Samsung dishwashers are built to last for a long time. Still, this doesn’t make them 100% safe from problems now and then.
Stay one step ahead of these issues by learning what they are and how to fix them. Let’s jump right in.
How do you troubleshoot a Samsung dishwasher?
If you’re unsure what’s wrong with your Samsung dishwasher, first, try to reset the control board to flush out any false errors.
Next, check your dishes if they are properly clean and dry after the cycle. Also, look for leaks underneath your dishwasher and standing water at the bottom of the tub.
Try the following steps for troubleshooting:
- If you find food grimes in your dishes, wipe the interior walls of your tub and clean the water nozzle.
- Wet dishes usually mean that your dishwasher’s water temperature did not reach the minimum requirement. Set your water heater temperature between 120 – 149°F and test if the heating element isn’t damaged.
- If you find a water trail underneath your dishwasher, find the source of the leak and fix it. It can be a loose connection in the hoses or water inside your dishwasher.
- Standing water at the bottom of the tub means that there’s something wrong with your draining components. Look for any clogs in the filter, drain hose, and sink drain and test the drain pump motor.
If you’re experiencing one of these problems in your Samsung dishwasher, keep reading below to learn more about it in detail.
Important Note: Practice safety by unplugging your dishwasher before performing any troubleshooting. Press the power button and make sure that it doesn’t light up to be certain that there’s no residual power left.
5 Most Common Samsung Dishwasher Problems and Solutions
There are around 22 error codes in a Samsung dishwasher with a digital display. However, the following are the most common issues you may encounter with your appliance.
- Samsung dishwasher won’t start
- Samsung dishwasher isn’t cleaning
- Samsung dishwasher won’t drain
- Samsung dishwasher isn’t drying
- Samsung dishwasher is leaking
Here’s a quick tip on how to resolve these problems.
| Problems | Solution |
| Samsung Dishwasher Won’t Start | Unplug your dishwasher and clean the buttons thoroughly. Wait for 10 minutes and restart your dishwasher. Make sure that the door is closed and the door latch is working properly. Check if the Child Lock or Delay Start functions are turned off. |
| Samsung Dishwasher Isn’t Cleaning | Clean your dishwasher’s interior walls, filters, and nozzle. Reload the dishes and make sure to leave enough space in between them. |
| Samsung Dishwasher Won’t Drain | Check for blockage in the sink drain or garbage disposal. Also, make sure that there are no clogs or kinks in the drain hose. |
| Samsung Dishwasher Isn’t Drying | Remove some items to avoid overcrowding your dishwasher. Place concave items such as bowls, mugs, and pots upside down so they don’t collect water during the cycle. |
| Samsung Dishwasher is Leaking | Verify that the supply and drain hoses are connected tightly. Clean the filter assembly and replace any damaged components. |
Now, let’s take a closer look at these problems and what causes them.
Samsung Dishwasher Won’t Start
One of the common problems with Samsung dishwashers is that there are times when it doesn’t turn on or won’t let you start a cycle even when there’s power.
On other occasions, it only starts for a moment but then stops right away.
If you are experiencing this error, here are the most common causes you should look into.
- There’s no power going into your dishwasher.
- The buttons are unresponsive.
- The control board is malfunctioning.
- The dishwasher door is open or unlatched.
- The Child Lock function is on.
- The Delay Start feature is engaged.
- There’s an error code in the display.
Here’s a quick overview of how to troubleshoot a Samsung dishwasher that won’t start.
| Cause | Solution |
| No Power Supply | Make sure that the plug’s connection to the socket isn’t loose. Also, check the circuit breaker switch and verify that it’s turned on. |
| Stuck Buttons | Press the power or start button and make sure that your hands and the panel are not wet. Clean the buttons from any dirt that may be causing them to get stuck. |
| Faulty Control Board | Restart the control board by unplugging your dishwasher for 10 minutes and plugging it back on again. |
| Open or Unlatched Doors | Make sure that the doors are properly closed before starting a cycle. Inspect the door latch and see if it’s properly aligned. |
| Child Lock Engaged | Locate the Child Lock button in your dishwasher’s panel. Toggle the lock off by pressing the button for three seconds. |
| Delay Start Selected | Check the delay start button on the panel and make sure that it is turned off. |
| Error Code | If an error code is displayed on the control panel, read your manual or check out some guides to learn the meaning of the code and how to resolve the issue. |
Samsung Dishwasher Isn’t Cleaning
Another issue you might encounter with your Samsung dishwasher is that it won’t clean your dishes correctly during a cycle.
