Your Samsung Washer uses the front display panel to inform you when an error or problem occurs. One error that users have reported running into is the SUD error code.
SUD is short for suds, meaning your washer has detected excessive amounts of soap suds inside the machine. When too many soap suds are present, the washer won’t be able to clean your clothes properly, so it’s crucial to fix this problem as soon as possible.
In this article, we’re going to cover all the reasons why this problem occurs and how to get it fixed up and restore your washer back to working order.
Causes of the Samsung Washer SUD Code
Depending on what model of Samsung washer you have, this error code may appear in several code variations, which include: SUd, 5US, Sd, SUdS, 5Ud5, or SUD.
No matter which variation you get, they all mean the same thing; there are too many suds! Let’s take a look at what exactly causes this problem.
1. Too Much Detergent is being Used
It’s all too easy to fall into the trap of thinking that using more detergent will result in cleaner clothes. Unfortunately, it actually does the opposite, as when excessive suds form, they cannot be drained away properly and will cause the dirt to remain on your clothes.
For optimal cleaning performance, you should only use the detergent amount indicated on the label of the particular brand you purchase.
2. The Wrong Type of Detergent is Used
Samsung high-efficiency washers require a specific detergent type called high-efficiency (HE), specially formulated to produce fewer suds than regular detergent.
This is because Samsung washers spin at very high speeds, and non-HE detergents will produce extra suds due to the faster spin speed. You can tell whether a detergent is a high-efficiency brand by checking the packet for the letters ‘HE’.
3. The Washer’s Gotten Dirty
While it might sound odd, washers are not self-cleaning and, over time, can develop build-ups of lint, mineral deposits from hard water, oils pulled from clothing, and built-up soap.
Over a long enough period, these build-ups can cause clogging issues in the drain pump, which may prevent the suds from thoroughly washing away. Ideally, you should give the washer a thorough clean every 6 months or so to keep these long-term build-ups under control.
4. The Detergent is of a Low Quality
Good quality detergent is not cheap, making those value dollar-store detergents a very tempting choice. Unfortunately, very low-quality detergents can cause all kinds of problems, from leaving deposits behind, excessive sudsing, and not cleaning the clothes properly.
You should ensure you are using a detergent of reasonable quality so this error code doesn’t appear.
5. An Issue with the Foam Level Sensor
An internal sensor in the washer monitors the amount of suds produced during a wash cycle. Should the suds become excessive, it will trigger the SUD code until the problem is addressed.
However, in some rare cases, this foam sensor can run into problems or become faulty, which causes it to trigger the SUD error code, even though the amount of suds in the washer is actually at an acceptable level.
The foam level sensor will need to be tested for continuity using a multimeter, and if it’s found to be defective, it should be replaced.
6. There’s a Clog in the Drain Line
The dirty water gets pumped out of the washer and removed through the drain line. This drain line is prone to developing blockages over time as things like lint, soap deposits, and mineral build-up from hard water accumulate.
This blockage can sometimes prevent the soap suds from being drained away, which in turn causes them to remain in the machine and throw up the SUD code. The drain hose will need to be thoroughly cleaned and unblocked so the suds can be washed away more easily.
7. There’s a Control Board Issue
The control board acts as the brain of the washer, managing wash cycle durations and the volume/temperature of the water needed to clean the clothes optimally.
While rare, sometimes the control unit can become faulty, which may trigger this error code. Unfortunately, the control board is difficult to repair by yourself, so the usual course of action here is just to replace the entire board.
How to Fix the Samsung Washer SUD Code
While there are quite a lot of potential causes behind this SUD code, more often than not, it comes down to the type and amount of detergent you are using.
Now that you have a better idea of what causes this code to occur let’s look at how to fix it and remove the SUD error message once and for all.
1. Use the Right Amount of Detergent
Using too much detergent is a surefire way of creating excessive detergent suds, triggering the SUD code. Ensure you always follow the usage amounts recommended on the packet of the detergent you have decided to use.
In some rare cases, you may still find using the recommended amount of detergent is too much. This is usually due to the high efficiency of the Samsung Washer, creating more suds than normal.
In this case, you should carefully reduce the amount of detergent you use below the recommended amount. But don’t go too low or the clothes won’t clean properly.
2. Ensure the Use ofย High-Efficiency Detergent
Older washing machines required additional suds because of the low spin cycle speeds. However, modern Samsung washers are high-efficiency machines, which means they must use high-efficiency detergent, or too many suds will be produced.
If you are not already, ensure you only use high-efficiency detergent in your washer.
3. Clean the Washer Out
Keeping your washing machine clean and those detergent build-ups under control are vital to ensuring the suds can adequately drain away. To remove any residual detergent residue left behind, you should run a wash cycle without any clothes in the washer.
Pick the longest and hottest cycle available; this will automatically help clean things out for you. Additionally, you should also clean out the filter:
- Take a shallow pan or bowl to catch the residual water that will drain out.
- Open the access door, usually located on the front of the washer.
- Pull out the emergency drain hose and let residual water drain into the pan/bowl.
- Once the water flow has stopped, you can remove the drain filter, turn it counterclockwise and pull it out.
- Clean out the filter, removing any built-up lint and detergent residue. You can simply use hot water for this.
- Give the area around where the filter should be installed a wipe down using a clean cloth.
- Re-install the filter and re-attach the drain hose.
4. Use a Better Quality Detergent
Low-quality detergents do not perform well; they produce too many suds, don’t clean efficiently, and leave behind a heavy soap residue that clogs up your washer.
Purchase a better quality detergent, and you will see a significant reduction in the amount of suds produced and an overall increase in cleaning efficiency and performance.
5. Replace the Foam Level Sensor
If the foam level sensor fails, the SUD code may appear even though there aren’t too many suds in the washer.
Unless you are already comfortable testing components with a multimeter and replacing them, I recommend contacting Samsung customer support, who will arrange for a technician to help test and replace the faulty foam/water level sensor.
6. Unclog the Drain Line
Blockages in the drain line will restrict how quickly the suds can drain away and cause them to sit inside the washer, so we need to get the drain line unblocked.
Disconnect the drain line from the washer and bring it to the sink. Make a cleaning solution consisting of equal parts baking soda and vinegar and pour it down the drain hose.
Wait for 10-15 minutes for it to break down the blockage and loosen the built-up laundry detergent residue. Then simply rinse it through with clean water and re-install.
7. There’s a Control Board Issue
If the control panel is running into issues, it can be very hard to diagnose and repair, so the usual course of action is just to replace the entire board.
Once again, the best solution is to contact Samsung customer support, who will arrange for a trained technician to install it for you.
How to prevent Samsung Washer SUD Error Code
Now that this error message is fixed, you’ll need to keep up with some general maintenance to ensure it doesn’t come back.
1. Use Good, High-Quality Detergent
One of the best ways to keep this error code under control is to ensure you don’t just use the cheapest detergent you can get. Purchase a good quality detergent and only use the amount specified on the label.
2. Keep the Washer Clean
Keeping up with general cleaning of your washer every few months will prevent build-ups and blockages from forming long-term.
This includes removing and cleaning out the drain filter as well as running an empty wash cycle on the hottest setting to help wash any detergent residue.
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.
