What is the Samsung Dishwasher OC error?#
An OC code means your Samsung dishwasher has too much water inside — an overflow condition. The machine sensed a level above the safe maximum and stopped, often draining to protect your floor. The causes in the table above are a water inlet valve stuck open or a failed level sensor, and a valve that will not close can keep filling. Because this involves excess water, treat OC as prompt-attention: the tell-tales are water on the floor, the machine filling even when it should not be, and the error triggering the moment a cycle starts. If you see active overfilling, shut the supply valve under the sink first.
OC on a Samsung Dishwasher: likely causes and repair cost#
On a Samsung Dishwasher, the OC code signals: overflow error.
| Likely cause | Typical likelihood |
|---|---|
| Water inlet valve stuck | Most common |
| Sensor failure | Common |
Typical professional repair: $175–$375 · Difficulty: hard · usually a technician job
Symptoms that often accompany OC: Water overflowing from the dishwasher onto the floor; Dishwasher fills with water even when not running; Error triggers immediately when cycle starts
Technician diagnostic sequence for OC:
- Turn off the water supply to the dishwasher immediately. Unplug the machine
- Open the door and check the water level — if water is above the door sill, do not open the door fully as water will flood out. Use the drain hose to siphon excess water first
- Check the water inlet valve: turn the supply back on briefly with the dishwasher unplugged. If water enters the machine on its own, the inlet valve is stuck open and must be replaced immediately
- If the valve is not stuck, the water level sensor or the control board may be misreading the fill level. Check the float switch (see 1E troubleshooting) and the pressure sensor for proper operation
Parts a technician may check or replace: Samsung DD62-00067A; Samsung DD81-01975A; Samsung DD82-01139A
Safety note: An actively overflowing dishwasher can cause extensive water damage. Shut off the water supply valve under the sink immediately. If the valve cannot be turned, shut off the main water supply to the house.
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Water pressure gauge ($60), spray arm tester, float switch multimeter ($85), and drain inspection camera. Our technician arrives with $3,000+ in professional tools — your diagnostic is free.
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How to troubleshoot the OC error yourself#
Safety first on OC: if water is overflowing, close the supply valve under the sink. The owner-checkable items are limited because OC points at components. Power-cycle the dishwasher and start a short cycle to see if it was a one-time sensor glitch. Clean the bottom filter and clear the sump so the level sensor and float read accurately, since debris can make the machine misjudge its water level. Beyond that, the table above lists a stuck inlet valve and a failed sensor as the causes, both a "hard" repair. A valve stuck open must be replaced so it seals reliably, and that is a technician job at the water connection. If a power cycle and a clean sump do not resolve OC, call a pro before the next flood.
Is the Samsung Dishwasher OC error worth fixing?#
OC is worth repairing on nearly any dishwasher with life left, because an unaddressed overflow risks water damage. The table above puts the fix at $175 to $375, covering a new inlet valve or level sensor. Weighed against a new machine plus the potential cost of a floor flood, that is money well spent. I would only lean toward replacement on a very old, already-unreliable unit; otherwise, closing off an overflow fault for $175 to $375 is clearly the right call.
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Samsung Dishwasher OC: frequently asked questions#
What does the OC error mean on a Samsung Dishwasher?#
It means the dishwasher detected an overflow — a water level above the safe maximum — and stopped, often draining. It points at the inlet valve or level sensor.
Is it safe to keep using a Samsung Dishwasher that shows the OC error?#
No — a valve that will not stop filling can flood your floor. Shut the supply valve and hold off until it is repaired.
Can I clear the OC error myself, or do I need a technician?#
You can power-cycle and clean the sump and filter so the sensor reads correctly. A stuck inlet valve or failed sensor is a technician repair.
How much does it cost to repair the OC error on a Samsung Dishwasher?#
The table above lists $175 to $375 to replace the inlet valve or level sensor and confirm the overflow is resolved.
Which parts usually fail when a dishwasher throws the OC code?#
A water inlet valve stuck open or a failed water-level sensor, as shown in the table above.
Why does a stuck inlet valve trigger the OC error?#
If the valve fails to close, water keeps entering past the safe level; the sensor reports an overflow and the dishwasher flags OC and drains to protect itself.
Appliance Repair Technician · 8 years experience
Experienced technician with 8 years specializing in dishwasher repairs and European appliance brands including Bosch and Thermador.