Sometimes, you might see some food particles stuck on your dishes or traces of white film on your stemware and other transparent items.
If your Samsung dishwasher won’t clean your dishes, here are the possible errors you have to troubleshoot.
- The dishes were loaded incorrectly.
- The wrong cycle was selected.
- The dishes were pre-rinsed before they were loaded.
- Too much detergent was used.
- The dishwasher interior is dirty.
- There are issues with the water supply.
Correct each issue mentioned above by following these troubleshooting tips.
| Causes | Solution |
| Incorrectly Loaded Dishes | Remove all the items in the racks and reload them correctly. Make sure to leave enough space in between each dish to allow water to pass through. Do a second cycle if you have more dishes to wash. |
| Wrong Cycle Selected | Pick the right cycle to clean your dishes. Choose the Heavy cycle if you are washing tough-to-clean items such as pans, pots, casserole dishes, and other similar items. |
| Pre-rinsed Items | Scrape off large leftover food in your dishes such as bones, vegetable chunks, or pasta noodles. Avoid pre-rinsing your dishes before loading them on the racks. |
| Excessive Detergent | Read the manufacturer’s recommended amount of detergent to use. If you are using the right amount, consider replacing your detergent with a different brand. |
| Dirty Dishwasher Interior | Unplug your dishwasher and pull out all the removable items. Clean the interior walls, racks, and baskets. Remove the filter assembly and wash it thoroughly. Reinstall everything back once they have been cleaned. |
| Water Supply Error | Make sure that your dishwasher has enough water supply to operate normally. If you are getting a low-level water issue, check your home’s plumbing or the dishwasher’s inlet valve. Verify that the water temperature is set between 120-149 degrees Fahrenheit. Inspect your dishwasher’s heating element and replace it if it’s damaged. |
Samsung Dishwasher Won’t Drain
A draining error is another common problem among Samsung dishwashers. You’ll notice this when you see standing wastewater left in your tub or hear a gurgling or thumping sound during the draining cycle.
There are also error codes or blinking lights that point to a draining problem in your dishwasher. Here’s a quick list for your reference.
For Models with Digital Display
For Models That Use Blinking Lights
| Code | Meaning |
| DelicateQuick+ | Drain Error |
| Heavy (models with Express 60)Heavy and QuickHeavy and Smart Auto | Over-Level Water Error |
This issue should be fixed immediately to avoid damaging your dishwasher further. That being said, here are the possible reasons your Samsung dishwasher won’t drain.
- The sink drain or garbage disposal is clogged.
- The drain hose is bent, clogged, or damaged.
- The filter assembly is filthy or deformed.
- One or more drain pump components are damaged.
To fix these issues, here are some quick repair methods you can try.
| Cause | Solution |
| Clogged Sink Drain or Garbage Disposal | Make sure your sink drain or garbage disposal isn’t clogged with too much food waste or debris. If your dishwasher is connected to a garbage disposal system, check that the garbage disposal cap has been removed. |
| Faulty Drain Hose | Disconnect the drain hose from both ends and test it for blockage. Clean the drain hose and ensure it has a high loop and is tightly reconnected. |
| Clogged or Damaged Filter Assembly | Remove the filter assembly and clean it in running water. Make sure not to poke any holes in the screen of the fine filter. |
| Faulty Drain Pump Component (Impeller, Motor, Solenoid, Check Valve) | Test all drain pump components for continuity. If any of these parts are damaged, you’ll need to replace the entire assembly. |
Samsung Dishwasher Isn’t Drying
Samsung dishwasher owners want their dishes dry once the cycle finishes. Unfortunately, you may experience some errors that’ll prevent your dishes from drying correctly.
If your Samsung dishwasher won’t dry, here are the 5 most likely reasons:
- The dishes are loaded incorrectly.
- The dishwasher is connected to a cold water line.
