Samsung Washer 4C Error: Causes and 5 Easy Fixes

Quick answer

A 4C error on a Samsung washer means water is not entering the tub correctly. The most likely fixes are the simplest: open both faucets fully, straighten the hoses and clean the two small inlet filter screens at the back. Expect 10–20 minutes and no parts.

On some models the same fault shows as 4E or nF, and a few regional manuals list 4C1 alongside it. Samsung treats them as one problem: no water, or too little. Do not confuse it with 4C2, which means the hot and cold hoses are swapped. That code has a different fix, covered below.

This guide follows Samsung’s U.S. troubleshooting list and its 4E/4C support page. It is part of our full Samsung washer error codes list.

What causes a 4C error on a Samsung washer

The first five causes cost nothing to check, so work through them in this order before you spend any money.

Check order	Cause	Difficulty	Cost
1	Faucets not fully open	Easy	$0
2	Kinked, bent or crushed supply hose, or hoses on the wrong inlets	Easy	$0 to straighten; $130–$250 if a pro replaces hoses
3	Drain hose set up wrongly, so water escapes as it fills	Easy	$0
4	Clogged inlet filter screens	Easy–Medium	$0 to clean
5	Blocked detergent drawer or its recess	Easy	$0
6	Failed water inlet valve	Hard	$95–$190 pro repair
7	Control board or sensor fault	Hard	Varies: get a quote

Repair costs come from HomeAdvisor’s washing machine repair guide (updated June 17, 2026) and are national averages for all brands.

A clogged screen is common because the inlet filters sit right where the hose connects and catch sediment from your water supply. If you have well water or old pipes, expect to clean them more often. Samsung’s UAE guide suggests cleaning them at least twice a year.

5 easy fixes for the Samsung 4C error

Safety: unplug the washer before you touch a hose or filter. Turn off both faucets before unscrewing anything from the back. Put a towel and a small bucket under the connections, and never run a cycle with a hose or filter removed.

Restart a cycle after each fix. If you hear water entering the drum, you are done and can skip the rest.

Fix 1: Check the faucets and supply hoses (5 minutes)

Open both water faucets all the way. A half-open valve is a classic cause.
Look at the hoses behind the washer. Straighten any bend or kink and make sure the machine is not pressing against a hose.
Check that the hot hose is on the hot inlet and the cold hose on the cold inlet. Samsung’s page also says to avoid Flood Safe hoses.

Fix 2: Check the drain hose (5 minutes)

Samsung includes this step under 4C. Insert the drain hose 6–8 inches into the drain pipe and tighten its hose screw. The exact standpipe height for your model is in the owner’s manual.

Fix 3: Power-cycle the washer (2 minutes)

Unplug the washer for 1 minute, or flip its breaker off and on. This clears the fault so the control board can re-test the water supply.

Fix 4: Clean the inlet filter screens (15 minutes)

Tools: needle-nose pliers, towel, bucket, old toothbrush (optional).

Unplug the washer and turn off both faucets.
Unscrew the hot and cold hoses from the back of the washer. A little water will drip out.
Look into each inlet. The screens sit inside the openings. Pull each one straight out by the tab in its center. They are small, so pliers help.
Run each screen under warm water and scrub gently until the debris is gone. Be careful not to tear the mesh.
Push the screens back in with the tabs facing outward, then reconnect the hoses by hand.
Open the faucets, check the connections for drips and plug the washer in.

A torn or damaged screen should be replaced before you use the washer again. Samsung’s NZ guide shows these steps in how to clean the inlet water supply filters.

Fix 5: Clear the detergent drawer (10 minutes)

Pull the detergent drawer out and clear any residue or blockage that could restrict the water flow. Rinse it in warm water, wipe the recess it slides into and slide it back until it clicks. Samsung lists this check in its 4E/4C support guide.

If you see 4C2 instead

4C2 (also 4E2, CE, nF1) means the cold supply is reading extremely hot because the hoses are swapped. Connect the blue hose to the cold inlet and the red hose to the hot inlet. No repair is needed.

When to call a technician for a 4C error

Call Samsung support or a local pro if 4C comes back after all five fixes. At that point the cause is probably inside the machine: a failed water inlet valve or, less often, a control board or sensor fault.

A technician will check the valve first. HomeAdvisor puts a water inlet valve repair at $95–$190 and the average washing machine repair at $125–$450 (updated June 17, 2026). Hose replacement runs $130–$250.

Before you book, check whether the washer is still under warranty, and tell the technician which fixes you already tried. Have the model number ready. If the washer is old and the quote is high, our repair or replace guides show how to decide.

Samsung 4C error FAQ

What does 4C mean on a Samsung washer?

It means the washer is not getting water in the way it expects. Samsung’s U.S. list calls it a “Not Filling” error and groups it with 4E and nF.

Is 4C the same as 4E?

Yes. Samsung gives 4C, 4E and nF the same meaning and the same troubleshooting steps. The code you see depends on the model.

Why does my Samsung washer show 4C when the water is on?

A kinked hose, a clogged inlet filter screen or a badly placed drain hose can all cause it even with the faucets open. Work through the five fixes above in order.

Can I run the washer with a 4C error?

Not until you fix it. The machine will not fill properly and the cycle stops. Restart after each fix to test it, but never run a cycle with a hose or filter removed.

How often should I clean the inlet filters?

Samsung’s UAE guide recommends at least twice a year. Clean them more often if your water carries a lot of sediment.