Samsung Washing Machine Overflowing? (7 Causes and Easy Fixes)

An overflowing washer is a nightmare we don’t even wish on our worst enemies. After dealing with a flooded laundry room and potential water damage, you have to troubleshoot your washer and continue with your laundry.

Luckily, we know all the possible reasons why a Samsung washer overflows. Most of the time, it is caused by common laundry mistakes, which you can easily remedy and avoid.

 In our guide, we will walk you through all the steps for fixing a water overflow in a Samsung washer. We will also show you preventative tips and measures to help you avoid this problem in the future.

What causes a Samsung washing machine to overflow?

A Samsung washer overflows when you add too much laundry or too much detergent. Using the regular kind instead of a low-sudsing HE detergent creates excess suds, which may overflow during cycles.

If the water pressure switch, inlet valve, or control board is faulty, an overflow error may also occur.

Fixing Water Overflow in Samsung Washer

To fix an overflowing Samsung washer, make sure you’re using the right detergent and the right amount. Check if the drum is overloaded and reduce it if necessary.

If the issue persists, inspect the water pressure switch, inlet valve, and control board for damages. Then, replace the faulty component.

We made a list of the possible causes of an overflow in your Samsung washer. We also have step-by-step instructions to help you troubleshoot the problem with confidence.

Causes	Solutions
Wrong Detergent	• Wait for the suds to settle in your washer. Run a spin cycle and wash the laundry without detergent. • Take the clothes out of the washer if it no longer has the slimy and chalky film. Put them in the dryer, or let them air dry. • Run a Self-Clean cycle or manually clean your drum. • Turn off and unplug the washer. Pull the detergent drawer all the way out. • Lift the drawer up to remove it, and rinse it in warm water. Then, use a soft brush to remove any detergent residue. • Clean the drawer opening with a soft cloth, and wipe it dry before reinstalling the drawer. • Align the drawer with the rails and gently push it back in.
Too Much Detergent	• Clean the drum and the detergent drawer to prevent the washer from producing excess suds. • Turn off the washer and unplug it.  • Tap Options and rotate the dial to select Dose per Wash. • Set the amount of detergent that will be dispensed automatically. Choose between High, Med, or Low. • Press OK to confirm.  • Repeat the same steps to adjust the amount of softener for auto-dispensing. • Open the detergent drawer and rotate the cover clockwise to open it. • Pour the liquid detergent and softener into their respective compartments. • Reinstall the covers and turn them clockwise to close them. • Close the detergent drawers shut. • Run a cycle, and check if the washer still overflows.
Too Much Laundry	• Turn off the washer and drain all the water to get the clothes out. • Check if the drum is overloaded by putting your hand in the drum. • There must be at least a hand’s width of space between the top of the drum and the top of the load.  • If there isn’t, your washer is overloaded. • Remove your laundry and check the tag on each item to confirm that it is suitable for the washing machine.  • Only keep the items that are machine washable. Then, measure the laundry that you want to load into the drum. • Distribute the clothes evenly and loosely inside the tub.  • Open the user manual to confirm if the selected cycle is appropriate for your laundry load.  • Change the settings if necessary, and start the spin cycle. Check if the fix resolved the problem.
Clogged Water Pressure Hose	• Unplug the washer and turn off the water supply. • Unthread the screws on the top cover to unmount it. • Place one hand right under the cover, and insert a putty knife into the seam to release the locking tabs.  • Tilt the cover and pull it out to remove it.  • Unthread the screws on the control panel. Tip the control panel forward. • Unmount the back panel. Slide the panel up and tilt the bottom to remove it. • Remove the small panel covering the pressure hose. Press the locking clamp on the pressure hose and slide it up. • Pull the press hose off the connector and remove the clamp. Set it aside for the reassembly process. • Inspect the connector and the hose for dirt and debris. Remove any blockages. • Insert the locking clamp into the hose before reconnecting the hose. Slide the clamp back into place. • Reinstall the small cover panel and its screws. Then, mount the back cover panel. • Flip the control panel and reinstall its screws. Reinstall the top cover panel and its screws. • Plug the washer back in and turn on the water supply. • Fill the drum with water and check if it still overflows.
Damaged Water Pressure Switch	• Unplug the washer. Move it around to unmount the top cover. • Place a hand under the cover, and insert a thin tool into the seam to release the locking tabs. Then, remove the cover. • Unthread the Phillips screws on the control panel, and tip it forward. • Unmount the back panel and the small panel covering the pressure hose. Then, slide the locking clamp out of the way. • Disconnect the hose and remove the clamp. Remove the hose from the retaining clips and undo its wire tie. • Unplug the electrical connector, and remove the old sensor.  • Slide the hose of the new component through the opening and push the sensor down into place. • Reconnect the electrical connector. Insert the hose into its retaining clip and redo its wire tie. • Reinsert the locking clamp before reconnecting the hose. Then, slide the clamp back into place. • Reinstall the small cover panel and the back cover panel. Flip the control panel and reinstall its screws. • Reinstall the top cover panel and its screws. • Plug the washer back in and test if it still overflows.
Faulty Water Inlet Valve	• Unplug the washer and turn off its water supply. Move the washer around and unmount the top cover. • Unthread the Phillips screws on the control panel. Then flip it forward to access the water inlet valve. • Disconnect all five electrical connectors on the valve, and unthread its mounting screws. • Lift the valve to release it from the retainers. Use pliers to press the hose clamps and slide them out of the way. • Disconnect the hoses from the valves. Then, connect them to the new inlet valve. • Push the clamps and slide them back into their original position. • Align the valve with the water outlets and gently push it in. Tilt it down until the water line fittings are back in place. • Reconnect all electrical connectors, and reinstall the valve’s mounting screws. • Flip the control panel and reinstall its screws. Reattach the cover panel.  • Plug the washer back in and turn on the water supply. Check if it fills with water without overflowing.
Damaged Main Control Board	• Unplug the washer and turn off its water supply. Move the washer around to unmount the back cover. • Use a thin tool to pry the locking tabs. Unthread the screws on the panel, and flip it forward. • Place both of your thumbs on the cover and the rest of your fingers on the locking tabs.  • Push down with your thumbs and pull up with your fingers. • Take a photo of the electrical connectors before unplugging them.  • Unplug the electrical connectors and the wiring harness. • Unthread the screws on the main control board. Use a thin tool to pry the tabs on the panel. • Remove the main control board. Repeat the same step to remove the interface board. • Align the knob shaft on the new interface board with the hole and gently push it down. • Align the new main control board with the screw holes and press down until the locking tabs snap back into place. • Reinstall the screws mounting the main control board. Reconnect all the electrical connectors. Use the photo reference as your guide for this step. • Insert the wiring harness back into its retainer, and reattach the control board cover.  • Flip the control panel back into place and reinstall its screws. Mount the cover panel to complete the repair. • Plug the washer back in. Fill up the drum and check if it still overflows.

