Samsung Washing Machine Error Code E3

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 11, 2026

⚠ High Severity 🔧🔧 Moderate DIY

Overflow / water level error (older Samsung models)

The most common cause of the E3 error on a Samsung washing machine is water inlet valve not closing fully (~45% of cases); start with: watch for fill with power off.

💰 DIY cost: $20–$60 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $160–$300 Save $140+ by doing it yourself

Samsung Washing Machine error code E3 on the display panel — How the E3 code appears on a Samsung washing machine display

What Does Error Code E3 Mean on a Samsung Washing Machine?

Overflow / water level error (older Samsung models).

E3 on legacy Samsung washers indicates the water level rose above the safe limit — the overflow equivalent of OC/OE on newer displays. The washer drains automatically as a safety measure. The usual culprits are a leaking inlet valve or a faulted pressure sensor.

What Causes Error Code E3?

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

1

Water inlet valve not closing fully 45% of cases
2

Pressure sensor or hose fault giving a false low reading 30% of cases
3

Blocked pressure chamber causing late level detection 15% of cases
4

Control board relay stuck on 10% of cases

How to Fix Samsung Washing Machine Error Code E3

🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Est. time: 30–60 min

⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.

1

Watch for fill with power off

Turn the washer off at the wall with supply valves open; if the drum still fills, the inlet valve is mechanically stuck and must be replaced.

🔩 Samsung water inlet valve ($25–$60)
2

Check the pressure hose

Inspect the thin air hose from the tub to the pressure sensor for kinks, splits, or detergent sludge.

⚠️ Unplug the washer before opening the top panel.
3

Replace the pressure sensor

If the hose is clear and the valve closes, the level sensor is misreporting and should be swapped.

🔩 Samsung water level sensor ($20–$50)

How to Reset Error Code E3

Turn off the water supply, unplug for 5 minutes, then restart. Keep supply valves closed until the cause is found.

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 not filling →

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When to Call a Professional

Overfilling risks flooding — if you can't identify the cause quickly, shut off the supply valves and call a technician.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $160–$300

Related Error Codes

Water supply not detected

⚠ Medium Severity

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

⚠ High Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code E3 appears on these other brands too. See every brand that shows E3 →

GE Appliances Dryer E3

Outlet thermistor shorted — exhaust temperature sensor failure

Broan-NuTone Range Hood E03

Communication error — Wi-Fi module or app connectivity failure

Speed Queen Washing Machine E3

Water inlet valve fault — water supply issue

Speed Queen Dryer E3

Thermistor failure — temperature sensor 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

UE Unbalanced load detected OE Drain failure — water not draining 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 E3 appears? +

It is not advisable. The washing machine may still power on, but running it while E3 is active can worsen the water-supply fault or damage related parts. Treat it as a soon-as-possible repair.

What most commonly causes E3 on a Samsung Washing Machine? +

Across reported Samsung washing machine repairs, the most frequent is water inlet valve not closing fully (45% of cases), pressure sensor or hose fault giving a false low reading (30%), then blocked pressure chamber causing late level detection (15%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.

E3 keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +

A reset only clears the stored E3 fault; if it returns, the water-supply problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — watch for fill with power off, then check the pressure 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 E3? +

A DIY repair typically runs $20–$60 in parts, versus $160–$300 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $140. Expect the work to take roughly 30–60 minutes.

Sources & References

• Samsung Support — Error Codes — official manufacturer documentation
• Our editorial & verification policy

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

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