Samsung · Dishwasher · independent service

Samsung dishwasher repair and error codes

RepairWell repairs Samsung built-in dishwashers in Ottawa and Gatineau, including WaterWall and rotary spray-arm models. We are independent and not authorized by Samsung, so repairs under Samsung's warranty go through Samsung Canada. Otherwise the diagnostic is $89, waived when you go ahead with the repair, with a written finding and quote first.

Samsung dishwasher codes often come in pairs, such as 4C or 4E and 5C or 5E, because different generations display the same fault differently. One code means different things on different designs: Samsung says 1E is a clogged filter on WaterWall models but a high-temperature heater error on rotary models. The model number decides which applies, and many of the checks Samsung lists concern the water supply and drain, not the dishwasher itself.

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RepairWell is an independent repair service and is not affiliated with or authorized by Samsung.

Samsung dishwasher error codes

The codes below come from Samsung Canada's dishwasher error code guide, which Samsung says is specific to dishwashers sold in Canada, with detail from Samsung Canada's drain, water supply, leak, cleaning and 7E pages. Samsung notes that the display is either on the front of the door near the handle or on the top edge of the door, which you open slightly to read, and that some models have only LED lights and no code display. Check the user manual for your model number before acting on a code.

AP is not a fault: Samsung says it means the dishwasher is in Access Point mode for connecting to a phone, and to restart it if it is not connecting.

Code	What Samsung says it means	Checks Samsung lists for owners	When to book	Source
1E or IE (WaterWall models)	Clogged filter: water is not passing through the filter.	Clean the fine filter. Samsung's steps: remove the lower rack, turn the filter handle anti-clockwise, lift out the filter, clear the debris, reinstall it and turn the handle clockwise to lock it. Samsung's cleaning guide also suggests soaking the filter in white vinegar overnight and rinsing it.	Book if 1E returns with a clean filter.	Samsung Canada
3C	Pump failure.	Restart the dishwasher.	Book if 3C comes back.	Samsung Canada
3E	The water supply is too hot.	Make sure the supply water is below 176 °F (80 °C). Samsung's supply guide recommends hot water between 49 and 65 °C (120 to 149 °F).	Book if 3E continues with the water heater set normally.	Samsung Canada
4C or 4E	Water supply error: water pressure or temperature is inadequate.	Check the water supply to the dishwasher is turned on. Samsung asks for 20 to 120 psi supply pressure. Samsung says not to use FloodSafe hoses on its dishwashers.	Book if the supply is on, the pressure is normal and the code persists.	Samsung Canada
5C, SC, 5E, SE or SR	Drain error: the dishwasher is having difficulty draining.	Clean the filter and the sump area as your manual describes; Samsung warns of sharp objects there. Check the sink drain and garbage disposal for blockages. On a new disposal or dishwasher, the disposal's cap may still be in place. Check the drain hose is not crushed or kinked and runs to an air gap or a high loop. Run the sink for 30 seconds; if the sink will not drain either, Samsung says the problem is likely the house plumbing.	Book if the sink drains, the hose and filter are clear, and the code returns.	Samsung Canada
7E (WaterWall models)	An issue with the movement of the WaterWall reflector.	On a new dishwasher, remove any packing tape from the reflector. Check nothing, such as a pot handle, blocks the reflector. The WaterWall logo should face forwards and upwards; if not, Samsung describes lifting it off the vane and turning it the right way. Switch the dishwasher off at the breaker for 2 minutes, then back on.	Book if 7E returns with the reflector clear and correctly fitted.	Samsung Canada
9E	Low water level: there is not enough water in the dishwasher.	Empty the dishwasher and start a Normal cycle.	Book if 9E persists; Samsung says to power the dishwasher off and request service.	Samsung Canada
bE or 6E	A stuck button has been detected.	Check and press each button to free any that are stuck.	Book if the code continues.	Samsung Canada
CE	The control panel has lost communication.	Restart the dishwasher.	Book if CE persists after a restart.	Samsung Canada
HC, or 1E or IE on rotary models	High-temperature heater error: the inside of the dishwasher is overheating.	Turn the dishwasher off and on, then run a Normal cycle.	Book if the code recurs.	Samsung Canada
HE	Heater error: incorrect temperature detection.	Empty the dishwasher and run a Normal cycle.	Book if HE remains after that cycle.	Samsung Canada
LC or LE	Leakage error: moisture has been detected (all models), or on WaterWall models the water reflector is blocked.	Look for the source of any leak, and do not overfill the detergent. Check the garbage disposal cap, as Samsung lists. Samsung's leak guide also covers checking the supply and drain hose connections, the door seal, that the dishwasher is level, and using detergent labelled for dishwashers.	Book if LC persists or there is water on the floor; switch the dishwasher off until then.	Samsung Canada
OC, 0C or oE	Over-level water error: too much water in the dishwasher, often linked to a drainage problem.	Inspect and clean the drain connections, hose, filter and sump, as for the drain codes.	Book if the code returns with the drain clear, or the dishwasher keeps filling.	Samsung Canada
PC or PE	PC is a Zone Wash function malfunction; PE means the half-load function is not working correctly.	PC: restart the dishwasher. PE: empty the dishwasher and run a half-load cycle.	Book if either code persists.	Samsung Canada
tE	Temperature sensor error: the temperature readings are inaccurate.	Empty the dishwasher and run a Normal cycle.	Book if tE persists; Samsung says to turn off the power and request service.	Samsung Canada

A code tells you what the control board measured, not which part failed. Tell us the code when you book; it shortens the diagnosis. How to read any error code →

Symptom guides for Samsung dishwashers

Finding the model and serial number

Samsung Canada says to open the dishwasher door and look for a sticker with the model and serial numbers in one of three places: on the top of the door's inner rim, on the right or left side of the door's rim, or on the inside edge of the tub on the right or left side. Samsung dishwasher model numbers typically start with DW. Send us the full model number: it tells us whether the dishwasher is a WaterWall or rotary design, which changes what some codes mean.

