Samsung Dishwasher Error Code 0C — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

The 0C error means your Samsung dishwasher has detected an overflow or water over-level condition. Too much water entered the tub, or the water level sensor detected water where it shouldn't be. This can happen due to a stuck-open water valve, a faulty water level sensor, or excessive sudsing from the wrong detergent. The machine stops the cycle to prevent water from spilling out. This is the same condition as the OC error on some Samsung models.

Affected Models

Samsung DW80R5061US
Samsung DW80R9950UG
Samsung DW80K5050US
Samsung DW80J3020US
Most Samsung built-in dishwashers 2015+

Common Causes

Water inlet valve stuck open or not fully closing after the fill cycle
Faulty water level sensor (float switch) falsely detecting an overflow
Regular dish soap or hand soap used instead of dishwasher-specific detergent creating excessive suds
Too much rinse aid dispensed causing suds buildup that triggers the overflow sensor
Blocked or slow drain causing water to accumulate to an over-level state during the cycle

How to Fix It

Cancel the cycle and open the dishwasher door. Check if there is an unusually large amount of water or suds in the bottom of the tub. If you see a mountain of suds, you used the wrong type of detergent — only use detergent specifically labeled for dishwashers.

Regular dish soap produces 10-20 times more suds than dishwasher detergent. Even a small amount can completely overwhelm a dishwasher.
If excess suds are present, add 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable or olive oil to the bottom of the tub and run a rinse cycle. The oil helps break down the soap suds quickly. You may need to run 2-3 rinse cycles to fully clear the suds.

Adding a cup of cold water to the bottom of the tub also helps collapse suds before running the rinse cycle.
Run a drain cycle to remove excess water. Hold the Start/Cancel button for 3 seconds on most Samsung models to force a drain. Confirm the water level drops to normal after the drain completes.

If the machine won't drain, refer to the 5E/SE drain error troubleshooting for additional drain steps.
Check the rinse aid dispenser. If it's overfilled or cracked, rinse aid may be leaking into the wash zone and creating suds. Reduce the rinse aid setting to the lowest level and make sure the dispenser cap is fully sealed.

Samsung dishwashers have a rinse aid level adjustment in the settings menu — refer to your manual for the adjustment steps.
If the 0C code returns during a wash cycle with correct detergent and proper water level, the water inlet valve may be stuck open. This requires a technician to test and replace. In the meantime, turn off the water supply valve under the sink when the dishwasher is not in use.

A stuck-open inlet valve will continuously add water during the cycle, triggering repeated 0C errors regardless of other fixes.

When to Call a Professional

If the 0C error returns after draining and you haven't used the wrong detergent, call a technician. A stuck-open water inlet valve or faulty float switch will keep causing overflows. Water inlet valve replacement costs $80-$150 including parts and labor. Float switch replacement is similar in cost and complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular dish soap in a Samsung dishwasher?

No — never use regular dish soap, hand soap, or laundry detergent in a dishwasher. These products produce enormous amounts of suds that the dishwasher cannot handle. The suds trigger the overflow sensor (0C error), spill out of the machine, and can damage the electronics. Always use detergent specifically labeled as 'dishwasher detergent' or 'automatic dishwasher detergent.'

Is the 0C error the same as the OC error?

Yes — Samsung uses both 0C (zero-C) and OC (letter O-C) to display the same overflow error. The display uses a seven-segment digit, and the zero and letter O look identical on this type of display. They refer to the same condition and are fixed the same way.

My dishwasher shows 0C but the tub looks dry inside — why?

The overflow sensor in Samsung dishwashers is not inside the main wash tub. It's a float switch located in the base drip tray underneath the machine. If water leaked out of the tub into the base, the float switch will trigger 0C even if the tub itself looks dry. Check for water in the base of the machine by removing the lower kickplate panel.