not set up for that.

When you call, give the brand, the code OC, your model number (on a label inside the door or on the back) and the checks you already ran. It shortens the visit.

Parts that may be involved

Water inlet valveWater level sensorDrain pumpDrain hose

Parts are model-specific. Find your model number first — usually on a label inside the door, on the door frame or on the back — and match the part to that number before ordering.

Questions people ask about OC

What does OC mean on a Samsung dishwasher?

OC means: Over-level water error: there is too much water in the dishwasher. The machine has taken in more water than it should, or old water is not leaving, so it stops to avoid overflowing. It is often linked to a draining problem, too much foam from the wrong detergent, or an inlet valve that does not shut off properly.

Can I fix Samsung OC myself?

Start yourself: the checks on this page cover the causes you can reach without opening the machine up. If they point to a faulty part, testing or replacing it is usually a technician job.

How do I clear Samsung OC?

Fix the cause first — clearing the code on its own brings it straight back. Then restore power and water, run the shortest programme, and watch the stage where the code appeared. If the programme finishes with no code, it is cleared.

Sources checked

The meaning and checks for this code were checked against the sources above in November 2026. Codes vary by model and region; if your manual lists a different meaning for your exact model, follow the manual.

Other Samsung dishwasher codes

Samsung 1EClogged filter error on WaterWall models; a low-water or circulation problem on some othersSamsung 3CPump operation error: the wash pump is not running properlySamsung 3EHigh temperature water supply error: the incoming water is too hotSamsung 4CWater supply error: the dishwasher is not filling with waterSamsung 5CDrain error: the dishwasher cannot drain the water outSamsung 7EWaterWall reflector error: the moving spray bar cannot travel properlySamsung 9ELow water level error: not enough water in the dishwasherSamsung APAccess Point mode: the dishwasher is waiting to connect to a phone or Wi-Fi (not a fault)Samsung CECommunication error between the control boardsSamsung HEHeater error: the water temperature is read incorrectly or runs too hotSamsung LCLeakage error: the leak sensor has detected moistureSamsung PCZone Wash / dividing valve error: the valve that directs water between zones is not workingSamsung bE2Button error: a button has registered as pressed for too longSamsung tETemperature sensor error