Why Does Your Samsung Washing Machine Throw a 4C Error?
Alright, so your trusty Samsung washing machine just flashed a 4C error, and here you are wondering if it’s time to summon a pricey repair tech or simply throw in the towel. Spoiler alert: It’s almost never a doomsday scenario. The 4C error code is just your washing machine’s dramatic way of saying, “Hey, water’s not flowing like it should!”
In Samsung speak, 4C means a problem with the water supply — usually low water pressure, a kinked or blocked water hose, or clogged filters at the inlet. It’s like your washing machine is standing at the faucet waiting, but the water just won’t come through easily.
Before you start picturing flood damage or gearbox meltdown, let’s walk through how you can fix this pesky error yourself with some elbow grease and a bit of savvy troubleshooting.
Step 1: Check the Water Supply Hose (No Kinks Allowed!)
First things first: That hose sneaking behind your machine — give it a once-over. It could be kinked, bent, or even damaged. Any obstruction here is like trying to drink a milkshake through a straw with a kink in it: Ain’t gonna work.
- Ensure the hose is straight and free of any twists or pinches.
- If it looks worn or cracked, it’s probably time to replace it.
- Water pressure should ideally be between 0.5 bar and 8 bar — too low or too high can trip the error.
Make sure the tap supplying water to your machine is fully open to let the water flow freely. Sometimes, the culprit is as simple as a half-closed tap.
Step 2: Clean Those Tiny Mesh Filters Like a Pro
Inside the inlet hose, and sometimes nestled inside the washing machine’s water inlet valve, are tiny mesh filters. These little guys catch dirt and debris before it makes its way into your wash drum. Over time, they can get clogged — think of it as your washing machine having clogged arteries.
Here’s how to give them the royal flush treatment:
- Turn off the water supply completely — safety first.
- Disconnect the water inlet hose from both the tap and the washing machine.
- Locate the mesh filters: You’ll find them either inside the hose connectors or on the inlet valve itself.
- Gently pull them out with a pair of tweezers or a similar tool.
- Rinse the filters thoroughly under running water to remove any grit and grime.
- Give them a delicate scrub with a soft brush if needed — but no wire brushes, we’re not trying to damage them.
- Put the filters back in place securely, reconnect the hoses, and tighten the fittings to ensure there are no leaks.
If clogged mesh filters were the villain, you should see the 4C error vanish after this!
Step 3: Detergent Drawer Drama? Give it a Clean
Sometimes, blockages in your detergent drawer can cause water flow hiccups that trip the 4C error code. Soap scum, fabric softener goo, and mineral deposits love to build up here if you’re not careful.
Remove the detergent drawer and wash it thoroughly with warm water. Make sure all compartments and drainage holes are clear of gunk. Give it a quick wipe-down and pop it back in place properly.
This small but often overlooked step can clear up minor water supply alerts.
Step 4: Give Your Washing Machine a Fresh Start with a Reset
If everything above checks out but your machine is still throwing up the infamous 4C, it might just need a little tech therapy — a reset basically.
Simply unplug your washing machine from the power outlet and wait about 5 minutes. This pause allows the washing machine’s internal electronics to reboot and clear any glitches.
Plug it back in and start a wash cycle. Fingers crossed, the error is history.
Step 5: When to Call in the Pros (and How to Avoid It)
If you’ve walked through all these steps and the 4C error stubbornly persists, the issue might be a faulty water inlet valve or another internal component. At this stage, it’s not about lazy troubleshooting — it’s about safety and proper repair.
Professional technicians can test and replace defective parts that DIY cannot safely handle. But, hey, by now you’ve earned serious respect for having tried your hand at fixing it yourself!
If you’re interested in prolonging your machine’s life and avoiding frequent fixes, consider extending your Samsung washing machine warranty. We have a handy guide on how to extend Samsung washing machine warranty that might just save you future headaches.
Bonus Tips to Keep Your Samsung Washing Machine Happy
- Avoid using too much detergent: Excess soap can cause buildup affecting water flow.
- Regularly check hoses: Loosened or damaged hoses invite leaks and errors.
- Keep water pressure steady: If your home water pressure fluctuates a lot, a pressure regulator might help.
- Clean detergent drawers and filters: Every few months for peak efficiency.
What If You Need Replacement Parts or Accessories?
Finding genuine Samsung washing machine parts can be tricky, but thankfully, you don’t need black belt ninja skills to shop online. For reliable options, check out these products:
- Samsung Washing Machine Inlet Hose (India)
- Samsung Washing Machine Inlet Hose (Global, including USA)
Having parts handy or knowing where to buy them can make future DIY fixes a breeze.
Need More Troubleshooting Tricks?
If your washing machine loves drama and frequently throws error codes, we have other guides to help you decode common Samsung washing machine errors without breaking the bank.
For instance, learn the no-nonsense way to fix the 1E error on Samsung washing machines — a sibling troublemaker to 4C. Or if the door seal’s acting up, our guide on how to fit a new washing machine door seal comes in handy.
The Bottom Line
So, there you have it — your cheat sheet to fixing Samsung washing machine 4C error code. It’s mostly about water getting to your washer’s party late or not showing up at all because of a kinked hose, clogged filters, or a closed tap.
Tackle those common issues, give your machine a reset, and you’ll likely say goodbye to 4C for good. And remember, if the error persists, savvy is knowing when to call a pro.
Happy washing!

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