Samsung Dishwasher 4C (4E) Error Code: Water Supply Error, Not Filling (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)
What the code means
Samsung US lists 4C and 4E as a water supply error, meaning the dishwasher is not getting water at the pressure or temperature it needs. Samsung UK describes what you'll see: the cycle may start with a brief drain, but little or no fresh water comes in, the tub stays dry and the dishwasher stops. Samsung's water supply guide asks for 20 to 120 psi of water pressure and a hot water supply of 120 to 149°F, and warns that the water should never be above 149°F to avoid burns. Samsung UK also lists a related 4C5 or 4E5 code for a dishwasher that tries to fill and stops early with a dry tub, with the same checks. Don't confuse 4C with 3E, which Samsung US uses for water that is too hot (supply above 176°F), or with 3C/3E on Samsung UK's list, where the dishwasher fills but never starts washing.
Likely causes
- The water supply valve under the sink is closed or only partly open
- The water supply to the house is shut off or interrupted
- A frozen supply valve or supply hose, for example in a cold kitchen or cabin
- A bent, kinked or folded water supply hose behind the dishwasher
- Debris clogging the small filter screen on the dishwasher's water inlet valve
- Household water pressure below Samsung's 20 psi minimum
- A FloodSafe-style hose. Samsung Canada says FloodSafe hoses aren't compatible with its dishwashers and should be avoided.
- A defective water inlet valve, which Samsung UK says needs a service center replacement
- A control board failure, also a service repair per Samsung UK
Safe DIY checks
Unplug the appliance (or switch off its breaker) and shut off the water supply valves before removing panels or disconnecting hoses. Keep towels handy for residual water.
- Find the shut-off valve under the kitchen sink and turn it fully open (counterclockwise).
- Check that other faucets in the house have water and decent pressure. If the water was shut off for work, wait until it's back on.
- Pull the dishwasher's kick plate or look under the sink and straighten any kinked or folded supply hose.
- If the valve or hose froze, Samsung UK says to thaw it by wrapping it in a towel soaked in hot water (50 to 60°C, about 122 to 140°F), repeating as needed, and to be careful not to burn yourself or break the hose.
- With the water off and the power off, clean any debris off the filter screen on the water inlet valve.
- If you have a FloodSafe hose, replace it with a standard supply line. Samsung recommends a stainless steel supply line.
- Run a cycle again. Samsung warns not to just reset the dishwasher to clear the code before fixing the cause, or the error may come back.
🛠 When to call a pro
- 4C keeps returning after the valve is open, the hose is straight and the inlet filter is clean.
- The water inlet valve is defective. Samsung UK lists valve replacement as a service center job.
- A control board failure is suspected.
- Household water pressure is below 20 psi, which needs a plumber rather than an appliance repair.
- The dishwasher is under warranty.
Parts that commonly fix it
Always match the part number to your exact model.
3/8 inch braided stainless dishwasher supply line
Samsung recommends a stainless steel supply line and says FloodSafe hoses aren't compatible. Check the length you need before buying.
[affiliate link slot: AFFILIATE_SLOT_DW_HOSE]Dishwasher water inlet valve (exact part for your model)
Only if the valve itself has failed. Samsung treats valve replacement as a service repair, so match the part to your model number.
[affiliate link slot: AFFILIATE_SLOT_DW_INLET_VALVE]Sources
- Samsung US: Samsung dishwasher is displaying an error code (4C, 4E water supply error; 3E high temperature; don't reset before troubleshooting)
- Samsung US: Samsung dishwasher water supply requirements (20 to 120 psi, 120 to 149°F, stainless steel supply line)
- Samsung UK: 5C/5E, 4C/4E and LC/LE information codes on my dishwasher (4C/4E causes and solutions, thawing method)
- Samsung UK: What do the error codes on my dishwasher mean? (4C/4E symptom, 4C5/4E5)
- Samsung Canada: Common Samsung dishwasher error codes and their meaning (4C or 4E, avoid FloodSafe hoses)
Last reviewed 2026-10-22. Always confirm against the manual for your exact model number.