A 4C code on a Samsung washer means water is not getting into the washer correctly, so it cannot fill. Samsung groups 4C with 4E and nF as a “not filling” error. In most cases the cause is outside the washer: a water valve that is not fully open, a kinked or swapped supply hose, clogged inlet filters, or a drain hose that is set up wrong. You can usually clear a 4C code on Samsung washer models yourself in under 30 minutes.
Quick facts
| Code | 4C (shown as 4E, nF or 1 4C on some models) |
|---|---|
| Appliance | Samsung front-load and top-load washers |
| What it means | Not filling error; water is not entering the washer correctly |
| Time needed | 10 to 45 minutes |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Most likely cause | A supply problem behind the washer, such as a partly closed valve, a kinked hose or clogged inlet filters |
The 4C code on Samsung washers (made by Samsung Electronics) is almost always a water supply problem you can check without tools. For other codes, browse our washer error code guides.
What does the 4C code on a Samsung washer mean?
The 4C code means the washer tried to fill but did not get water the way it expected. Samsung’s US error code page lists 4C, 4E, nF and 1 4C together as a “not filling” error, which it describes as water not entering the washer correctly. The washer stops the cycle because it cannot wash without water.
The code is about the water supply, not about temperature. A related set of codes, 4C2, 4E2, nF1, CE and 14C2, means something different: Samsung says those appear when the cold supply is getting very hot water, usually because the hoses are swapped. If your display shows one of those, reconnect the hoses cold to cold and hot to hot, and you are done.
Why does my washer show 4C, 4E or nF?
Samsung uses different labels for the same fault across model years and display styles. Samsung’s water fill guide refers to “nF or 4C” codes, and its installation guide lists 4E with the no-fill and water supply errors. If you see 4E instead of 4C, read our Samsung washer 4E code guide; the fixes are the same. Check your owner’s manual if you are unsure which label your model uses.
What causes the 4C code on Samsung washer models?
Most 4C codes come from the water supply, the hoses or the drain hose setup. Samsung’s troubleshooting steps focus on these, and it only recommends service after they are ruled out.
| Cause | How to check | Fix | DIY difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water valve partly or fully closed | Look at both valves behind the washer | Turn both valves fully open and leave them open while the washer runs | Easy |
| Kinked, bent or pinched supply hose | Pull the washer out a little and trace both hoses | Straighten the hose or replace it if damaged | Easy |
| Hot and cold hoses on the wrong inlets, or hot not connected | Follow each hose from the wall valve to the washer | Connect hot to hot and cold to cold; Samsung says a missing hot connection can cause this error even on Cold cycles | Easy |
| Clogged inlet filters (mesh screens) | Turn off the valves, remove the hoses and look into the washer inlets | Clean out the debris and reconnect | Easy |
| Flood Safe hoses | Check the hose type | Samsung says not to use Flood Safe hoses; swap for standard hoses | Easy |
| Drain hose too low, too deep or sealed tight | Measure how far the hose goes into the standpipe and its height | Set it 6 to 8 inches into the pipe, not airtight, at the correct height | Easy |
| Low household water pressure | Check other faucets for weak flow | Have the pressure checked; Fred’s Appliance cites a 20 to 116 psi range for Samsung washers | Moderate |
| Faulty water inlet valve or control fault | Code returns after all checks above | Request service | Pro only |
How can the drain hose cause a fill error?
This surprises many people. Samsung’s installation guide says that if the drain hose is installed below 39 inches, water may drain out during the cycle because of a siphoning effect, and this causes the washer to display the 4C error code. A drain hose pushed too deep or sealed airtight in the standpipe can cause the same siphoning.
How do you fix the 4C code on a Samsung washer? (step by step)
Do these six fixes in order and run a short cycle after each one. Most people find the problem in the first three steps.
Total time: 30 minutes
Open both water valves all the way
Turn the hot and cold valves behind the washer fully counterclockwise. Samsung says both should stay completely open while the washer runs, since a half-open valve may not supply enough water.
Check the supply hoses for kinks and the right connections
Pull the washer forward a few inches and make sure neither hose is bent, kinked or crushed against the wall. Confirm the hot hose goes to the hot inlet and the cold hose goes to the cold inlet, and that both are connected. Replace a hose that is cracked or bulging.
Clean the inlet filters
Turn off both valves, then unscrew the hoses from the back of the washer with a towel and bucket ready. Samsung says to check the inlet filters for debris and clean them; you can rinse them under a faucet. Reconnect the hoses and open the valves fully again.
Fix the drain hose setup
Make sure the drain hose goes 6 to 8 inches into the standpipe, is held in place and is not airtight. Samsung’s installation guide gives a standpipe height of 39 to 96 inches from the floor and warns that a hose below 39 inches can siphon and cause 4C. Do not remove the screw that holds the drain hose holder on the back of the washer.
