Error code
Samsung Washing Machine Error Code 1C - Water Level Sensor Problem
Samsung washing machine error code 1C usually means the washer cannot trust its water-level reading, often because of a pressure sensor issue, trapped foam, or a level-sensing fault. Check first for oversudsing, unusual filling, water left in the drum, or overflow-style behaviour, then stop and book a repair if the code comes back.
Quick answer
1C: what does it mean and how to fix
What does it mean?
The washer is not getting a reliable water-level reading from the pressure sensing system.
How to fix first
Turn the machine off and unplug it from the mains.
Why is this happening?
Pressure sensor or water level sensor reading incorrectly, similar to [Samsung IE](/samsung/washing-machine/ie/) or older [Samsung 1E](/samsung/washing-machine/1e/) level-sensing faults
When should I call an engineer?
Call an engineer if 1C or IE returns, the water level looks wrong, the machine overfills, or the code appears even though water supply and drainage look normal externally.
What does this error code mean?
The Samsung 1C error code usually means the machine cannot read the water level properly. On some models, closely related wording may appear as IE or 1E. In most cases, the issue is linked to the pressure sensor, trapped foam, or a fault that makes the washer unsure how much water is in the drum.
Check first for oversudsing, water left inside the drum, or unusual filling and draining behaviour. If the machine is physically overfilling you may also see Samsung OC or the older Samsung 0C, while a leak-style warning can overlap with Samsung LC and a no-fill problem is usually closer to Samsung 4C or Samsung 4E1.
This code usually points to the water level sensing path, including the pressure sensor, pressure hose, or related control readings.
Symptoms users may notice
- The machine may pause during filling, draining, or before spin.
- The displayed water level may not match what is happening in the drum.
- The appliance may fill, stop, drain, and then fault because the level signal is inconsistent.
- Users often search this as a water-not-filling-properly or overfilling problem because the level reading keeps changing.
What users often notice
- The code can appear even when the tap is on, because the problem is the water level reading rather than simply the water supply, which is why users often confuse it with IE, OC, or LC style faults.
- Some users notice the washer keeps adding small amounts of water, drains unexpectedly, or stops before spin because it cannot trust the level reading.
Why is this happening?
- Pressure sensor or water level sensor reading incorrectly, similar to Samsung IE or older Samsung 1E level-sensing faults
- Blocked or kinked pressure hose inside the appliance
- Foam, residue, or trapped air affecting level readings
- Control or wiring fault affecting the sensor signal
What this usually points to
This code usually points to the water level sensing path, including the pressure sensor, pressure hose, or related control readings.
How to fix this safely
- Turn the machine off and unplug it from the mains.
- Check externally for obvious overfilling, water left in the drum, oversudsing, or a kinked drain hose.
- If too much detergent may have been used, let the foam settle fully before testing again; if the drum looks too full, compare the fault with Samsung OC or Samsung 0C, and if water is leaking underneath compare it with Samsung LC.
- Run one short empty rinse or drain only if the water level looks normal and the washer is not leaking, and compare any poor filling behaviour with Samsung 4C.
Can I fix this myself?
MaybeYou can safely rule out foam, a visibly overfilled drum, or an external drainage issue. A persistent 1C fault usually needs internal sensor, hose, or wiring diagnosis.
Safety boundary: Stop if the washer overfills, drains at the wrong time, or you would need to open the cabinet to reach the pressure hose or sensor.
What not to do
- Do not keep running cycles if the drum is overfilling or stopping with water inside.
- Do not remove panels to inspect the pressure sensor or hose unless you are qualified to repair appliances.
Reset steps
- Leave the appliance powered off for a few minutes after the safe external checks.
- Reconnect power and run a short empty programme only if the drum is not overfilled and there is no leak.
- Stop if the machine fills oddly, drains at the wrong time, or 1C returns.
Intermittent vs persistent faults
If 1C appears once after moving the appliance or interrupting a cycle, it may be temporary; if it returns, the level sensing fault needs diagnosis.
When to call an engineer
Call an engineer if 1C or IE returns, the water level looks wrong, the machine overfills, or the code appears even though water supply and drainage look normal externally.
Safety warning
Disconnect the appliance from the mains before any checks and stop using it if there are signs of overfilling or leaking.
Useful hub links
Related pressure and level fault codes
Samsung Washing Machine LC Error - Leak Warning Meaning and Fixes
The washer has detected a leak risk or water where it should not be.
Samsung Washing Machine OC Error - Overflow or Overfilling Warning
The washer thinks the drum is overfilling or the water level is rising too high.
Samsung Washing Machine Error Code 0C
The washer thinks the water level has risen too high or the drum is overfilling.
Samsung Washing Machine Error Code IE - Water Level Sensor Problem
The washer is not getting a reliable water-level reading from the pressure sensing system.
Relevant guide
Frequently asked questions
Can I still use the appliance with Samsung 1C showing?+
Only after one safe check for foam, trapped water, or abnormal filling. If the water level still looks wrong, stop using the washer.
Will resetting fix Samsung 1C permanently?+
Not usually. A reset may clear a one-off sensor glitch, but repeated 1C warnings mean the level-reading problem is still there.
Is Samsung 1C dangerous?+
It can become risky if the machine overfills, leaks, or keeps trying to fill and drain unpredictably.
What happens if I ignore Samsung 1C?+
The washer may stop mid-cycle, fill to the wrong level, wash poorly, or eventually trigger overflow-style warnings such as OC or LC.