Samsung Washing Machine Error Code OC
The tub has filled beyond the safe level. The machine stops to prevent flooding. A one-off can be a glitch; a repeating overflow points at the inlet valve or the water level sensor.
Also shown as: OE, OF, E3
Common causes
- Water inlet valve stuck open
- Water level (pressure) sensor fault
- Drain hose fitted so low that water siphons out and the machine keeps refilling
- Too much foam confusing the level sensing
What to check, in order
- Turn the water taps off if the machine is still filling.
- Restart the machine and run a spin cycle to empty the tub.
- Check the drain hose is not pushed far down a floor drain, which can cause siphoning.
- If it overfills again on the next cycle, book a repair: the valve or sensor needs testing.
Clear the code and test
- Fix what the checks above found first — a filter cleaned, a hose straightened, taps opened. Clearing the code without fixing the cause only brings it back.
- Close the door, plug the machine back in and restore the water supply.
- Run a short rinse and spin, or the shortest wash programme, and watch the stage where the code appeared before (filling, washing, draining or spinning).
- If the cycle finishes with no code, the fault is cleared. If the code returns at the same stage, write down the code and that stage 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 sensor
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 washing machine?
OC means: Water has overflowed. The tub has filled beyond the safe level. The machine stops to prevent flooding. A one-off can be a glitch; a repeating overflow points at the inlet valve or the water level sensor.
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
- Samsung support: washing machine information codes
- Samsung support: dishwasher information codes
- Samsung support (US): dishwasher troubleshooting
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.