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Troubleshooting Samsung Washer Problems and Repairs

Troubleshooting Samsung Washer Problems and Repairs

The Spruce / Joules Garcia

Samsung is a leading manufacturer of washers and dryers. But if you have any brand of washing machine there will most likely come a time when a repair is necessary. These troubleshooting solutions may help keep your Samsung washer working smoothly and prevent a costly repair call.

Water Pump Problem During Spin Cycle

Problem: During the spin cycle, the washer pump keeps trying to pump water out and disrupting the spin cycle.

Solution: When this happens, it's time to do a bit of detective work. Does it happen with every load or only smaller loads? Large capacity washers are great for families that need to wash large loads but don't always work well when washing small loads.

Today's washers have out of balance protection installed to protect a washer from damaging itself during the spin cycle. Some Samsung washers add more water during the spin cycle to attempt to correct the imbalance of a small load. To solve the problem of extra water, redistribute the clothes to better balance the washer.

If the problem happens during large loads, it is usually an electronic control board issue. This can be an expensive repair and requires a technician.

Bleach Spotting

Problem: After adding bleach in the bleach dispenser to clean and disinfect the washer or a load of clothes, bleach spotting occurs on future loads of laundry.

Solution: The spotting can occur on future loads even with an extra rinse if you are not using the bleach dispenser correctly.

  • Do not overfill the dispenser. Never exceed the MAX line in the cup.
  • Check the level of the washer. If the washer is not level and it is tilting to one side or forward or backward, it may dispense the bleach at the wrong time or the dispenser cups will not empty completely and you will get drips on the next load.
  • After using the bleach dispenser, remove the dispenser cup and rinse it well or dry it with a paper towel to prevent drips.

Samsung Washer Trips Electrical Circuit 

Problem: Washer trips the electrical circuit in the home when it is turned on. 

There was a recall on Samsung front load washers in 2007 because water leakage onto the electrical connections of the washing machine's thermal sensor can cause an electrical short and ignite the circuit board, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Solution: STOP using the washer until you can check into the recall and/or have the electrical system of your washer checked. If you need a user or repair manual, you can find it here.

Water Remains in Detergent Dispenser After Every Wash

Problem: After every load of laundry, water remains in the detergent dispenser tray. 

Solution: It is not unusual for water to be left in a detergent, bleach or fabric softener dispenser. The products are dispensed by flushing them out of the tray with a stream of water. It is possible that the water stream is not cutting off as quickly as it should (faulty solenoid, which is easy to replace) and that is causing the excess water.

If the water is clear (not actual detergent), then your clothes are getting clean. Improve the dispensers' functionality by cleaning them regularly.

Streaks Left on Fabrics

Problem: Streaks appear on clothes after a cold water, short cycle wash.

Solution: The purple streaks happen when too much laundry detergent is used.  One tablespoon of concentrated HE detergent is the recommended amount for a standard, cold water load. Never use more than two tablespoons in a HE washer no matter the load size or water temperature.

Rewashing the clothes on a warm water wash cycle with no added detergent should remove the streaks.

Washer Leaks During Rinse Cycle

Problem: Washer leaks water during the rinse cycle even after cleaning the lint trap and checking water hoses for leaks.

Solution: If a leak is going to happen with a front loader, it is most often during the rinse cycle because more water is used at that time. The cause is most likely a leak or hole in one of the interior lines. It could be a puncture/hole in either the drain hose or the soft, black bellows hose next to the drain pump assembly. If you need a user or repair manual, you can find it here.

Washer Stops During Spin Cycle

Problem: Washer stops during the spin cycle and becomes off-balance. The spin cycle will complete after clothes are rearranged. 

Solution:

  • Run a diagnostic test to see if any error codes appear. The failure to complete the spin cycle can be caused by a slow drain and that code will appear.
  • To correct the slow drain, open the bottom panel of the washer housing. You will see a plug on the lower right. Have some towels ready to catch a gush of water and remove the plug. Clean out the filter. You may find lint, coins or buttons are obstructing the flow into the pump.
  • Never overload the washer. Take time to read the manual when you are not in a hurry to learn which cycle to select for different size loads.

Samsung Washer Will Not Start

Problem: Washer will not start even though the display says it is ready to begin the cycle. 

Solution: If the washer is receiving electrical power and everything else looks good, start by cleaning the contact points of the door latch with a bit of rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab. Even though it indicates that it is "locked", there must be full contact. If that doesn't work, a technical manual will help you put the washer into diagnostic mode to better determine if you have a mechanical, computer or electrical problem. 

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  1. Maytag® and Samsung™ Brand Front Loading Washing Machines Recalled Due to Fire Hazard. United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.