Samsung dishwashers generally have a built-in self-diagnosis mechanism that enables them to display error codes when something is wrong. One popular error code is the Samsung dishwasher error code SE, which may also appear as 5E, SC, or 5C.
The error code SE is a drain fault error code that appears when your washer won’t drain. That could be due to a blocked drain hose or sink-drain connection, a clogged tub, a frozen drain line, excess suds, or a defective drain component.
In this case, the defective drain component could be the drain sensor, motor pump, impeller, solenoid, or flapper. So, you’ll need to check all five parts to determine the faulty one and fix it to clear the SE error code.
Note, however, that sometimes the SE error code may pop up due to the failure of a non-drain-related component such as the pressure switch, turbidity sensor, or control board. If any of the components is faulty, replace it.
Let’s discuss the issues behind the SE error code.
In a rush? Below is a summary of the six triggers of the SE error code and their fixes.
Quick Troubleshooting Guide for the Samsung Dishwasher Error Code SE
| – | Likely Cause | Fix |
| 1. | Blocked Drain Hose | Straighten out any kinks, pinches or bends. |
| 2. | Clogged Sink-Drain Connection | Unclog the connection and run water through it. |
| 3. | Clogged Tub | Clean the tub, especially the filter, drain, and sump. |
| 4. | Frozen Drain Line | Leave the sink door open to melt the ice. |
| 5. | Excess Suds | Use the recommended detergent, and don’t overuse it. |
| 6. | Defective Drain Component | Replace a faulty drain sensor, motor pump, impeller, solenoid, or flapper. |
What Causes the Samsung Dishwasher SE Error Code?
The SE error code, as mentioned, appears when your Samsung dishwasher has difficulty draining. If so, here are some of the issues that could stop your dishwasher from draining correctly:
1. Blocked Drain Hose
After recently installing or moving the dishwasher, there’s always the chance of pinching or bending the drain hose. If so, the bends or kinks will interfere with the drainage, which may cause the drain sensor to trigger the SE error code.
Fix
Straighten the drain hose to eliminate pinches, kinks, or bends. That’ll facilitate good drainage and clear the SE error code.
2. Clogged Sink-Drain Connection
The sink-drain connection, more so the garbage disposal, may accumulate food waste and debris. Once that happens, the clogging interferes with drainage, which may trigger the SE error code.
It’s also important to check if the garbage disposal cap is intact, as you should remove it to allow water to drain through.
Fix
Remove the garbage disposal cap if it’s intact. Meanwhile, remove the clog on the sink-drain connection and run water through the sink to wash it down.
3. Clogged Tub
The tub, especially its filter, drain, and sump, accumulate dirt and food debris over time, which may clog it. Once blocked, the drain sensor may detect a fault and prompt the SE error code.
Fix
Inspect the tub for clogging and clean it thoroughly, especially the filter, drain, and sump. Beware of sharp debris, however, not to hurt yourself.
4. Frozen Drain Line
Sometimes the drain line freezes up, especially during the cold season. If that’s the case, the ice obstruction interferes with the drainage, which may trigger the SE error code on your Samsung dishwasher.
Fix
If the drain line is frozen, open the sink door and let it de-thaw naturally. The ice will melt out after a while, and that’ll unblock the drain line.
5. Excess Suds
Too many suds are not good for your dishwasher. In fact, the suds interfere with drainage and may prompt the error code SE. The suds usually result from using excess detergent or the wrong type.
Fix
If there are many suds, reduce the detergent you use. It’s also essential to use the detergent that Samsung recommends.
6. Defective Drain Component
It could also be that your dishwasher is showing the SE error code because one of its drain components is malfunctioning. The component in question could be any of the following:
- Drain sensor – The drain sensor will send a false error if clogged or worn out. So, you’ve to inspect it for clogging and wear.
- Impeller – The impeller turns and forces dirty water out. Unfortunately, it’s unable to do so when it’s damaged, and since the dishwasher won’t drain all the water, the SE error code may pop up.
- Motor pump – The motor pump’s job is to power the impeller. It’s, however, unable to do that if it’s clogged or broken, and as a result, it may trigger the SE error code.
- Solenoid – The solenoid receives an electrical signal to open and allow water to drain. If it’s faulty, water won’t drain, and the SE error code may appear on the dishwasher.
- Flapper – The flapper, also known as the check valve, may be clogged or damaged, and if that’s the case, it’ll prevent the dishwasher from draining, which may lead to an SE error code.
Fix
Start by checking the drain sensor for clogging and clean it. If it’s worn out, replace it. Then inspect the impeller for breakage; if it’s broken, replace it.
