Samsung Washing Machine 4C Error: Meaning, Causes & Safe Checks

4C Usually simple Safe checks first

Quick answer

Samsung 4C (4E on older models) means the machine isn’t getting enough water. Usually the inlet hose is kinked or blocked, the tap isn’t fully open, or the inlet mesh filters are clogged. A blocked detergent drawer can also trigger it. Check those first. If the code returns, Samsung advises booking a repair.

Also shown as 4E E1

What 4C means on a Samsung washing machine

The washing machine has detected a problem with its water supply: it isn’t getting enough water in the time it expects.

Applies to: Samsung front-loading washing machines sold in the UK. Older models show 4E, and some show E1.

What you might notice

Likely causes

What you can safely check yourself

Stop and call a qualified engineer if:
  • The code or problem comes back after you’ve done the safe checks on this page.
  • A hose is split, bulging, cracked or leaking at the connection. Stop using the appliance until the hose is replaced.
  • Water flow at the tap is too low, or the tap or valve is seized. That is a plumbing job for a plumber or your water supplier, not the appliance.
  • The next step would mean removing a cover or panel, or working on the pump, valves, heater, motor, door lock or wiring. That is a job for a qualified engineer.
  • The appliance is still under warranty. Contact the manufacturer first, because DIY work can affect your cover.

Work through these in order. Stop as soon as one of the signs above applies.

Make sure the water tap is fully open

  1. Find the isolation tap or valve on the pipe feeding the appliance, usually under the sink or behind the machine.
  2. Check it is turned fully on. On lever valves, “on” is usually when the lever lines up with the pipe.
  3. If other taps in the house have low pressure too, the problem may be the mains supply rather than the appliance.

Don’t force a stiff or seized valve. It can break inside without opening.

Check the water inlet hose for kinks or damage Take care

Before you start
  • Switch off and unplug the appliance at the wall socket before you touch hoses, filters or the back of the machine. Make sure your hands and the plug area are dry.
  • The appliance is heavy. Pull it out slowly, ideally with help, and don’t strain the hoses or the cable.
  1. With the machine unplugged, ease it forward far enough to see the hose behind it.
  2. Follow the inlet hose from the tap to the machine and straighten any kinks, sharp bends or places where it is squashed against the wall.
  3. Look along the hose for splits, bulges or drips at either connection.

Don’t use the machine if the hose is damaged. Replace the hose first.

Clean the inlet hose mesh filters Take care

Before you start
  • Switch off and unplug the appliance at the wall socket before you touch hoses, filters or the back of the machine. Make sure your hands and the plug area are dry.
  • Turn off the water supply tap to the appliance before disconnecting any hose.
  • Expect water to come out. Put towels and a shallow tray or baking dish down first.
Inlet hose mesh filter Inlet hose Connector unscrew by hand, tap off Mesh filter Rubber seal The filter may be at the tap end, the machine end, or both.
Inlet hose mesh filter. Positions vary by model — check your manual.
  1. With the tap off, unscrew the inlet hose. Depending on the model the small filter sits at the tap end, at the machine end, or both. Your manual shows where.
  2. Take out the small mesh filter (some lift out with fingers, others with tweezers) and rinse it under a tap to clear grit or limescale. A soft toothbrush helps.
  3. Refit the filter and any rubber seal exactly as they came out.
  4. Reconnect the hose hand-tight and turn the tap back on slowly. Check both ends for drips before you plug the machine back in.

Don’t run the machine without the filters fitted.

Don’t overtighten plastic connectors with tools.

Check the water flow with a bucket test Take care

Before you start
  • Turn off the water supply tap to the appliance before disconnecting any hose.
  1. With the tap off, disconnect the inlet hose from the tap end (or use a nearby tap on the same supply).
  2. Hold the hose end in a bucket, or put the bucket under the tap, and turn the water on fully for a timed period.
  3. Compare what you collect with the figure in your manual or in the brand note below. A weak flow points to the supply, not the appliance.
  4. Reconnect the hose hand-tight and check for drips when the water is back on.

For this fault: Samsung’s UK code table asks for a flow of at least 4 litres a minute, and its 4C guide gives a supply pressure range of 0.5 to 8 bar.

Clean the detergent drawer

  1. Pull the detergent drawer out. Many have a release catch, and your manual shows where it is.
  2. Lift out any removable insert or siphon cap and rinse every compartment under warm running water.
  3. Brush out detergent and softener residue from the drawer recess in the machine, using an old toothbrush.
  4. Refit the drawer fully and run a rinse with an empty drum.

Don’t put pods or capsules in a drawer that isn’t designed for them. Put them in the drum.

When to call an engineer

If the checks above don’t clear 4C, or any of the stop signs apply, contact Samsung or a qualified appliance engineer. Have the model and serial number from the rating label ready, and start with Samsung UK support.

Repair or replace?

Most 4C cases are cleared by the safe checks above. If they don’t help, the remaining causes are parts an engineer has to diagnose. We don’t publish repair prices because they vary by area, part and model.

Related problems

Related codes

Questions people ask

Are 4C and 4E the same error?

Yes. Samsung treats them as the same water supply fault. Newer displays show 4C and older ones show 4E.

Is 4C2 or 4E1 the same as 4C?

No. Samsung’s UK table lists 4C2, 4E1, 4E2 and 4Ed as a water temperature issue: check the hose is connected to the cold supply, not the hot.

Can a blocked detergent drawer cause 4C?

Samsung says it occasionally can, so it’s worth cleaning the drawer if the hose, tap and filters are fine.

Different code or symptom? Use the fault finder, see all Samsung washing machine codes, or read how Samsung codes work. Not sure it’s safe? Read our safety information.

Sources

Last checked against these sources: .

We write every page in our own words from manufacturer guidance and check it against the sources above. If your manual says something different, follow your manual. How we check.