ApplianceErrors.com

Samsung Washing Machine Error Code E2

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 11, 2026
⚠ High Severity 🔧🔧 Moderate DIY

Drain error (older Samsung models) — water not draining in time

The most common cause of the E2 error on a Samsung washing machine is clogged debris filter (~45% of cases); start with: clean the debris filter.

💰 DIY cost: $0–$80 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $150–$280 Save $150+ by doing it yourself
Samsung Washing Machine error code E2 on the display panel
How the E2 code appears on a Samsung washing machine display

What Does Error Code E2 Mean on a Samsung Washing Machine?

Drain error (older Samsung models) — water not draining in time.

E2 fires when the control board runs the drain phase but the pressure sensor still reports water in the tub after the drain timer expires. The board expects the level to fall below an empty threshold within a set window; if it doesn't, it flags a drain fault. This distinguishes it from a fill or leak code — the machine drained too slowly or not at all, most often from a restricted filter, hose, or pump rather than a sensor miscalibration.

Models affected: Older Samsung washers with two-character LED displays (both top-load and front-load) that predate the 5C/5E code convention; none of the current known-model list uses the E2 designation.
What owners report: Owners commonly report E2 appearing at the end of a wash with water left standing in the drum, and clearing the debris filter often resolves it right away. A partially kinked drain hose or lint-clogged filter is a frequent culprit, so it's worth checking those before suspecting the pump.

What Causes Error Code E2?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

  1. 1
    Clogged debris filter 45% of cases
  2. 2
    Kinked or blocked drain hose 25% of cases
  3. 3
    Drain pump failure 20% of cases
  4. 4
    Clogged standpipe or house drain 10% of cases

How to Fix Samsung Washing Machine Error Code E2

🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Est. time: 30–60 min
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Clean the debris filter

    Open the lower front access panel, drain residual water via the small hose, and clean the filter thoroughly.

    ⚠️ Several liters of water may come out — have towels and a shallow pan ready.
  2. 2

    Check the drain hose

    Straighten any kinks and confirm the hose isn't pushed more than 6 inches into the standpipe.

  3. 3

    Test the drain pump

    Run a Spin/Drain cycle and listen for the pump hum; a silent or grinding pump needs replacement.

    🔩 Samsung drain pump ($35–$80)
    ⚠️ Unplug the washer before replacing the pump.

How to Reset Error Code E2

After clearing the blockage, run a Rinse+Spin cycle to confirm draining.

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

Full Samsung washer reset guide → Enter diagnostic mode → Symptom guide: Washer won't drain →

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

If the filter and hose are clear but water still stands in the drum, the pump or pressure switch needs professional testing.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $150–$280

Related Error Codes

5C
Drain error — water not draining within the time limit
⚠ High Severity
OE
Drain failure — water not draining
⚠ High Severity
OE
Drain failure — water not draining
⚠ High Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code E2 appears on these other brands too. See every brand that shows E2 →

Maytag logo
Maytag Dryer E2
Thermistor short circuit — temperature sensor failure
Broan-NuTone logo
Broan-NuTone Range Hood E02
Fan motor failure — motor not running
Speed Queen logo
Speed Queen Washing Machine E2
Motor feedback error — motor control fault
Fisher & Paykel logo
Fisher & Paykel Washing Machine E2
Motor controller fault

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your Samsung Washing Machine:

🔩
Search PartSelect
Samsung Washing Machine repair parts
🔧
Search RepairClinic
Step-by-step video guides

External links — ApplianceErrors.com is not affiliated with these retailers.

More Samsung Washing Machine Error Codes

4C Water supply not detected UE Unbalanced load detected LE Motor locked — drum cannot rotate DE Door not properly closed or door lock failure HE Water heater error — water not heating to target temperature SUD Excessive suds detected

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Samsung Washing Machine when error E2 appears? +
It is not advisable. The washing machine may still power on, but running it while E2 is active can worsen the drainage fault or damage related parts. Treat it as a soon-as-possible repair.
What most commonly causes E2 on a Samsung Washing Machine? +
Across reported Samsung washing machine repairs, the most frequent is clogged debris filter (45% of cases), kinked or blocked drain hose (25%), then drain pump failure (20%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
E2 keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored E2 fault; if it returns, the drainage problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — clean the debris filter, then check the drain hose — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a moderate job — a multimeter and some disassembly are usually involved.
How much does it cost to fix Samsung Washing Machine error E2? +
A DIY repair typically runs $0–$80 in parts, versus $150–$280 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $150. Expect the work to take roughly 30–60 minutes.
Which Samsung Washing Machine models show error E2? +
E2 is documented on Older Samsung washers with two-character LED displays (both top-load and front-load) that predate the 5C/5E code convention; none of the current known-model list uses the E2 designation.. Other units sharing the same control platform can display it too, so the fixes here generally transfer across the series.

Sources & References

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 11, 2026.

← All Samsung Washing Machine Error Codes ← All Samsung Error Codes