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Severity: Moderate

Samsung Dishwasher Error OC – Overfill – Water Level Too High

Water level reads above normal. Suds, a slow drain or an inlet valve that won't close are typical causes.

Safety first · Consult a professional

If the tub keeps filling or water reaches the door seal, close the water valve under the sink right away and switch off the breaker. Don't restart the dishwasher until you've watched it sit for 15 minutes with the power off and the level stayed put.

  • Unplug the appliance or switch off the breaker before opening any panel. Mains voltage can kill.
  • Water and electricity: unplug first, keep towels ready and never stand in water while the appliance is connected.

At a glance

Severity: 3/5 – Moderate3/5

Severity: Moderate

Meaning
Overfill – Water Level Too High
Typical repair cost
$0–$320
DIY difficulty
Moderate

Samsung dishwashers meter the fill with a level sensor, and OC (also shown as 0C or OE) means that sensor sees more water than the program allows. The control stops filling and usually runs the drain pump to bring the level down. Three things cause it: foam that the sensor reads as extra water, water left over because the drain is slow, or an inlet valve that keeps letting water in. The last one matters most, because a valve that doesn't close can keep filling even with the dishwasher switched off.

How it looks on the display

Samsung Dishwasher display showing error OC

Model families & display variants

Model familyShowsNote
Top-control models (display on the door edge)OCRead it with the door open. The letter O and the digit 0 look the same on this display.
Front-control models0CSame overfill error; replaces the remaining time on the front display.
Other Samsung familiesOESamsung lists OE as the same over-level error. Don't mix it up with LG, where OE means a drain fault.

Symptoms

  • OC, 0C or OE on the display; cycle stops and the drain pump may run
  • Water level visibly higher than usual, close to the door opening
  • Foam in the tub or around the door after the cycle stopped
  • Water trickling into the tub even though the dishwasher is off
  • Occasional puddle in front of the unit

Possible causes

Ranked by how often each cause is behind this code (editorial estimate).

  1. Excess suds from hand dish soap, too much detergent or rinse aid 30%
  2. Filter clogged so leftover water stays in the sump between fills 22%
  3. Drain hose kinked or the unit sitting on its own drain hose 18%
  4. Inlet valve leaking through, so water enters with the valve closed 15%
  5. Water level sensor or its air tube dirty or faulty 10%
  6. Dishwasher not level, tilted toward the door 5%

Fix it step by step

Diagnostic flow: OC1Stop the water first2Watch the level for 15 minutes3Deal with any foam4Clean the filter5Check the drain hose route6Level the unit

  1. Stop the water first

    Hold Start/Cancel to end the cycle, close the shutoff valve under the sink and turn off the breaker. Mark the water level on the sump with a piece of tape.

    Tools: Towels & shallow pan, Flashlight

  2. Watch the level for 15 minutes

    With power off and the valve still open for a moment, see whether the level rises past your tape. If it does, the inlet valve is leaking through and needs replacing; keep the supply valve closed until then.

    Tools: Flashlight

  3. Deal with any foam

    Look for suds on the water and around the door. If you find them, scoop them out, pour in a quart of cold water to break the rest down and check which detergent was used: only automatic dishwasher detergent belongs in the cup.

    Tools: Towels & shallow pan

  4. Clean the filter

    Turn the filter counterclockwise, lift it out, separate the fine mesh and rinse both under hot water with a soft brush. A slow-draining sump leaves water behind, and the next fill then tops it up too high.

    Tools: Soft brush, Gloves

  5. Check the drain hose route

    Look under the sink and, with the toe kick removed, under the unit: the drain hose must not be kinked or trapped under a leveling foot. Samsung specifically warns about the dishwasher resting on its drain hose.

    Tools: Flashlight, Screwdriver

  6. Level the unit

    Put a level on the open door and on a tub rail. Adjust the front feet so the machine sits level or tilts very slightly back, never toward the door.

    Tools: Screwdriver

How to reset OC

  1. Press and hold Start (or Start/Reset) for about 3 seconds to cancel; the pump drains the tub.
  2. Turn off the breaker for a few minutes.
  3. Restore power and water, run a Rinse or short cycle and stay close. If OC returns during the first fill, stop and call for service.

Where the parts are

Dishwasher: filter, drain pump and sump – OC123456789
Dishwasher: filter, drain pump and sump
  1. 1Door lock
  2. 2Water inlet valve
  3. 3Filter
  4. 4Circulation pump
  5. 5Heating element
  6. 6Drain pump
  7. 7Float switch
  8. 8Temperature sensor
  9. 9Water level sensor

Repair options & costs

RepairDIY?Estimated cost
Remove suds and switch to proper detergent Yes $0–$15
Clean filter and free the drain hose Yes $0
Inlet valve replacement by a technician No $150–$280
Water level sensor replacement No $180–$320
Technician diagnostic visit No $110–$200

Rough US estimates; technician call-out fees vary by region. Not a quote.

When to call a technician

Call a technician right away if water rises in the tub while the dishwasher is off: that's a valve that won't shut off, and it can flood the kitchen. Also book service if OC returns with no foam, a clean filter and a free drain hose, since the level sensor then needs testing.

Frequently asked questions

Is Samsung OC the same as LG OE?

No. On a Samsung dishwasher OC, 0C and OE all mean too much water in the tub. On an LG, OE is a drain error. Check the brand on the door before following a guide.

Can a single dose of dish soap really cause OC?

Yes. Even a squirt of hand dish soap foams heavily in a dishwasher, and the level sensor reads that foam as water. Let the machine drain, wipe out the suds and run a rinse with plain water.

Why does the drain pump keep running with OC?

That's the dishwasher protecting itself: it pumps out to bring the level back down. If it keeps pumping and the level still rises, water is still coming in through the valve, so close the supply.

Is it safe to leave the water valve open overnight after OC?

Only if you've watched the tub with the power off and the level didn't rise. If you're not sure, close the valve under the sink until the cause is found.

Sources