Wrong Detergent

One of the most common laundry mistakes that you should avoid is using regular detergent on your high-efficiency (HE) washer. 

Compared to conventional washers, HE models use lower water levels to clean your laundry. A regular detergent will produce too many suds in low water levels, which may trigger an OE or SUD error code.

Whether you have a front-load or top-load model, your HE washer requires HE detergent, which has low-sudsing properties. 

Samsung doesn’t have specific brand recommendations, but it does discourage the use of natural ingredients, such as baking soda and vinegar. 

According to the manufacturer, you should also avoid cleaning products with these natural ingredients as they can potentially damage the washer.

Solution: First, clean your washer to remove excess suds in the drum. Then, remove any residual detergent in the drawer to prevent another overflow.

Clean the excess suds.

After cleaning up your flooded room, you can troubleshoot your washer and get back to your laundry. Start by getting rid of the excess suds in the drum and on the laundry.

• Step 1: Wait for the suds to settle in your washer.
• Step 2: Run a spin cycle.
• Step 3: Wash the laundry without detergent.
• Step 4: Take the clothes out of the washer if it no longer has the slimy and chalky film. Then, put them in the dryer or hang them out to dry.
• Step 5: Run a Self-Clean cycle or manually clean your drum.

Clean the detergent drawer. 

Before running a new cycle with the right detergent, clean any excess detergent in the drawer. It should prevent your washer from producing too many suds and overflowing.

