What Does Error Code 1C Mean on a Samsung Washing Machine?
Locate the pressure hose running from the drum to the water level sensor, check it for kinks, blockages, or visible damage, and clear or reseat it — if the hose was simply kinked or loose, the error should clear on the next wash cycle (takes about 10 minutes).
Fault description
Error code 1C appears on Samsung washing machines when the appliance cannot get a reliable reading from the water level sensor, also known as the pressure sensor or pressure switch. This sensor monitors how much water is inside the drum at any given point during a cycle, and the machine depends on it to know when to stop filling, when to drain, and when it is safe to spin.
When the 1C code triggers, the machine typically pauses mid-cycle or refuses to start a new one. You may notice the drum filling too much, not filling at all, or the cycle stopping unexpectedly. The root cause is almost always in the pressure hose — the small rubber or plastic tube that runs between the drum and the sensor — rather than the sensor itself.
In most cases this is a fault you can investigate and resolve at home without specialist tools. The steps below walk you through the most common causes and how to address each one systematically.
Causes
- Kinked or pinched pressure hose — The pressure hose can become kinked if the machine has been moved or if items have shifted behind the drum. A kink blocks the air pressure signal from reaching the sensor, causing the 1C error even though the hose itself is undamaged.
- Blocked or clogged pressure hose — Detergent residue, limescale, or debris can build up inside the narrow pressure hose over time and restrict airflow. When the air signal cannot travel freely to the sensor, the machine loses its ability to measure water level accurately.
- Punctured or cracked pressure hose — Physical damage to the hose — from age, heat, or contact with sharp edges inside the cabinet — allows air to escape before it reaches the sensor. Even a small hole is enough to cause a false or absent reading.
- Loose or disconnected hose connection — The hose connects to both the drum chamber and the sensor with push-fit or clip fittings. Vibration over time can loosen these connections, breaking the airtight seal the sensor relies on.
- Faulty water level sensor — If the hose is in good condition and properly connected, the pressure sensor itself may have failed. Sensors can wear out or develop internal faults, particularly on older machines or those used heavily.
- Wiring fault between sensor and control board — Damaged, corroded, or loose wiring in the harness connecting the water level sensor to the main control board can interrupt the signal and trigger a 1C code even when the hose and sensor are both intact.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Power off and unplug the machine
Switch the machine off at the control panel and unplug it from the wall socket before doing anything else. Wait at least two minutes to allow any residual electrical charge to dissipate. Never work on the machine while it is connected to power.
- 2
Locate the pressure hose
The pressure hose is a thin rubber or plastic tube, usually 10–15 mm in diameter, that runs from a small port on the side or bottom of the drum up to the water level sensor, which is typically mounted on the upper side panel inside the cabinet. On most Samsung front-loaders you can access it by removing the top panel — usually held by two or three screws at the rear.
- 3
Inspect the hose for kinks and damage
Run your fingers along the full length of the hose, feeling for kinks, sharp bends, or soft spots that suggest a puncture. Look for cracks, splits, or any point where the hose has rubbed against a hard surface. If you find a kink, straighten it carefully and reseat the hose away from any obstructions.
- 4
Check both hose connections
Detach the hose at both ends — at the drum port and at the sensor — and check that the fittings are clean and undamaged. Push each connection firmly back into place and, where clips are present, ensure they are fully engaged. A loose connection at either end will break the airtight seal.
- 5
Clear any blockage inside the hose
With the hose detached, blow gently through it to check for airflow. If you feel resistance, the hose is partially or fully blocked. Rinse it through with warm water and use a thin flexible brush or a blast of compressed air to dislodge any limescale or detergent buildup. Reattach once clear.
- 6
Test the water level sensor
With the hose detached from the sensor, blow gently into the sensor port — you should hear a faint click as the internal diaphragm moves. No click suggests the sensor diaphragm has failed. If you have a multimeter, you can test the sensor's resistance across its terminals; consult your model's service data for the expected values.
- 7
Reassemble, restore power, and run a test cycle
Refit the top panel, plug the machine back in, and run a short cotton or quick-wash cycle. Watch the machine through the filling stage to confirm it fills to the correct level and the 1C code does not return. If the error reappears, the sensor or wiring will need further investigation.
Affected models
Select your model to see its full troubleshooting page.
When to call a service technician
If you have inspected the pressure hose, confirmed it is clear and undamaged, reseated all connections, and the 1C error still returns, the fault is likely inside the water level sensor itself or in the wiring harness between the sensor and the main control board. These components require testing with a multimeter and, in the case of the control board, specialist diagnostic equipment.
You should also call a service technician if you find the hose is punctured or cracked and are not confident replacing it yourself, or if the machine is still under warranty — attempting internal repairs yourself may void the warranty. A technician can source the correct replacement part and confirm no secondary fault is present.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reset the 1C error code by turning the machine off and on?
A power cycle will sometimes clear the code temporarily if the fault was caused by a one-off sensor misread, but it will return as soon as the machine tries to fill again if the underlying problem — a blocked or damaged hose — has not been fixed. It is worth trying a reset, but treat it as a diagnostic step rather than a solution.
How do I know if the pressure hose is punctured rather than just kinked?
Detach the hose at both ends and submerge it in a bowl of water. Block one end with your thumb and blow into the other end. If you see bubbles rising from anywhere along the hose, it has a hole. A kinked hose will show no bubbles but will feel stiff or show a visible crease at the bend point.
Is error code 1C the same as error code 1E on Samsung washing machines?
Yes, on many Samsung models 1C and 1E refer to the same water level sensor fault. The code displayed can vary depending on the model's display type — older seven-segment displays show 1E, while newer dot-matrix displays show 1C. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical for both.
How much does it cost to replace the water level sensor on a Samsung washing machine?
The pressure sensor itself typically costs between £15 and £40 for the part, depending on the model. If you are comfortable doing the repair yourself it is a relatively straightforward job. A service technician call-out will add labour costs on top, so it is worth attempting the hose inspection first since that resolves the majority of 1C faults.
Why does the 1C error only appear sometimes and not every cycle?
An intermittent 1C error usually points to a partial blockage in the pressure hose or a connection that is loose but not fully detached. As the machine vibrates during a cycle, the connection may shift just enough to break the seal. Cleaning the hose thoroughly and pressing all fittings firmly back into place will typically resolve intermittent faults.