- The heating element is malfunctioning.
- You’re not using your model’s drying features.
- There’s an error code in the control panel.
Resolve these issues by following these quick troubleshooting steps.
| Cause | Solution |
| Incorrectly Loaded Dishes | Remove some of the dishes to avoid overcrowding the racks. Make sure to place your bowls, glasses, and mugs upside down to keep them from collecting water during the cycle. Once the cycle is complete, remove the bottom rack items first. |
| Cold Water Line | Verify that your dishwasher is connected to a hot water supply. Set the temperature of your home’s water supply between 120 – 149°F. |
| Faulty Heating Element | Check your heating element for discoloration, burnouts, and breaks. Test the metal rod for continuity and replace it if it’s damaged. |
| Not Using Dry Cycle Options | Read your manual and check for available drying features on your model. Add some rinse aid to help dry your dishes quicker. |
| Error Code in the Control Panel | Check the panel for error codes in the display. Refer to your manual to decipher what they mean and how to resolve them. |
Samsung Dishwasher is Leaking
Leaking is one of the most common problems among all dishwashers, not just Samsung. Moreover, it can also be quite dangerous since it can cause slipping or electrocution.
If the error code LE or LC appears in your panel, your appliance is telling you that its leak sensor has detected moisture inside or near your dishwasher.
This may be caused by a leaking door, hose, or damaged components.
To cover all bases, here are 11 of the most likely culprits behind a leaking Samsung dishwasher.
- The water supply hose is loose or damaged.
- The water inlet valve is faulty.
- The tub is overstretched.
- The door isn’t fully closed.
- The garbage disposal cap is still intact.
- The drain hose is loose or damaged.
- The rubber gasket is misaligned or worn out.
- The drain filter screen is clogged or torn.
- The spray arms are clogged.
- The drain pump is faulty.
- The dishwasher is filled with excess dishwasher liquid.
And here’s a quick overview of how to troubleshoot these issues.
| Cause | Solution |
| Damaged or Loose Water Supply Hose | Check the connections of your water supply hose and make sure that they are tight on both ends. Look for any holes or damages in the hose and replace it if necessary. |
| Faulty Water Inlet Valve | Uninstall the water inlet valve and check it for continuity. Install a new valve if it’s faulty. |
| Overstretched Tub | Loosen the screws that secure your dishwasher to the cabinetry. Make sure that the tub is no longer bowed and is open at the right measurement. |
| Open Dishwasher Door | Check the door latch of your dishwasher door and make sure that it hooks the door in place. Also, check the leveling legs and adjust them accordingly to prevent your dishwasher from tilting. |
| Unremoved Garbage Disposal Cap | Disconnect the drain hose from the garbage disposal and inspect if the cap is still intact. If it is, knock the cap off using a hammer and a screwdriver. Uninstall the garbage disposal and remove the debris inside to avoid clogging. |
| Damaged or Loose Drain Hose | Inspect your drain hose’s connections on both ends and make sure that they are secured. Look for any damage, holes, or clogs inside the hose that may cause water to spill. |
| Pushed Out or Damaged Rubber Seal | Inspect the rubber seals of your dishwasher door and push them back into alignment if necessary. Replace the rubber seals if you see signs of wear and tear. Install the new seal properly and make sure that there are no gaps where water can slip through. |
| Uncleaned or Torn Drain Filter | Pull out the filter assembly and disassemble the filters. Clean each filter in running water using a soft brush and mild soap. Replace the filters if you see any holes or deformities. |
| Clogged or Damaged Spray Arms | Check the water nozzles or spray arms for clogs and clean them thoroughly. Replace them if they are cracked or damaged as this can cause them to spray water uncontrollably. |
| Dysfunctional Drain Pump | Remove the water pump motor assembly below your dishwasher and take a resistance reading. Replace the pump if it’s damaged. |
| Using Dishwashing Liquid | Wash the tub and get rid of any excess suds caused by dish soap. Make sure to only use dishwasher detergent for your appliance. |
We hope that this article gives you a clearer understanding of the most common Samsung dishwasher problems and the knowledge you need to troubleshoot them.
If some of the repairs above are too technical for you, ask someone for help or hire your local appliance repair expert.
