Samsung Washer HC Error Code — What It Means
The HC error code (along with HE, HE1, Hr, and 1 HC) indicates a heater error on your Samsung washer. The machine has detected that the heater circuit is not operating as expected, or that water temperature is not rising during a heated wash cycle. Samsung groups all these codes together as heater errors that require checking both the external water hookup and the internal heating system. In most cases the washer is either not receiving hot water from the supply lines or the internal heating element has failed.
Common Causes
- Hot water supply not connected or hoses reversed The hot inlet hose is connected to the cold valve (or vice versa), so the washer cannot access hot water for heated cycles.
- Water supply valves not fully open or flow restricted Partially closed shutoff valves or low supply pressure prevent the washer from filling and heating correctly.
- Kinked or bent supply hoses Hose restrictions reduce water flow below the minimum needed for the heater circuit to operate safely.
- Faulty heating element or heater assembly The internal heating element has failed open, shorted, or is leaking to ground and cannot heat the wash water.
- Loose, damaged, or corroded wiring at the heater Connections to the heater or temperature sensor are loose, burnt, or corroded and the washer cannot control or monitor the heater.
- Failed thermostat or temperature sensor The thermal sensor or cutoff attached to the heater is out of range or open and the control cannot verify safe operation.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Power off and unplug the washer and turn off both hot and cold water supply valves at the wall.
- Verify hot and cold hose connections by tracing each hose from the wall valve to the washer inlet and confirming hot-to-hot and cold-to-cold, then open both valves fully.
- Inspect both supply hoses for kinks, sharp bends, or restrictions along their entire length and straighten or replace any damaged hoses.
- Access the heater assembly by removing the washer’s rear or front panel (consult your model’s service manual for location) and locate the heating element and attached wiring.
- Inspect all heater wiring and connectors for looseness, heat damage, corrosion, or burn marks at the element terminals and the thermostat/sensor leads, and repair or replace damaged connections.
- Test the heating element and thermostat with a multimeter for continuity and resistance (consult your model’s table for expected values), and check for any short to the washer frame or ground.
- Replace the heater assembly if the element tests open, shorted, or out of spec, or if the attached thermostat is faulty, then reconnect all wiring and reassemble the washer.
- Restore water and power and run a heated wash cycle to verify the code clears and the washer heats normally.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Samsung washer heating element / heater assembly | Amazon | Match to your washer model number. Often sold with attached thermostat and gasket. |
| Thermostat or temperature sensor for Samsung washer heater | Amazon | Sometimes sold separately from the element. Verify compatibility with your model. |
| Washer heater wiring harness or connector kit | Amazon | If terminals or connectors are burnt or damaged beyond cleaning. |
When to Call a Pro
Call a qualified appliance technician if the code persists after you have confirmed correct hose hookup, fully open valves, and unrestricted water supply. Heater replacement requires disassembly of the washer cabinet, safe handling of electrical components, and multimeter testing to identify the exact failed part. If you are uncomfortable working with 120V circuits, testing resistance values, or removing the washer panels, professional diagnosis is the safer choice. A technician can also test the main control board and heater-control circuitry if the heater assembly and all wiring test good.