• Step 1: Turn off and unplug the washer.
• Step 2: Pull the detergent drawer all the way out.
• Step 3: Carefully lift the drawer up to remove it.
• Step 4: Rinse the drawer in warm water. Then, use a soft brush to remove any detergent residue.
• Step 5: Scrub the drawer opening using a soft cloth or a non-metallic brush.
• Step 6: Wipe the opening with a dry cloth.
• Step 7: Align the drawer with the rails and gently push it back in.

Tips: • Only liquid detergent and softener can be added to the auto-dispensing system. • Don’t add tablet or capsule detergents in the drawer. Add them directly to the drum. • To add powdered detergent, remove the liquid detergent cup. Add the product directly to the compartment.

Too Much Detergent

The right kind of detergent will surely get the stains and dirt out of your clothes, but using too much of it will not. If you pour in excessive amounts of detergent, it can lead to excess foam and decreased cleaning performance.

Your washer may occasionally stop to let the suds dissipate before continuing the wash cycle. At times, the foam can get way out of hand and start flowing out of your washer.

Detergent residue can also accumulate in your washer, which promotes the growth of mold and bacteria. As a result, a pungent sewage smell might start developing in your washer, and it can transfer to your clothes.

To prevent your unit from producing excess suds and overflowing, pour the right amount of detergent for your laundry load. Don’t go over the max level even if the brand tells you so. 

Instead, reduce the size of your laundry load, or change the detergent. 

HE Detergent	Standard Washer	HE Washer
2x Liquid Detergent	2 tablespoons	2 teaspoons
Powder Detergent	¼ cup	2 tablespoons
Laundry Pods	1 per cycle	1 per cycle

Solution: Clean the excess foam in your Samsung washer, including its detergent drawer. Then, pour the appropriate amount of detergent for your laundry load.

Clean the excess suds.

Start by cleaning up the excess foam in your washer. Give your clothes a good rinse as well to prevent them from developing funky smells.

• Step 1: Wait for the suds to settle in your washer.
• Step 2: Run a spin cycle.
• Step 3: Wash the laundry without detergent.
• Step 4: Take the clothes out of the washer if it no longer has the slimy and chalky film. Then, put them in the dryer or hang them out to dry.
• Step 5: Run a Self-Clean cycle or manually clean your drum.

Clean the detergent drawer.

After getting rid of the suds, clean the detergent drawer and prep it for a new cycle. Just follow our instructions carefully to prevent your washer’s problem from recurring.

• Step 1: Turn off and unplug the washer.
• Step 2: Pull the detergent drawer all the way out.
• Step 3: Carefully lift the drawer up to remove it.
• Step 4: Rinse the drawer in warm water. Then, use a soft brush to remove any detergent residue.
• Step 5: Scrub the drawer opening using a soft cloth or non-metallic brush.
• Step 6: Wipe the opening with a dry cloth.
• Step 7: Align the drawer with the rails and gently push it back in.
• Step 8: Plug the washer back in, and turn it on.

Add the right amount of detergent.

If your Samsung washer has an auto-dispensing system, you no longer have to manually add detergent or softener every cycle. Turn on the auto dispenser and fill up the correct drawer, then the washer will do the rest.

• Step 1: Tap Options and rotate the dial to select Dose per Wash.
• Step 2: Set the amount of detergent that will be dispensed automatically. Choose between High, Med, or Low.
• Step 3: Press OK to confirm. 
• Step 4: Repeat the same steps to adjust the amount of softener for auto-dispensing.
• Step 5: Open the detergent drawer and rotate the cover clockwise to open it.
• Step 6: Pour the liquid detergent and softener into their respective compartments.

• Step 7: Reinstall the covers and rotate them clockwise to close.
• Step 8: Close the detergent drawers shut.
• Step 9: Run a cycle and check if the washer still overflows.

Too Much Laundry

Overloading is another common cause of overflowing. If you add too much laundry in the drum, your washer can overflow during cycles.

Reducing your laundry load should resolve the problem. After removing a few pieces, you must distribute the clothes evenly and loosely around the drum, so they can spin and get a thorough cleaning.

