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Samsung Dishwasher Error Code OC

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 11, 2026
⚠ High Severity 🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Also shown as: oE

Over-level water error — too much water in the tub

The most common cause of the OC error on a Samsung dishwasher is inlet valve not closing fully (debris or worn solenoid) (~45% of cases); start with: confirm it drains.

💰 DIY cost: $0–$60 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $150–$300 Save $150+ by doing it yourself
Samsung Dishwasher error code OC on the display panel
How the OC code appears on a Samsung dishwasher display

What Does Error Code OC Mean on a Samsung Dishwasher?

Over-level water error — too much water in the tub.

The control board compares the sump water level sensor reading against the target for the active program. When it sees more water than any phase should call for, it fires OC (also shown as oE) and runs the drain pump to bring the level down. It differs from leak codes like LC and fill-timeout code 4C: OC is specifically an over-level condition, usually a valve that won't seat, a fouled air-trap sensor, or leftover water from poor drainage reading as overfill.

Models affected: Samsung dishwashers across recent front-control and top-control lines that use a water level sensor, including models such as DW80R5060US, DW80K5050US, DW80B6060US, and DW80CG4051SR
What owners report: Owners commonly report OC appearing at the start of a cycle or after a load that didn't drain fully, and a clogged filter or air-gap can falsely trigger it. Many find the quick win is simply clearing the drain path and confirming a full pump-out before chasing the inlet valve.

What Causes Error Code OC?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

  1. 1
    Inlet valve not closing fully (debris or worn solenoid) 45% of cases
  2. 2
    Water level / pressure sensor misreading 30% of cases
  3. 3
    Drain restriction leaving water from the previous cycle 25% of cases

How to Fix Samsung Dishwasher Error Code OC

🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Est. time: 30–60 min
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Confirm it drains

    Cancel the cycle and let it pump out. If water remains, fix drainage first (filter, air gap, disposer connection) — leftover water plus a normal fill reads as overfill.

  2. 2

    Watch the fill

    Start a cycle and watch whether water keeps trickling in after the fill should have stopped — that's a sticking inlet valve. Replace it.

    🔩 Samsung dishwasher inlet valve ($25–$60)
  3. 3

    Check the level sensor

    Inspect the sensor/air trap at the sump for gunk; a fouled air chamber misreports the level to the board.

    ⚠️ Switch off the breaker before removing the kick plate.

How to Reset Error Code OC

Switch the breaker off for 60 seconds. The unit drains excess water automatically on the next power-up; run a short cycle to confirm normal fill.

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

Full Samsung dishwasher reset guide → Enter diagnostic mode →

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

If the valve and sensor both check out, water may be siphoning back in from the drain connection — a pro can verify the installation in one visit.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $150–$300

Related Error Codes

4C
Water supply error — dishwasher not filling
⚠ Medium Severity
LC
Leak sensor activated — water detected at base of dishwasher
⚠ High Severity
5C
Drain failure — water not draining from dishwasher
⚠ High Severity

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your Samsung Dishwasher:

🔩
Search PartSelect
Samsung Dishwasher repair parts
🔧
Search RepairClinic
Step-by-step video guides

External links — ApplianceErrors.com is not affiliated with these retailers.

More Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes

3C Wash motor error — circulation pump failure HE Heater error — water not heating tE Temperature sensor failure — NTC thermistor fault 7E Water wall reflector error — water wall sensor blocked 1E Water inlet sensor failure bE2 Button error — control panel button shorted

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Samsung Dishwasher when error OC appears? +
It is not advisable. The dishwasher may still power on, but running it while OC is active can worsen the water-level fault or damage related parts. Treat it as a soon-as-possible repair.
What most commonly causes OC on a Samsung Dishwasher? +
Across reported Samsung dishwasher repairs, the most frequent is inlet valve not closing fully (debris or worn solenoid) (45% of cases), water level / pressure sensor misreading (30%), then drain restriction leaving water from the previous cycle (25%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
OC keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored OC fault; if it returns, the water-level problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — confirm it drains, then watch the fill — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a moderate job — a multimeter and some disassembly are usually involved.
How much does it cost to fix Samsung Dishwasher error OC? +
A DIY repair typically runs $0–$60 in parts, versus $150–$300 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $150. Expect the work to take roughly 30–60 minutes.
Which Samsung Dishwasher models show error OC? +
OC is documented on Samsung dishwashers across recent front-control and top-control lines that use a water level sensor, including models such as DW80R5060US, DW80K5050US, DW80B6060US, and DW80CG4051SR. Other units sharing the same control platform can display it too, so the fixes here generally transfer across the series.

Sources & References

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 11, 2026.

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