While Samsung washers are generally considered very reliable machines, they do run into issues from time to time. One such issue that users have commonly reported is that their washer has suddenly started to display the 4E error code.
When you receive this error code, it means that water cannot flow into the machine from the supply hose. Without a steady water supply, it won’t be able to clean your clothes.
So in this article, I will explain precisely what causes this problem and how you can fix it and return your Samsung washing machine to normal working order.
What Causes Samsung Washer 4E Code?
The challenge with diagnosing the root cause of this error code is that there are several places where a blockage might occur.
So let’s first look at where exactly these blockages may form so you can pinpoint where the problem lies on your particular machine.
1. The Washer Needs to be Power Cycled
Sometimes this code can be thrown up by a simple glitch or error in the system, even when there’s no real water supply problem.
Many users have found that the error disappears by simply power cycling the machine.
2. Faulty Water Supply Valves
The water supply valves control the amount of water that is able to flow into the machine and adjust the hot and cold input as necessary in order to achieve the correct volume and temperature of water for your chosen wash cycle setting.
Sometimes these valves can become clogged up with mineral deposits and small pieces of grit, particularly if you live in an area with hard water.
In many cases, this buildup can irreparably damage the valve. So most of the time, they will need to be replaced with new ones.
3. The Water Supply Hose is Kinked
This is a very common issue to occur, particularly if you have recently moved your washer or pulled it out for servicing.
If the washer isn’t pushed into place carefully, it may trap, pinch or kink the water hose, which will dramatically reduce the amount of water that can flow into the machine.
So the hose must be untangled to allow water to flow back into the washer.
4. The Water Supply Hose is Blocked
Much like the valves, the water supply hose is prone to developing a mineral buildup and having things like lint or other debris get stuck in there, which over time will build up to the point where it’s restricting the water flow.
The water hose must be removed and flushed out to remove the blockage.
5. The Mesh Filter is Blocked
To help prevent the supply hose from becoming blocked up, there is a small mesh filter at the connection point of the washer, designed to help prevent big pieces of debris from getting inside the machine.
However, this filter is not as fine as the water filter, so small pieces can still make it through and may block up the connection point of the machine.
The water tap will need to be removed and the mesh filter cleaned out.
6. The Lint Filter is Blocked
While this doesn’t directly clog up the hose, when the lint filter gets blocked up, it can allow too much lint to flow through the machine and block up other areas.
The lint filter should be cleaned out intermittently to help keep the debris down to a minimum.
7. There is a Home Water Supply Issue
Of course, even if your machine is operating just fine, when there is an issue with your home’s water supply, then this error may still occur.
You will need to inspect your home’s water valves to ensure they work.
How to Fix a Samsung Washer 4E Error Code
As you can see, while this error code indicates a water supply issue, it’s most commonly caused by a blockage restricting the water from making it to the machine.
Now that you have a better idea of what causes this problem, let’s look at how to fix each of these issues and restore your washer back to working order.
1. Power Cycle the Washer
Before you do anything, you should power cycle the machine just to be sure it’s not an error or glitch in the washer’s system.
This process is very simple; you just need to unplug your washer from the power supply and wait 2-3 minutes for the capacitors to discharge completely.
Once enough time has passed, plug it back in and check if the error is fixed. If the error returns, you should move on to the next step.
2. Replace the Faulty Water Inlet Valve
To ascertain whether the valve has failed or not, you will need to remove the back or top of the cabinet, depending on your particular model of Samsung washer (refer to your manual if you are unsure) and test the valve solenoids with a multimeter.
If they are found to be non-functional, they must be replaced.
- Start by unplugging the washer from the power supply.
- Unscrew the valve screws, which attach it to the housing.
- Take a picture of the wiring setup and colors so you can refer back to it when installing the new ones.
- Disconnect the inlet valve hose clamp to free the old inlet valve from the washer; this can then be discarded.
- Install the new valve in its place, refer to your picture, and install the wires and screws in the same way as the old one.
3. Unkink the Water Inlet Hose
If you have a kinked water supply hose, then water won’t be able to flow into the machine, so you’ll need to unblock it.
Carefully pull the washer away from the wall and check for kinking, pinching, or damage to the hose.
Arrange the hose in a way so water can flow through it smoothly, and carefully push the washer back into place, being sure not to re-kink the hose in the process.
4. Unblock the Water Supply Hose
Cleaning out a water supply hose can be challenging as the mineral deposit buildup often won’t wash away with just simple warm water.
- Remove the supply hose from the washer and take it to the sink.
- Boil a kettle and pour the boiling water down the hose to remove as much loose debris as possible.
- Next, pour some baking soda down the drain hose and follow it up with white vinegar.
- Leave the hose for 5-10 minutes to let the baking soda/vinegar solution break down the blockage.
- Rinse it through with water to flush everything out; you might want to do this a few times so no residual vinegar gets pulled into your washer.
- Re-install the supply hose and run a test cycle to ensure water now flows correctly.
5. Clean Out the Mesh Filter
Blockages can also form on the water hose mesh filter located at the connection point of the machine.
You’ll need to disconnect the fitting, which connects the supply hose to the machine. Wrapping a cloth around it as you pull the fitting away is a good idea, as some water will inevitably come out.
Pull the water hose mesh filters out from the washer using a pair of pliers and take them to the sink. Rinse them out under warm running water; if anything is particularly stuck, give them a light brush to remove all the debris.
Now you can re-install the filter and reconnect the hose.
6. Clean Out the Debris Filter
If the debris filter is clogged, it may cause wanted debris to move around the machine and cause blockages elsewhere, so it’s a good idea to clean it out.
- Open up the small access panel on the front of the machine and place a shallow plate under it to catch the water.
- Pull out the small drain hose and let it drain away. Then reconnect the hose.
- Now you can rotate the filter anti-clockwise and pull it out from the washer.
- Wash it under warm running water to remove all the debris.
- Take a cloth and wipe down the filter housing on the machine.
- Re-install the filter and close the front access door.
7. Fix your Home’s Water Supply
If the water supply coming from your house isn’t able to supply enough water or the water pressure isn’t adequate, it will cause the 4E error code to appear.
You should check your hot and cold water supplies and ensure the taps are opened up the whole way.
If the water pressure is very low, you may need to contact a local plumber to address your home’s water supply problem before you can fix the 4E error.
Preventing Samsung Washer 4E Code
This error is most commonly triggered by some kind of buildup in the water system which prevents the machine from getting enough water to operate.
There are a few things you can do to help prevent code from coming back.
1. Keep the Machine Clean
Buildups inside the filters and hose are the most common cause of restricted water flow.
Consider giving the hose, mesh filter, and debris filter a good clean every few months to address buildups before they become too serious.
2. Improve your Home’s Water Supply
You should ensure your home is able to provide enough water for the machine to operate. This includes setting your water pressure and ensuring your taps are fully open.
3. Use a Water Softener System
Mineral deposits from hard water significantly contribute to water hose blockage buildups.
If you live in an area with particularly hard water, you may want to consider installing a water softenerย to help remove some of these minerals, so they don’t build up inside the hose.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