Solution: To rebalance your Samsung washer and prevent an overflow, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Turn off the washer and drain the water inside the drum.
• Step 2: Open the door and check if the drum is overloaded by putting your hand inside the tub. Make sure there’s at least a hand’s width of space between the top of the tub and the top of the load.
• Step 3: Remove your laundry and check their tags to confirm that they are suitable for the washing machine. Only keep the items that are machine washable.
• Step 4: Measure the laundry that you want to load into the drum.
• Step 5: Distribute the clothes evenly and loosely in the tub. Don’t twist and pack heavy items (e.g. sheets, towels, and blankets).
• Step 6: Refer to your user manual and confirm that the selected cycle is appropriate for your laundry load. Change the settings if necessary.
• Step 7: Restart the spin cycle.

Tips: • Check the laundry tags on each item before tossing them in the drum. Only add machine-washable pieces. • Measure your laundry load to prevent overloading or underloading. • Don’t wash heavy items on their own. • Don’t pack or push the laundry in the drum.

Faulty Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve connects the hot and cold supply hoses to your washing machine. If this component is damaged, your washer will not fill properly or wash your clothes at the appropriate temperature.

Once damaged, there is nothing you can do to repair the water inlet valve. You must replace the faulty component to resolve your washer’s overflowing problem.

What you’ll need:

• Pliers
• Phillips screwdriver
• New water inlet valve

Solution: To replace a Samsung washer water inlet valve, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Unplug the washer and turn off its water supply.
• Step 2: Move the washer around and unmount the top cover.
• Step 3: Slide a hand under the cover and insert a thin tool into the seam to pry the locking tabs. Open the cover and set it aside.
• Step 4: Unthread the Phillips screws on the control panel.
• Step 5: Flip the control panel to access the water inlet valve.
• Step 6: Disconnect all five electrical connectors.
• Step 7: Unthread the mounting screws on the valve.
• Step 8: Carefully lift up the valve to release it from the retainers.
• Step 9: Use pliers to press the clamps on the hose and slide them out of the way.
• Step 10: Disconnect the hoses from the valves.
• Step 11: Connect the hoses to the new inlet valve.
• Step 12: Push the clamps and slide them back into their original position.
• Step 13: Align the valve with the water outlets and gently push it in.
• Step 14: Tilt the valve down until the water line fittings are back in place. Then, push the valve back to make sure the outlets are sealed.
• Step 15: Reconnect all electrical connectors.
• Step 16: Reinstall the mounting screws on the valve.
• Step 17: Flip the control panel and reinstall its screws.
• Step 18: Reattach the cover panel.
• Step 19: Plug the washer back in and turn on the water supply. Finally, check if it fills with water.

Clogged Water Pressure Hose

A water pressure hose is connected to the sensor that controls the water levels during wash cycles. Over time, the hose and its connector can get clogged with dirt and grime, which prevents your water pressure switch from detecting the water level in the drum.

As a result, your washer may overfill and overflow. Or, your unit may stop filling with water at all.

Removing the obstructions in the hose should fix the problem. Although it’s a quick fix, you’ll still have to disassemble the appliance to access the water pressure hose.

What you’ll need:

• Thin tool (e.g. putty knife or flathead screwdriver)
• Phillips screwdriver

Solution: To clean a clogged water pressure hose, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Unplug the washer and turn off the water supply.
• Step 2: Unthread the screws on the top cover to unmount it.
• Step 3: Place one hand right under the cover, and insert a putty knife into the seam to release the locking tabs. 
• Step 4: Tilt the cover and pull it out to remove it.
• Step 5: Unthread the screws on the control panel.
• Step 6: Tip the control panel forward.
• Step 7: Remove the screws on the back panel. Slide the panel up, tilt the bottom, and pull it out to remove it.
• Step 8: Unmount the small panel covering the pressure hose.
• Step 9: Press the locking clamp on the pressure hose and slide it out of the way. 
• Step 10: Pull the press hose off the connector and remove the clamp. Set it aside for the reassembly process.
• Step 11: Inspect the connector and the hose for dirt and debris. Remove any blockages.
• Step 12: Insert the locking clamp into the hose before reattaching the hose to its connector. Then, slide the clamp back into place.
• Step 13: Check the hose for kinks and bent areas. Straighten them out if necessary.
• Step 14: Reinstall the small cover panel and its screws.
• Step 15: Reattach the back cover panel.
• Step 16: Flip the control panel and reinstall its screws.
• Step 17: Reinstall the top cover panel and its screws.
• Step 18: Plug the washer back in and turn on the water supply.
• Step 19: Fill the drum with water and check if it still overflows.