Reset the washer
Unplug the washer or switch off its circuit breaker for 1 minute, then restore power. Samsung lists this power reset as part of its fix for not filling errors.
Run a test cycle
Start a short cycle and watch for water entering the drum within the first few minutes. Some washers first rotate the drum for a few minutes to sense the load before filling, which Samsung says is normal. If 4C comes back with water flowing well, request service.
If your washer is hooked up to cold water only, Samsung’s fill guide says it may show a supply error in winter. Connect a hot line, or use a Tap Cold or Coldest setting if your model has one.
Is it different on top-load vs front-load models?
The meaning and the basic fixes are the same on both types. The differences are small and mostly about installation.
Front-load washers
- The supply hoses connect at the back of the washer. On a stacked washer and dryer, get a second person to help before pulling the pair away from the wall.
- Samsung’s water fill guide says some cycles mix hot and cold water automatically, so both hoses need to be connected even if you mostly wash in cold.
Top-load washers
- Samsung’s fill guide notes that models with an Activewash sink only run the water jet with the top door open, and the jet uses cold water only. A closed door there is not a fill fault.
- If a top-loader fills but seems to use too little water, that is a different problem. Samsung suggests running calibration and using a cycle like Bedding for bulky items.
How do you reset a Samsung washer after the 4C code?
There is no special reset button for 4C. The code clears once water can flow in and the washer completes a fill. To reset:
- Press Power to turn the washer off.
- Unplug it or turn off its breaker for 1 minute.
- Restore power, select a cycle and press Start/Pause.
Samsung’s US error page says that if the code continues after these steps, you should request service. A reset alone will not fix a closed valve or a blocked filter, so do the checks above first.
⚠️ Safety first
- Unplug the washer or switch off its circuit breaker before moving it or working on the hoses.
- Turn off both water valves before you disconnect any hose. Keep a towel and bucket ready, because hoses hold water under pressure.
- Disconnect power at the breaker before removing panels.
- Do not use tape or sealant on the faucets or water inlets; Samsung’s installation guide says not to.
- Washers are heavy. Get help when pulling one away from the wall, and avoid stretching the hoses.
When should you call a technician?
Call for service when the water supply is clearly fine but the code keeps coming back. Samsung says to request service if the error continues after you check the hoses, valves, filters and drain hose and reset the washer. Clear signs include:
- Water flows strongly from both hoses into a bucket, but the washer still shows 4C.
- You hear a hum or click when the washer tries to fill, but no water enters.
- The washer keeps filling and will not stop. Samsung says to shut off the water valves and request service in that case.
- The code shows up on every cycle, even right after cleaning the filters.
At that point the problem is likely inside the washer, such as the water inlet valve or the control, and needs a technician to test it.
How can you prevent the 4C code from coming back?
A few simple habits keep the water supply flowing freely.
- Leave both water valves fully open whenever the washer runs.
- Clean the inlet filters from time to time, especially if your home has sediment in the water.
- Replace supply hoses that look cracked, bulging or old, and avoid Flood Safe hoses.
- Keep the drain hose 6 to 8 inches into the standpipe and at the height your manual lists.
- Recheck the hoses any time the washer has been moved.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Samsung washer say 4C when the water is on?
A valve can look open but be only partly open, or the hose filters can be clogged. A drain hose installed too low can also cause 4C, because Samsung says siphoning can pull water out during the cycle. Check all three before calling for service.
Can a kinked drain hose cause the 4C error?
Yes. Samsung’s not filling steps include checking that the drain hose is not kinked and sits 6 to 8 inches into the drain pipe. A badly placed drain hose can let water siphon out, so the washer never sees the right water level.
Is 4C the same as 4E on a Samsung washer?
Samsung lists 4C, 4E and nF together as the same not filling error. The label depends on the model. Codes with a 2 on the end, like 4C2 or 4E2, are different: they mean the hot and cold hoses are swapped.
Can I use my Samsung washer with a 4C code?
Not until the washer can fill. The cycle will stop again if water cannot get in. Fix the supply, reset the washer for 1 minute, and run a short test cycle.
Will resetting the washer fix the 4C code?
A reset clears the code from the display, but it does not fix a closed valve, kinked hose or clogged filter. If the cause is still there, the code will come back. Use the reset after the checks, not instead of them.
Related error codes
- Washer error codes: all brands and guides
- Samsung washer 4E code: water supply errors
- Samsung washer 5C code: drain error
- Samsung washer SC code: what it means and how to fix it
- Samsung washer UB code: unbalanced load
- Samsung washer LC code: water leak error
- Samsung washer OE code: overfilling
