Samsung · Dishwasher
Samsung Dishwasher OC Error Code
Water level too high in the tub
What this error means
OC is Over Level water—the level sensor read high when the control expected normal wash depth, or water kept entering after shutoff. Samsung may run the drain pump continuously trying to lower the level.
How OC is detected
When OC appears on a Samsung dishwasher, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On Samsung DW80R5060US, Samsung DW80B7070US, and similar variants, the drain pump runs for a fixed interval—often three to seven minutes on washers and dishwashers—while a pressure switch or turbidity sensor verifies the tub or sump is empty. If water remains, the cycle stops to prevent spin with a full tub or overflow on the next fill.
Most OC calls are resolved without parts: shut off under-sink supply valve immediately. Restricted drain paths mimic pump failure because the impeller spins against a blocked hose or filter. Document whether the pump hums audibly during the drain step; a humming pump with no water movement points to a clogged filter or kinked hose, while silence may indicate a failed pump motor or loose wiring at the harness.
After clearing blockages, run a short cycle and listen at the drain hose for steady water flow. If OC returns on the next load with a clean filter and straight hose, measure resistance at the pump motor connector per the service manual for your model before ordering a replacement pump assembly.
Common causes
- Inlet valve stuck open after power glitch
- Excess suds from regular dish soap fooling the level sensor
- Stuck overfill float or leak sensor in the base pan
- Drain pump unable to remove water during a fill phase
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Turn off the hot supply valve under the sink immediately
- 2Cancel the cycle and inspect for standing water or foam in the tub
- 3Use dishwasher detergent only—never hand soap or laundry detergent
- 4Power-cycle two minutes with water off, then run Cancel/Drain before restarting
When to call a technician
OC with a dry tub after drain needs inlet valve or level sensor service under the tub.
Affected models
- Samsung DW80R5060US
- Samsung DW80B7070US
- Samsung DW80R7031US
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use dishwashers to prevent OC from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when OC appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your Samsung dishwasher—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for OC; Samsung uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting OC; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.