Damaged Water Pressure Switch

The water pressure switch controls how much water enters the drum during operations. Once you start a cycle, the sensor sends power to the water inlet valve, which opens and allows water to flow into the drum.

As the washer fills with water, air pressure increases in the hose. This signals the pressure switch to turn off power to the water inlet valve, which stops the flow of water into the drum, preventing it from overfilling and overflowing.

If the pressure switch is malfunctioning, your water inlet valve will continue filling the drum with water, eventually causing it to overflow. Or, it could cause your washer to stop mid-cycle.

What you’ll need:

• Thin tool (e.g. putty knife or flathead screwdriver)
• Phillips screwdriver
• New water level sensor

Solution: To replace a water pressure switch, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Unplug the washer and turn off the water supply.
• Step 2: Unthread the mounting screws on the top cover.
• Step 3: Place one hand right under the cover, and insert a thin tool into the seam to release the locking tabs. 
• Step 4: Tilt the cover and pull it out to remove it.
• Step 5: Unthread the Phillips screws on the control panel.
• Step 6: Tip the control panel forward.
• Step 7: Unmount the back panel. Then, tilt the bottom of the panel and pull it out to remove it.
• Step 8: Unmount the small panel covering the pressure hose.
• Step 9: Push the locking clamp on the hose and slide it out of the way.
• Step 10: Disconnect the hose and remove the clamp.
• Step 11: Remove the hose from the retaining clips and undo its wire tie.
• Step 12: Unplug the electrical connector, and remove the old sensor.
• Step 13: Install the new sensor by sliding the hose through the opening and gently pressing it down into place.
• Step 14: Reconnect the electrical connector.
• Step 15: Insert the hose into its retaining clip and redo its wire tie.
• Step 16: Insert the locking clamp into the hose before reattaching the hose to its connector. Then, slide the clamp back into place.
• Step 17: Reinstall the small cover panel and its screws.
• Step 18: Reattach the back cover panel.
• Step 19: Flip the control panel and reinstall its screws.
• Step 20: Mount the top cover panel.
• Step 21: Plug in the washer, and test if it still overflows.

Defective Main Control Board

Think of the main control board as the brains of the washing machine. It controls most if not all functions in your appliance, including filling, draining, and spinning.

Over time, the main control board may deteriorate and cause your washer to malfunction, which can trigger a variety of error codes. That includes the OE code.

There is little you can do to repair a damaged main control board, but that doesn’t mean you need to replace the entire appliance. Just get a replacement for the faulty component and install it properly to resolve your problem.

What you’ll need:

• Phillips screwdriver
• Thin tool (e.g. putty knife or flathead screwdriver)
• New main control board

Solution: To replace a Samsung washer control board, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Unplug the washer, and turn off the water supply.
• Step 2: Move the washer around to access the back panel.
• Step 3: Unthread the screws on the back cover.
• Step 4: Use a flathead screwdriver to pry the locking tabs.
• Step 5: Tilt the cover upwards and lift it up to remove it. Then, set it aside.
• Step 6: Unthread the screws on the control panel.
• Step 7: Tip the control panel forward.
• Step 8: Put your thumbs on the cover and the rest of your fingers on the locking tabs. Push down with your thumbs and pull up the cover using your other fingers.
• Step 9: Take a photo of the electrical connections. Use this as your reference during the reassembly process.
• Step 10: Push the tab on each connector and pull out the wire to disconnect it.
• Step 11: Remove the wiring harness from its retainer.
• Step 12: Unthread the mounting screws of the main control board.
• Step 13: Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry the tabs on the panel and remove the main control board.
• Step 14: Pry the tabs around the interface board to release it.
• Step 15: Align the knob shaft on the new interface board with the hole and gently push it down.
• Step 16: Align the new main control board with the screw holes and press down along the edges until the tabs lock into place.
• Step 17: Reinstall the mounting screws of the main control board.
• Step 18: Plug all the electrical connectors. Use your photo as a reference.
• Step 19: Insert the wiring harness back into its retainer.
• Step 20: Reattach the cover of the control board.
• Step 21: Flip the control panel back into place and reinstall its mounting screws.
• Step 22: Mount the cover panel and secure it with its screws.
• Step 23: Plug the washer back in.
• Step 24: Turn on the washer and check if the OE code is fixed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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