Samsung Dishwasher Water Inlet Valve
Replacement valve when supply and screen are good.
$45
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The 4C error on a Samsung dishwasher means the machine tried to fill with water and didn’t receive enough within the time limit. Most of the time this is a supply issue — a closed valve, a kinked hose, or a clogged screen — not a problem with the dishwasher itself.
Quick Reference
| Code | Meaning | Severity | DIY or Call |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4C / 4E | Low/no water supply | Low | DIY |
| 7E | Waterwall reflector | Medium | DIY |
| LC | Leak detected | Medium | DIY |
What This Error Means
When a wash cycle starts, the dishwasher opens its inlet valve and expects water to flow in. If it doesn’t detect enough water after a set time, 4C appears and the cycle stops. On some Samsung models this also appears as 4E — the same error with a different label.
Common Causes
- Shutoff valve closed or partially closed — The water supply valve under the sink, where the dishwasher’s supply hose connects, may have been bumped, turned off during a plumbing job, or never fully reopened.
- Kinked inlet hose — The supply hose running from the valve to the back of the dishwasher can kink if the machine was recently installed or moved.
- Clogged inlet screen — The inlet valve has a small mesh screen that catches debris from the supply line. Over time in hard water areas, this can become completely blocked.
- Failed inlet valve — If the supply side is confirmed clear, the valve solenoid has failed and won’t open electrically.
- Low water pressure — The dishwasher needs at least 20 PSI. Low building pressure can cause intermittent 4C errors.
Step-by-Step Fix
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Find the shutoff valve under the sink. It’s usually a small angle-stop valve where the braided supply hose connects to the water supply line. Turn it counterclockwise until it stops. If it was only partially open, this may be your entire fix.
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Check the supply hose for kinks. Open the cabinet under the sink and look at the hose running to the back of the dishwasher. It should have gentle curves. Straighten any sharp bends.
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Clean the inlet screen. Turn off the shutoff valve under the sink. Disconnect the supply hose from the inlet valve at the back of the dishwasher (have a towel ready for drips). Look into the inlet port — you’ll see a small mesh screen. Pull it out, rinse it under the faucet, and push it back in before reconnecting the hose.
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Run a test cycle. Turn the supply valve back on, start a short rinse cycle, and check that the machine fills normally.
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Test the inlet valve if 4C persists. With power disconnected, use a multimeter to test the solenoid terminals on the inlet valve. A working solenoid reads 500–1500 ohms. Open circuit (infinite ohms) means the valve has failed.
Parts You May Need
- Samsung dishwasher water inlet valve
- Dishwasher supply hose braided
- Dishwasher inlet valve screen filter
When to Call a Technician
If the supply valve is fully open, the hose is clear, and the screen is clean but 4C still appears, the inlet valve needs replacement. It’s a straightforward swap — accessible from under the dishwasher after pulling it out slightly — but if you’re not comfortable with the repair an appliance tech can handle it quickly.