Samsung Dishwasher: error code OC, not draining

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing a Samsung dishwasher displaying error code OC? This indicates a drainage issue, often leaving water in the tub after a cycle. Common problems include a blocked drain hose, clogged filter, or malfunctioning drain pump. Addressing these issues promptly can help restore your dishwasher's performance.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Samsung Models

  • OC code indicates overflow/over‑level water often linked to drainage or water level detection issues

Possible Causes

Blocked or kinked drain hose

How to Identify: Water remains in tub after cycle; hose visibly kinked, bent, or clogged

Part: Drain hose

Clogged filter or drain area

How to Identify: Debris buildup visible at filter location and water pooling at bottom; cleaning restores drainage

Part: Dishwasher filter/drain inlet

Obstructed or failing drain pump/sump

How to Identify: Pump makes unusual noises or fails to move water despite clear hoses and filter

Part: Drain pump/sump

Faulty water level sensor

How to Identify: OC code persists after clearing clogs; sensor fails continuity test or shows damage

Part: Water level sensor (case break sensor)

Incorrect drain/sink connection or backflow

How to Identify: Water flows back into dishwasher from sink; OC appears when connected improperly or garbage disposal cap still in place

Part: Sink drain connection/drain fittings

Excess foam from detergent

How to Identify: Thick foam seen during or after cycle; OC appears without typical clogs

Part: Internal wash system

DIY Solutions

Check and clear drain hose

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, bucket, flashlight
  1. Turn off power and water to dishwasher
  2. Pull dishwasher out to access drain hose
  3. Inspect hose for kinks or clogs; straighten and remove debris
  4. Reconnect hose ensuring proper high loop or air gap
  5. Run a short drain cycle to confirm fix
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before accessing components

Clean dishwasher filter and drain area

Easy 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: gloves, warm water, brush or cloth
  1. Turn off power and open dishwasher
  2. Remove lower rack and locate filter
  3. Remove and rinse filter, clear debris from drain inlet
  4. Replace filter and run rinse cycle
⚠️ Safety First: Be cautious of sharp edges

Inspect and clean drain pump/sump

Moderate To Advanced 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, pliers, bucket
  1. Disconnect power and water
  2. Remove lower access panel
  3. Locate drain pump and check for foreign objects
  4. Clean pump impeller area and reassemble
  5. Restore power and test drain
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off

Reset dishwasher to clear transient errors

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Turn off dishwasher and unplug from power
  2. Wait 1-2 minutes
  3. Plug back in and restart cycle
⚠️ Safety First: None specific

Next step

Choose the next step for error code OC, not draining

Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.

Check during diagnosis

Most relevant component to inspect

Drain Hose

Carries waste water from the drain pump to your home's standpipe or sink drain.

Typical part-only price
$15 - $30
DIY difficulty
Easy
Estimated time
15-30 mins
Where can I find the model number?

Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.

Find a part that fits my model

Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.

Other parts options

Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.

Possible related component

Dishwasher Filter

Screens food debris from recirculating wash water and protects the pump system.

$15 - $65 · Easy · 5-15 mins

Check fit & price
Possible related component

Drain Pump

Pumps waste water out of the appliance during the drain cycle.

$35 - $80 · Easy · 15-30 mins

Check fit & price
Possible related component

Pressure Switch

Detects the water level inside the tub and signals when to start or stop filling.

$25 - $65 · Easy · 15-30 mins

Check fit & price
Model number required

Model-compatible Dishwasher parts

Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.

Find a part that fits my model

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission from other qualifying purchases or service requests made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are based on repair relevance, not commission rate.

Optional routine care

Maintenance supplies

These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.

Maintenance supply

Dishwasher Cleaner and Descaler

Supports routine removal of mineral scale, grease, and odor. It is maintenance, not a repair for a failed pump, valve, or control.

View maintenance supply
Maintenance supply

Braided Dishwasher Inlet Hose

For replacement of an externally damaged supply hose. Verify connection size, length, and appliance installation requirements before ordering.

View maintenance supply

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.

Professional Repairs

Replace water level sensor

Estimated Cost: $120 - $200

Replace drain pump assembly

Estimated Cost: $150 - $300

Control board diagnosis and repair

Estimated Cost: $200 - $400

When to Call a Professional

OC error persists after clearing clogs and resets
Unusual noises from pump or motor
Visible damage to water level sensor or pump
Dishwasher leaking or flooding

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean filter: Clogs leading to OC errors and drainage issues
    Frequency: monthly
  • Inspect drain hose routing: Kinks or backflow that impede drainage
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Samsung Dishwasher error code OC, not draining?
Common causes include a blocked drain hose, clogged filter, or a malfunctioning drain pump.
How do I fix Samsung Dishwasher error code OC, not draining myself?
Check the drain hose for clogs, clean the filter, and inspect the drain pump for debris.
How much does it cost to fix error code OC, not draining?
Professional repairs range from $120 to $400 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for error code OC, not draining?
Contact a technician if DIY solutions don't work or if you suspect a major component failure.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Clogged drain filter or drain hose
  • Faulty drain pump
  • Blocked air gap or garbage disposal

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check and clean the drain filter and drain hose. Remove any debris that may be clogging them. Ensure the hose is not kinked or blocked.

  2. Inspect the drain pump for any blockages or damage. If the pump is not functioning, it may need to be replaced.

  3. Check the air gap (if present) and the garbage disposal for any obstructions. Clean them out to ensure proper drainage.

Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Samsung Dishwasher - OC error

Community Discussions

OC error during cycle, water not draining

Ran a Rinse cycle and used a dishwasher cleaner pod, which cleared some issues.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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