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samsungError Code 4CEasy — no tools neededModerate safety risk — read warnings

Samsung Washer 4C Error: Causes and Safe Fixes

Updated July 30, 20262 min readTime needed: 10–20 minutes
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Short answer: 4C (shown as 4E on some models) means the washer isn't sensing enough water flowing in. It's almost always a water supply problem — a closed valve, kinked hose, or clogged inlet filter — rather than an internal fault.

Common Symptoms

  • Cycle pauses shortly after starting with '4C' or '4E' on the display
  • Little or no water audible entering the drum
  • Error appears repeatedly even after restarting the cycle
  • Machine was recently moved, installed, or had water supply work done nearby

Likely Causes

1. Water supply valve not fully open

The most common cause — the hot or cold shutoff valve behind the machine is only partially open or was closed for other plumbing work and not fully reopened.

2. Kinked or crushed inlet hose

The hoses connecting the wall valves to the machine can kink if the washer was pushed back against the wall without checking hose routing.

3. Clogged inlet filter screens

Small mesh filters sit where the hoses connect to the back of the machine. Sediment or debris from the water line can block them over time.

4. Low household water pressure

Unusually low incoming water pressure, sometimes temporary during peak usage times or municipal work, can trigger the same code.

Safe Checks You Can Do

  • Confirm both hot and cold water shutoff valves behind the machine are turned fully open.
  • Check both inlet hoses for kinks or tight bends, especially if the machine was recently moved.
  • Run a nearby cold tap to confirm normal household water pressure.
  • Unplug the machine before touching any hose connections at the back.

Step-by-Step Solution

  1. 1

    Check the shutoff valves

    Locate the two valves behind the washer (usually red for hot, blue for cold) and confirm they're turned fully counter-clockwise to open.

  2. 2

    Straighten the inlet hoses

    Pull the machine out slightly and check both hoses for kinks between the wall and the machine's back panel.

  3. 3

    Clean the inlet filter screens

    With water supply off, unscrew the hoses from the back of the machine and gently clean the small mesh filters inside each connection point with a toothbrush.

  4. 4

    Reconnect and test

    Reattach the hoses firmly, turn the water supply back on, and start a short cycle to confirm the error clears.

What Not to Do

  • Don't force a stuck shutoff valve — a seized valve should be checked or replaced by a plumber rather than forced.
  • Don't run the washer repeatedly on the same error hoping it resolves itself — this can trigger additional fault codes.
  • Don't remove or bypass the inlet filter screens permanently — they protect the water valve solenoids from debris.

When to Call a Professional

  • Water pressure is confirmed normal and the error persists after cleaning the filters and hoses.
  • You can hear the water valve clicking but water still isn't entering the drum.
  • The shutoff valve itself appears to be leaking or won't turn.
  • This is a new installation and the error appeared from the very first cycle.

Safety warning

Turn off the water supply valves before disconnecting any hose, and have a towel ready to catch residual water. If a valve is seized or leaking, involve a licensed plumber rather than forcing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 4C the same as 4E on Samsung washers?

Yes — different Samsung model lines display the same water-supply-detection fault as either 4C or 4E.

Can I still do laundry while this error appears?

Not until it's resolved — the machine won't complete a cycle without confirming adequate water flow, both as a safety and a wash-quality measure.

Does this error mean the water inlet valve solenoid is broken?

It's possible but far less likely than a supply-side issue. Rule out the shutoff valves, hoses, and filters first before assuming a part failure.

Home Solutions Editorial Team

Reviewed against manufacturer documentation. Updated July 30, 2026. How we write guides

Sources & Further Reading

  • Error code meanings may vary by model. Check your appliance manual before attempting any troubleshooting.

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