Use a multimeter/voltmeter to measure the motor pump’s voltage. If it’s not 120V, the motor pump is defective, so you should replace it. But first, ensure you clean it to get rid of any clogging.
Test the solenoid with a multimeter or ohmmeter to determine if it has continuity. If it doesn’t, replace it. And if the flapper looks stuck, clean it and consider replacing it if it’s damaged.
Other Possible Causes of the Samsung Dishwasher Code SE
Note that the SE error code may sometimes pop up on your Samsung dishwasher for non-drain-related reasons. It happens when one of the components fails:
- Pressure switch – The work of the pressure switch is to measure water pressure and pass the information to the control unit. The drain sensor may trigger the SE error code if it’s faulty.
- Turbidity sensor – The turbidity sensor measures the level of water clarity. If it’s faulty, it may think that the water is muddy when it’s not, and that will force the drain sensor to trigger the SE error code to indicate a drainage problem.
- Control board – The control board is the dishwasher’s brain, and every function, including drainage, goes through. If it’s defective, the drain sensor and other sensors will start malfunctioning, which may result in the SE error code or any other.
You’ll need to replace any of these components if they are defective. But since they may be challenging to diagnose, you may need a dishwasher expert’s help.
How to Fix Samsung Dishwasher Error Code SE?
Having gone through the six issues behind the SE code and their respective fixes, here’s a general 6-step guide to clearing the error code:
Step 1 – Ensure the drain hose is kink/bend-free
Straighten out the drain hose if that’s not the case to clear any kinks, bends, or pinches. The easiest way is to move the dishwasher away from the wall to give the drain hose enough clearance.
Step 2 – Inspect the sink-drain connection for obstruction
Check if the drain-hose connection, more so the garbage disposal, is clogged, and if so, remove the clog. After that, run the sink water through it. Remember to remove the garbage disposal cap if you haven’t done so.
Step 3 – Clean the tub
Check the tub, notably the filter, drain, and sump, for clogging and clean them. Learn to do that every month to avoid the over-accumulation of debris.
Step 4 – Examine the drain line for ice-blockage
Check if the drain line is ice-clogged, and if that’s the case, leave the sink door open to allow the ice to melt out.
Step 5 – Check the dishwasher for excess suds
If the dishwasher has many suds, reduce the detergent you use. Also, ensure you only use the detergent the dishwasher manufacturer recommends.
Step 6 – Inspect the various drain components
Lastly, check if any of these drain components is defective:
- Drain sensor
- Impeller
- Motor pump
- Solenoid
- Flapper
If any of them is faulty, replace them. You can use a multimeter or ohmmeter to check if the drain sensor, motor pump, or solenoid have continuity, and if they don’t, that proves they are defective.
As for the impeller and flapper, inspect them for breakages. However, clean the flapper if it’s clogged but replace it if it’s damaged.
If you can’t do it, have a local expert help you or call Samsung support.
People Also Ask
1. What Does The SE Error Mean On Samsung Dishwasher?
The SE error code means your Samsung dishwasher won’t drain. In that case, check for anything that might be stopping it from doing so, such as drain hose blockage, tub clogging, frozen drain line, damaged impeller, stuck flapper, damaged motor pump, or faulty drain sensor, among others.
2. How Do I Reset My Samsung Dishwasher After Error Code?
You can reset your Samsung dishwasher after an error code by unplugging it for 10-15 minutes and then plugging it back. This hard reset should clear most error codes from your dishwasher.
3. How Do I Force My Samsung Dishwasher to Drain?
You can force your Samsung dishwasher to drain using these tips:
- Straighten out the drain hose to clear any kinks, pinches, or bends
- Unclog the garbage disposal and ensure its cap if off
- Clean the tub, especially the filter, drain, and sump, to get rid of clogging
- Thaw out the drain line if it’s ice-clogged
- Reduce detergent overuse and only use the recommended detergent
- Replace a defective drain component such as the drain sensor, impeller, motor pump, solenoid, or flapper
Closing Thought on the Samsung Dishwasher Error Code SE:
I’ve shared everything you should know about the error code SE on a Samsung dishwasher. Since this is a drain error code, you must check for an issue that could be stopping your washer from draining properly. That may be a drain hose or sink-drain connection blockage, a clogged tub, a frozen drain line, too many suds, or a failed drain sensor, motor pump, solenoid, flapper, or impeller.
And if you rule out all these issues, then your dishwasher won’t drain due to a defective pressure switch, turbidity sensor, or control board. If so, replace the faulty component and reset the dishwasher to clear the error code.
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