General guide to model labels →

What's specific to Samsung dishwashers

WaterWall versus rotary spray arms. On WaterWall models a moving reflector sends water across the tub, and Samsung has codes for it (7E, and LC when the reflector is blocked). The same display code can mean different things on the two designs: 1E is a clogged filter on WaterWall models and a heater overheating on rotary models. That is why we ask for the model number before we quote anything.
Water supply requirements. Samsung Canada asks for a hot water supply of 49 to 65 °C (120 to 149 °F) at 20 to 120 psi, connected with a 90-degree elbow that has 1/2 in NPT on one end and a 3/8 in compression fitting on the other, and suggests a stainless steel supply line up to 10 ft (about 3 m). Its error guide says not to use FloodSafe hoses. A supply that falls outside those limits can produce 3E or 4C without anything in the dishwasher having failed.
Drain installation. Samsung says the drain hose should run to an air gap or form a high loop to prevent backflow, and that a newly installed disposal may still have its cap in place. It also notes that frozen drain lines are not covered by warranty service, which matters on exterior walls and at cottages in an Ottawa-area winter. For new installs see dishwasher installation.
Filter and cleaning. Samsung's cleaning guide describes a vinegar soak for the filter and a Sanitize cycle with a cup of white vinegar in the lower rack, and warns against bleach in stainless steel tubs. Filter and sump care prevents many drain codes and odours; see dishwasher smells bad.

Recalls and notices

We found no Health Canada recall of Samsung dishwashers when this page was reviewed in September 2026. We searched the Government of Canada Recalls and safety alerts site and its open-data export, which held records to 24 September 2026. The Samsung listings there cover slide-in electric ranges (2024), certain top-load washers (2016), microwave ovens and phones. The dishwasher recalls listed are for other brands.

A recall is a formal safety action published by Health Canada. A service bulletin is a manufacturer's note to technicians, and a complaint is an owner's report; neither is a recall. If a recall is posted later, the notice will name the affected models and what Samsung offers.

When to book

Book when a pump, heater, sensor or communication code (3C, HC, HE, tE, CE) comes back after the restart or cycle Samsung suggests, when drain or supply codes return after the house plumbing and hoses have been checked, or when LC keeps appearing. Book straight away, and switch the dishwasher off at its breaker, if water is reaching the floor. Tell us the code as displayed and the model number. The diagnostic is $89, waived if you go ahead with the repair, with a written finding and quote before any work. If the dishwasher is under Samsung's warranty, contact Samsung Canada first.

The visit: $89 diagnostic with a written finding, waived when you go ahead with the repair. Dishwasher repair → · All Samsung appliances →

Samsung dishwasher questions

What does 4C mean on a Samsung dishwasher?

Samsung says 4C or 4E is a water supply error: pressure or temperature is inadequate. Check the supply valve is open, the pressure is within Samsung's 20 to 120 psi range, and that no FloodSafe hose is fitted. If it persists, book a visit.

Why is my Samsung dishwasher showing 5C and not draining?

5C, 5E, SC, SE and SR are Samsung's drain errors. Clean the filter and sump, check the sink drain and disposal, make sure the hose is not kinked and has a high loop or air gap, and on a new install check the disposal cap was removed. If the sink drains and the code returns, the dishwasher needs a technician.

What does LC mean on a Samsung dishwasher?

Samsung says LC or LE is a leakage error: moisture has been detected, or on WaterWall models the reflector is blocked. Look for a leak, avoid overfilling detergent, and check the reflector is clear. If LC keeps returning or water reaches the floor, switch the dishwasher off and book.

Does 1E always mean a clogged filter?

No. Samsung says 1E or IE means a clogged filter on WaterWall models, but on rotary models it is grouped with HC as a high-temperature heater error. Check your model number before assuming either.

How do I clean the filter on a Samsung dishwasher?

Samsung's steps are to remove the lower rack, turn the filter handle anti-clockwise, lift out the filter, clear debris and reinstall it, turning the handle clockwise to lock it. Samsung also suggests an overnight vinegar soak. Mind sharp objects in the sump area.

Are you authorized by Samsung?

No. RepairWell is independent and not authorized by Samsung. Warranty work goes through Samsung Canada; we repair out-of-warranty Samsung dishwashers.

Other brand guides for this appliance

Sources

Sources checked 2026-09-24.

Book Samsung dishwasher repair

Tell us the model number and the code or symptom. We confirm the window before we come.

Book online Call (613) 880-3013

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