Samsung Dishwasher 4C/4E Error: Water Supply Fix

The 4C or 4E error code on Samsung dishwashers indicates a water supply problem—the dishwasher is not getting water at the pressure or temperature it needs. This is typically caused by issues outside the dishwasher itself, making it one of the easiest errors to fix.

What the 4C/4E Error Code Means

When your Samsung dishwasher displays 4C (or 4E on some models), the control board has detected that:

• Water isn’t entering the dishwasher at all, OR
• Water is entering too slowly to fill within the programmed time, OR
• Water temperature is outside acceptable range (below 40°F or above 150°F)

The dishwasher stops the cycle to prevent operating without sufficient water.

Model Coverage

This guide applies to Samsung dishwashers displaying 4C or 4E error codes:

• DW80CG, DW80BB, DW80B series (2022+)
• DW80R, DW80T series (2019-2022)
• DW80M, DW80K, DW80J, DW80N series (2015-2020)

The 4C and 4E codes are interchangeable—Samsung uses them on different model generations for the same issue.

Common Causes

The 4C/4E error typically results from:

1. Water supply valve closed or partially closed (most common)
2. Supply hose kinked behind the dishwasher
3. Mesh filter screen clogged with sediment at water inlet
4. FloodSafe/burst-proof hoses restricting flow (Samsung warns against these)
5. Water temperature below 40°F or above 150°F
6. Failed water inlet valve (less common)

Step-by-Step Fix

Step 1: Check Water Supply Valve

The most common cause of 4C/4E is simply a closed or partially closed supply valve.

1. Locate the water supply valve under the kitchen sink
2. The dishwasher valve is typically on the left side (facing the cabinet)
3. Turn the valve fully counterclockwise (open position)
4. The handle should be parallel to the pipe when fully open
5. If the valve was already open, close it completely, wait 10 seconds, then reopen

Step 2: Inspect Supply Hose for Kinks

A kinked hose restricts water flow significantly.

1. Pull the dishwasher out slightly to access the back
2. Locate the water supply hose running from the valve to the dishwasher
3. Straighten any kinks or sharp bends
4. Ensure the hose isn’t pinched between the dishwasher and cabinet wall
5. Check for visible cracks or damage—replace damaged hoses

Step 3: Clean Inlet Filter Screen

A small mesh screen at the water inlet catches sediment and can become clogged.

1. Turn off the water supply valve (clockwise to close)
2. Place towels beneath the connection point
3. Disconnect the supply hose from the back of the dishwasher
4. Look inside the inlet—you’ll see a small mesh filter screen
5. Gently remove the screen with needle-nose pliers
6. Rinse the screen under running water, using a soft brush for stubborn deposits
7. Reinstall the screen (convex side facing out)
8. Reconnect the hose and hand-tighten plus 2/3 turn with pliers
9. Turn water valve back on and check for leaks

Step 4: Check for FloodSafe Hoses

Samsung explicitly advises against using FloodSafe (auto-shutoff) water supply hoses.

Why they cause problems: FloodSafe hoses have internal mechanisms that detect continuous flow and shut off automatically. Dishwashers fill in bursts, which can trigger these shutoff mechanisms, causing 4C/4E errors even when water supply is otherwise normal.

Solution: If you have FloodSafe hoses installed, replace them with standard braided stainless steel supply hoses.

Step 5: Verify Water Temperature

Samsung dishwashers require incoming water between 40°F and 150°F.

1. Run the kitchen faucet hot water for 2 minutes
2. Water should be warm but not scalding
3. If water heater is set above 150°F, lower it to 120°F (also safer for household use)
4. If water is ice cold, check that the hot water heater is functioning

Step 6: Power Cycle

After completing physical checks, reset the dishwasher:

1. Press Power to turn off
2. Turn off the circuit breaker
3. Wait 5 minutes
4. Restore power and turn on
5. Run a cycle to test

Tools and Parts Needed

• Adjustable pliers
• Needle-nose pliers
• Towels
• Soft brush (toothbrush works)
• Bucket (for testing water flow)
• Replacement supply hose (if damaged or FloodSafe type)

Safety Warnings

• Always turn off water supply before disconnecting hoses
• Have towels ready—residual water will drain when hose is disconnected
• Don’t overtighten hose connections—hand-tight plus slight turn is sufficient
• If you smell gas near the dishwasher area, leave immediately and call your gas company

When to Call a Tech

Contact a professional if:

• Water valve, hose, and filter are all fine but 4C/4E persists
• The inlet valve clicks but no water enters
• Water enters very slowly despite confirmed good supply pressure
• The error appears intermittently without clear cause

These symptoms suggest the water inlet valve solenoid has failed and needs replacement.

Typical repair cost: Inlet valve replacement runs $100-175 including parts and labor.

Sources

For official Samsung support:

• Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes
• Samsung US Support

Related Guides

• Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes: Complete Guide
• Samsung Dishwasher 5C/5E Error: Drainage Fix
• How to Reset a Samsung Dishwasher