Samsung Washing Machine Error Code LE 1E – What To Check – How To Fix

Is your Samsung washer showing the error code LE, Le, lE, le, 1E, 1e, or suds fault code? This indicates an issue with OVERSUDSING or a faulty WATER LEVEL SENSOR. The errors you may see on your Samsung washer’s display will usually be caused by using an excessive amount of softener, detergent, non-HE detergent or bleach.

If you know for sure you are not using too much softener, bleach, or detergent, then you need to look into the possibility of too much soap residue, checking the hoses and filters, or a faulty WATER LEVEL SENSOR.

Samsung washing machine error code LE means the washer has tried to fill but has not reached the proper water level. Check the water supply valves are fully opened. Make sure your water supply is a minimum of 20 psi.

When your Samsung washer displays one of these error codes, or if you discover the washer leaking water, then perform, try, or verify the following to find the root cause and clear the error code:

If you are using a non-HE detergent on your HE washer, or too much detergent, this will cause excess suds, odors, fault and error codes, and water leaks.
Be sure to use high efficiency detergent to prevent excess suds.

Samsung washer error LE iE 1e

Here is what to check when you get the LE error code:

1. Be sure the door is closed.
2. Be sure the door seal is clean and free of debris.
3. Be sure the water hose connections are tight.
4. Be sure the O-rings on the water hoses are installed properly and not torn.
5. Be sure the end of the drain hose is situated no more than 6 inches into the drain pipe.
6. Be sure the drain pipe is secured.
7. Be sure the washing machine is 100% level.
8. Be sure the detergent drawer is closed.
9. Do not overload.
10. Do not use excessive detergent.

You may also have soap residue that is causing the error. To prevent this you need to remove the soap residue from the washer.

Here is how to remove soap residue from your Samsung washer which can cause error codes:

1. Open the washer door and be sure the tub is empty.
2. Close the washer door.
3. Open the detergent drawer and be sure that it is completely empty.
4. Once the detergent drawer is empty, run a Sanitize cycle or Pure Cycle/Self Clean.
5. When the washer fills and begins the washing cycle press the Start/Pause button.
6. The washer will pause and the door will unlock.
7. Open the door and check the water in the tub.
8. If the water in the tub is soapy or has suds then there is soap build up in the unit from using excess.
9. Close the washer door and press the Pause/Start button to complete the cycle.
10. If you see suds in the washer tub, run empty cycles empty with no detergents until the water in the tub is clear and no more suds appear.

Remove soap residue from Samsung Washer

If all of the methods above did not help clear the error code, the you may have a water level error.

Here is how to fix or troubleshoot the water level sensor error:

If there is not enough water in the washing machine then try the following:

• Make sure the door is closed.
• Make sure the hot and cold water supply hoses are not kinked and the water supply valves are open. NOTE: Water pressure in the home must be between 30 pounds per square inch and 120 pounds per square inch for your Samsung washer to operate. When only cold water is connected to the washer, a splitter must be used to ensure that both of the washer’s inlet supply valves are supplied with water.
• Make sure the drain hose is not inserted too far down into the home’s drain pipe. This can form a vacuum or syphon. The pressure formed from the vacuum can cause the pressure sensor to believe the tub has reached the correct water level. When this occurs the water valves will close and prevent anymore water from entering the washer.
• Make sure flood safe/check hoses are not installed on your Samsung washer. If flood safe hoses are installed then replace them with rubber supply hoses. NOTE: Flood safe/check hoses are not recommended because they may restrict water flow to the washer and cause this issue.
• Make sure the water inlet hose filters on the back of the washing machine where the water hoses connect are clean.
• Now run a test wash and see if the error code has been cleared. NOTE: Samsung front load washers use 13 gallons of water per cycle. The 13 gallons is the total amount of water used throughout the complete wash cycle. The initial fill does not add 13 gallons. During the initial fill, the machine may not appear to have enough water, but this is normal. Your washer adds water after the initial fill to properly mix in the detergent.

How to Understand Samsung Washing Machine Error Codes

If you suspect a faulty water level sensor is causing your LE error code, here is how to check it:

To test the water level sensor:

1. Remove the top off the machine by removing the screws along the back.
2. Inside the top of the machine you will see the pressure switch.
3. It has a plastic tube attached, pull the plastic tube off and then blow into the tube.
4. This will clear any lint in the tube.
5. After this test the washer.
6. If this has not fixed your Samsung washer, then replace the water level switch.

Samsung Aftermarket Replacement Washing Machine Pressure Switch

What does the water level sensor in my Samsung washer do?
The sensor tells the control board when there is enough water in the tub and to stop filling with water. It then tells the control board that the tub is empty and to start spinning.

Getting the LE error code and need help? Leave your question below in the comments and we will assist.

Written by Keith Schneerer

Certified Appliance Tech · Founder, RemoveAndReplace.com

Keith has spent 30+ years repairing machines, starting as a military mechanic and later maintaining food processing equipment before moving into appliance repair. He founded RemoveAndReplace.com to share field-tested repair advice.

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