Dishwashers can be wonderfully efficient in helping you keep your kitchen clean and organized. Many of the modern versions have tons of features to help save water, and detergent as well as tackle the nastiest of dishes. When there is a problem, like an error code, it can put a crimp in cleaning.
A Samsung dishwasher OC code showing up on the display is one of the simpler errors to figure out. It means there is too much water in the dishwasher. However, fixing the issue without a service technician is possible.
Read further to find out how to remedy this problem with your Samsung dishwasher.
Understanding Modern Dishwashers
Modern appliances, including dishwashers, are more complicated than those our parents used. They include computerization, sensors, and several other things to monitor its functions.
New dishwashers are set to work under certain dynamics with everything from detergent amounts to water levels exact. Anything that reaches the edges of the protocols could result in a sensor submitting an error.
Too much water in the dishwasher is sensed by a component and so the OC code appears on the display. It may also appear as an oE, depending on the model. The dilemma with these codes is that they don’t tell you exactly what is causing the problem. You must diagnose that yourself.
Read: Samsung Dishwasher Not Washing/Cleaning
What Do You Do?
It’s tempting just to reset the dishwasher but expert advisers say that isn’t what you do first. Sure, it may fix the immediate problem but it won’t solve it. Chances are the problem will be back in no time.
There are ways to diagnose the problem of why your dishwasher has too much water so you must go through the process of eliminating what isn’t causing it to get down to the root of the problem.
Drain Issues
The water issue is usually related to a drain issue. Drain issues are the easiest thing to fix so you should start there.
First, inspect the connection between the dishwasher drain and the sink. You may find an issue like a clog there. Next, check the drain hose. Drain hoses are famous for getting kinks and clogs.
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Once you’re sure there aren’t any kinks in it and it’s connected properly, run water down the drain that connects to the dishwasher. Watch to see if it drains slower or gets bogged down. You may need to clean the drain.
Read: 5 Common Samsung Dishwasher Problems
The Filter
The next thing to clean is the dishwasher filter. It isn’t that hard to do but you must make sure that water has gone down enough to open the door without it spilling on the floor. It’s best to have a bucket and some towels laid out just in case.
First, you must take out the lower rack. Then, unfasten the filter compartment door by rotating the filter handle counterclockwise.
You will take out the filter door. You will see the filter underneath. Remove it. Clean all debris and dirt from the filter as well as the filter door. Put the filter back in and then replace the filter door.
Before you put everything back, you may want to clean the drain pump. It’s easier to access while the filter is still out.
Clean the Drain Pump
The sump is also called the drain pump and you can clean it after you have cleaned the filter. Some models allow you to access the drain pump after the filter is taken out. Garbage and trash in the drain pump will cause the machine to not drain but will also produce noises.
You should look at your user manual for how to clean it.
Read: How To Fix LC Error Code On Samsung Dishwasher?
More Cleaning
Another thing to check when you’re looking at your dishwasher filter is other parts of the dishwasher. Look at how water is draining and where it may be slowing down. There is an area in the dishwasher near the door that drains water. That area collects a lot of debris on the inside of the dishwasher.
Take a rag and clean that area. Debris built up there may be the cause of your draining problem.
Restart the dishwasher after you cleaned every possible area of clogs. A smooth-running dishwasher without an error code means you’ve corrected the problem.
The Sensor
A dishwasher that shows the OC code again likely has a sensor problem. This error is a pretty common problem with Samsung dishwashers and can be related to a faulty sensor called a “case break sensor.”
The sensor is called a case break sensor because it creates a siphon break in the system of filling water.
The sensor is what monitors the water level during a cycle. The dishwasher could “think” it’s overfilling if the sensor fails. That will cause the OC code.
This is a part you may be able to replace yourself but you will need to turn off the electricity and water to the dishwasher before you work on the machine.
Read: What Causes Samsung Dishwasher NORMAL HEAVY SMART AUTO Lights Flashing
Can I get a new sensor?
Yes, you can buy a new case break sensor but you will need the model number of your machine to get the right part. Different models, even within the Samsung brand, can have different versions of the part.
What would a new sensor cost?
The cost of a new Samsung dishwasher case beak sensor runs between $150 and $165 for most types of the part. You can order them online. It’s best to get authentic Samsung parts to make sure your dishwasher works optimally after the repair.
Replacing the Water Sensor
Removing and replacing a water level sensor is fairly easy. Make sure the power is turned off to the dishwasher and turn off the water. Now, take out the two screws on the left-side panel to remove the panel.
Take some long-nose pliers and use them to turn the water inlet valve located on the inside of the dishwasher. You will turn it counter-clockwise. Next, you will tilt the case break assembly beginning at the top and disconnect electrical connectors.
The clamps will need to be loosened and you can use pliers to do that. Now, slide the clamps down the rubber hoses. Take off the hoses and remove the case break assembly.
Replace with the new part doing all you just did in reverse. Put it into the spot, slide up the clamps and tighten them. Reattach the connectors and put the assembly back into place. Reconnect the water inlet valve and replace the panel. Tighten the two screws to secure the panel.
How do you run a Samsung dishwasher on a clean cycle?
You can clean the inside of the dishwasher using the Self Clean function. The first thing is to put dish detergent into the dispenser. Be sure to fill it up. Now, go to the control panel and tap the self-clean button.
Press start and close the door.
Should dishwashers be on a dedicated circuit?
Electrical codes mandate that a dishwasher needs to be on its own circuit. This means the circuit can’t be used to run lights, fixtures, or other appliances. The circuit breaker must be able to supply at least 15-amps.
Resetting Your Samsung dishwasher
There are times you will need to reset your dishwasher. Resetting it will clear the code. The time to reset it is after you’ve made all the necessary repairs and want to restart it. Follow the steps to reset your Samsung.
You will need to cut it from all power. The plug can be pulled from an outlet if the outlet is accessible. However, the more accessible and easier way is to turn off the power at the circuit breaker. That will cut all power.
Wait about five minutes for the power charge to clear out of the dishwasher control board. Turn on the power and see if it works. It should be reset and the error code should be cleared.