Is your Samsung dishwasher filling with too much water while displaying the OC error code? If you are still unsure after combing through the manual, this article is for you.
To fix it, let’s first understand what the error code is telling you.
What does the OC error code mean?
The “OC” error code means that your dishwasher has detected too much water inside the machine. It is often caused by draining issues.
To fix it, turn off the dishwasher and check for clogs and damages in the drain hose, filter, valve, and other draining components.
For step-by-step instructions, we have prepared a thorough guide for you below.
How can I fix the OC error code in my Samsung dishwasher?
To apply the right troubleshooting method, you first need to find out what is restricting the flow of water in your dishwasher.
There are 2 main causes for the OC error code to appear in your panel. One is a clogging problem and the second is a faulty draining component.
Here’s a quick overview.
| Cause | Where To Look | Solution |
| A. Clogging | Garbage Disposal or Sink Drain Drain Hose Drain Filter Sump Area | Clear the components from any food residue or foreign debris. After cleaning, make sure to reinstall them correctly to avoid gaps and damage. |
| B. Faulty Component | Drain Impeller Drain Motor Pump Drain Solenoid Check Valve Drain Sensor | Most of these components require a replacement when damaged. If you are not very experienced with tools, call a professional. |
Check for a clog or blockage.
Food residue is the most probable cause of clogging in any dishwasher component.
However, leftover food isn’t the only thing you should look out for.
It is also possible for detergent suds to cause clogging, especially when you’re using more than the necessary amount.
If your home has hard water issues, it is also likely that some of the water deposits may pile up in one of the draining components of your dishwasher.
With that in mind, here’s a list of draining components you need to check for clogging:
Garbage Disposal or Sink Drain
If you have a newly-installed garbage disposal that shares the drain with your dishwasher, it is possible that the disposal cap was left unremoved during the installation.
Since almost anyone can attach a dishwasher to the garbage disposal, you’d be surprised how easily this small detail can be forgotten.
However, if you’re sure to have removed the cap, it is likely that the garbage disposal itself is blocked by food residue and other waste materials coming from the sink.
This can also be true for dishwashers that aren’t connected to the garbage disposal but are attached directly to the sink drain instead.
Solution: If your dishwasher is attached to a garbage disposal, make sure that the cap has been taken out. If not, remove the drain hose, break the cap with a screwdriver, and take it out from inside the disposal.
Also, make sure that your garbage disposal or sink drain isn’t filled with food waste or debris that may restrict the flow of water.
Drain Hose
As previously stated, the drain hose is connected to the garbage disposal or the sink drain. This makes it possible for food waste and other deposits to enter the hose and clog it.
Clogging happens often on drain hoses that are not connected to an air gap or have a loop that isn’t high enough.
This installation error will cause the dirty water to run back through the machine, resulting in puddles of water at the bottom of your Samsung dishwasher.
Solution: First, make sure that your dishwasher isn’t sitting directly on top of its drain hose. This could cause kinks or bends on the drain hose and restrict the flow of dirty water.
Check if the hose is connected to an air gap or if the loop is a few inches above the kitchen sink drain.
If the OC error code is still present after fixing the drain hose, jump to the next item on the list.
Drain Filter
Your dishwasher’s filters are its first line of defense against food residue and other foreign matter. So it’s no surprise if your dirty filters are causing the draining problem.
Solution: Most models of Samsung dishwashers have a filter assembly that can be easily reached and removed from inside the tub.
If you’re unsure how to remove it, just follow these steps.
- Step 1: Open the dishwasher door and remove the lower racks to free up some space.
- Step 2: Hold the propeller then start turning the filter assembly counterclockwise and slowly pull it out.
Note: Some Samsung dishwasher models have a more intricate filtering system, so be sure to check your manual before taking it apart.
- Step 3: Once the assembly is taken out, detach both the coarse filter and fine filter from the main filter and start cleaning them under running water.
Be sure not to use any hard brushes or accidentally poke a hole in the screens while cleaning since you might create bigger holes for food waste to pass through.
Sump Area
The sump area is what you’ll see when you remove your drain filters for cleaning. If the filters are the first line of defense, consider this to be the second.
Small particles that may have escaped the filter can form dirty gunks over time and cause a clogging issue in the sump area later on.
However, the sump area is a little more challenging to clean since it’s not something that can be easily removed.
Solution: Try using a straightened cloth hanger to pull out any debris or food waste or suck them out with a handheld vacuum cleaner.
Check for malfunctions in the draining components.
Now, if you have thoroughly cleaned the aforementioned parts but are still getting the OC error code, you may be looking at a faulty component in the draining system.
Here are the parts you should take a look at.
Drain Impeller
Most dishwashers have two impellers. First is the wash impeller that pushes the water inside the tub during the cleaning cycle.
The second is the drain impeller that forces the dirty water into the drain pump and out of the machine.
When a drain impeller malfunctions, the dirty water won’t be able to get out and therefore, overfill the tub in no time.
Unfortunately, checking the drain impeller is quite tricky since it can only be accessed from the bottom of the dishwasher.
Solution: Ask for the help of professionals to inspect the drain impeller and, if necessary, replace it for you.
Drain Pump Motor
If the impeller is fine, then the next component in line for checking would be the drain pump motor. It powers the impeller to turn and pushes the water out of your dishwasher.
But if the drain pump motor malfunctions, so does the impeller. You’ll be able to spot this if you hear a low humming noise suggesting that the impeller is no longer turning.
On the other hand, a loud squeal means that the drain pump’s bearings are already damaged.
Solution: Drain pumps are not repairable. So if it’s broken, you’ll have to replace it entirely.
Ask your local appliance expert for assistance.
Drain Solenoid
The drain solenoid is responsible for opening the exit valve that allows the dirty water to go into the draining hose and out to the garbage disposal.
The solenoid is triggered by an electric signal sent during the drain cycle.
However, if it has become faulty, the drain valve will remain closed and will stop the water from getting out.
Solution: Similar to the drain pump motor, the solenoid will have to be replaced once it’s damaged.
And since installing it can be quite technical, you may need to ask for professional help.
Check Valve or Flapper
Located at the exit port of the drain pump, the check valve is a small piece of rubber that prevents wastewater from coming back once it’s been drained.
If the check valve gets stuck in a closed position due to a clog, the dirty water that is being pushed by the drain pump won’t be able to get out of the exit port.
Solution: Clear the clog or blockage in the check valve and make sure that it moves freely.
Note that the flapper is usually made of plastic and can wear out. So to prevent any backflow, replace the check valve immediately once it’s damaged.
Drain Sensor
If you’re still seeing the OC error code after making sure that all components are clean and working properly, you may be experiencing a false error.
This means that your dishwasher is working as it should be but your sensor is still detecting a malfunction.
Just like all other components, the drain sensor is also prone to wear and tear.
Solution: Check your manual to locate the drain sensor. Try cleaning it first to make sure that the dirt isn’t causing the malfunction.
If that fails, you may have to buy and install a new sensor.
Once you find the cause of the error and apply the right troubleshooting method, you should be able to remove the OC error code on your Samsung dishwasher’s display.
But if you need more guidance or professional help, don’t hesitate to call the Samsung Support Center or your local appliance experts. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
