You started the wash as usual, but something went wrong. The Samsung machine rustled with water for a long time, filling and draining it at the same time, and then interrupted the program and gave the LE error.
Sometimes users do not monitor the equipment so closely but simply discover that the wash has stopped and the LE code is on. In this case, a puddle may be visible on the floor or Aquastop has been activated in the washing machine (in models equipped with a leakage protection system).
Is there really a breakdown? We'll look into it.
What does the error mean?
The error code LE in Samsung washing machines informs the user that for some reason water spontaneously leaves the washing machine tank. Into the sewer or as a leak on the floor where the washing machine is located.
When you can fix the LE error yourself
LE does not always indicate a breakdown. The code may be lit for the following reasons.
- Incorrect drain connection. Normally, the drain hose of the washing machine should rise above the water level in the tank. This is approximately 60 cm from the floor. Otherwise, the water will flow into the sewer by gravity. If you have just connected the Samsung machine and it does not work, and the display shows the LE error, check the correctness of the drain connection. If you suspect self-draining, reconnect the washing machine according to the instructions (raise the drain hose above the water level in the tank).
- The drain filter is not screwed in properly. You may have recently cleaned the drain filter and not screwed it in all the way. Check if it is leaking water. If you find a leak, drain the water from the washing machine by turning on the drain program, unscrew the filter and screw it in again until it stops.
- One-time failure of the control unit. Sometimes the electronics of the washing machine "freezes", and then the machine can give any errors without any reason. It is necessary to reboot the control module. To do this, disconnect the washing machine from the power supply by pulling the plug out of the socket for 10-15 minutes. If the LE code disappears after switching on, the cause was a failure, which you successfully dealt with.
Possible faults that cause the LE code to appear
Even though the LE error indicates a leak, determining the exact cause of the code is not always easy. Here are the most common faults that cause this error.
The drain hose is damaged or its connection to the pump snail has become loose
The drain hose of washing machines is made of polypropylene. Unfortunately, if you step on it or drop a heavy object, it can break and cause a leak.
Another scenario: over time, the hose clamp that attaches it to the drain pump snail weakens. The connection begins to leak water, and the machine displays the LE error.
signs
If the hose is damaged, the leak appears on the side or back of the washing machine. If the cause is a loose connection, the Samsung is leaking from below. In both cases, LE lights up on the screen.
In Samsung models with Aquastop, water gets into the tray, the leak protection system is triggered, the drain pump turns on and runs constantly, and the washing machine does not respond to any commands.
How to fix
If the drain hose is damaged, it is replaced with a new one. Loose connections are tightened or the clamp is replaced with a new one.
The drain pipe is damaged or its connections to the tank or pump are loose
The drain pipe is a rubber part that connects the tank and the snail, which contains the drain filter and pump. Often, over time, due to constant vibrations, the connections become loose and begin to leak.
Also, the rubber of the pipe is cut by sharp foreign objects that slip there from the tank. Clothing fittings, bra bones, screws forgotten in pockets, pins, paper clips - all of them pierce the pipe and a leak appears.
Signs
The Samsung washing machine leaks from the bottom and displays the LE error on the display. In models with Aquastop, the leak protection system is triggered: the drain pump constantly hums, draining water, and the machine does not respond to commands.
How to fix
The punctured pipe is replaced with a new one. Gluing is not a reliable repair method.
If the connections have become loose, tighten the clamps that secure the pipe to the tank and the pump snail, or replace them with new ones.
Punctured tank
Old washing machines still have metal tanks, but now manufacturers produce machines mainly with tanks made of plastic or polypropylene. It is simply cheaper. Because of this design feature, tank breakdowns often occur: if foreign objects from pockets or fittings from clothes slip into the tank, they turn into a dangerous object. A simple coin is enough for spinning: if it stands on its edge, the tank will be punctured. A bra underwire can even cut through plastic like a knife through butter.
Signs
The Samsung washing machine shows the LE error and water flows from under the machine at any stage of the program. If the upper part of the tank is damaged, the leak is weak. If the breakdown occurs in the lower third, severe flooding of the room is possible.
In Samsung washing machines with leak protection, the Aquastop system is activated: the drain pump is turned on and works constantly, the machine does not respond to any commands.
How to fix
Most modern Samsung washing machines have a detachable tank: therefore, only the tank needs to be changed.
If your washing machine has a non-separable tank, it is replaced together with the drum. Considering the high cost of such repairs, it is sometimes more expedient to buy a new machine.
Defective pressure switch (water level sensor)
The pressure switch is responsible for determining the water level in the tank. This unit consists of a round plastic housing, inside which there is a diaphragm, a coil and a contact group. A pressure tube goes to the housing, its other end is connected to the air chamber.
When water is poured in, the pressure inside the air chamber of the pressure switch increases and is transmitted through the tube to the sensor, it is triggered, and the machine “understands” that the water has reached a certain level.
When the LE error occurs, the pressure switch for some reason gets stuck in the "empty tank" position. This may be due to damage or the pressure tube jumping off the plastic housing due to vibrations. Less often, the sensor itself fails (its contact group gets stuck in the "empty tank" position). As a result, the Samsung washing machine fills with water until it overflows, drains it and interrupts the cycle with an emergency code.
Signs
The Samsung washing machine fills and drains water, and then writes the LE error on the display.
How to fix
The pressure switch is inspected. If the tube has come off, it is put back in place. If it is damaged or the sensor contact group is faulty, the unit is replaced with a new one as a whole.
Heating element gasket leaks
The heating element heats the water in the washing machine. A special sealing gasket is responsible for the tightness of its fit to the socket in the tank. Sometimes, due to many years of use, the rubber of the gasket loses its elasticity, cracks, and a leak appears.
Also, the heating element gasket can be corroded by aggressive descalers. Therefore, their use should not be too frequent and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions!
If the heating element was recently replaced and then the machine started leaking and showing the LE code, it is likely that the heating element was poorly installed.
Signs
The Samsung washing machine leaks during washing, rinsing and spinning. LE lights up on the display. In models with a rear heating element in the tank, the leak occurs closer to the back wall, with a front one - closer to the front panel.
In Samsung washing machines with Aquastop, the system for protecting the machine body from leaks is activated: the drain pump is turned on and works constantly, while the equipment does not respond to any buttons.
How to fix
If the heating element in your Samsung has recently been replaced, the problem can be solved by correctly reinstalling the heater. If the gasket has cracked or has been corroded by descaling agents, you will need to replace the heating element with the gasket as a whole: the seals are not sold separately.
Damaged cuff
The cuff is a rubber seal that is located along the edges of the hatch. It is what ensures the tightness of the machine after the door is closed. Like other rubber parts, the cuff can dry out and crack due to age, especially if the machine has been idle for a long time. But more often, the seal is mechanically damaged by items forgotten in pockets (toothpicks, keys, lighters, paper clips) or clothing accessories.
Signs
If the cuff is damaged, water flows from under the door or from under the washing machine at any stage of the cycle: washing, rinsing and spinning. The display shows the LE error.
If the washing machine is equipped with a leak protection system, the water is collected in the tray: there may not be any on the floor. However, Aquastop is activated, the machine stops responding to any commands, and the drain pump works all the time.
How to fix
In case of an LE error, the puncture of the cuff is usually located at the bottom and is quite large. It is not advisable to seal it: the “patch” will not withstand even ten cycles. The torn seal is removed and replaced with a new one.
The control unit is out of order
The washing machine control unit is a microcircuit with a processor, it contains the entire algorithm of the machine. Due to voltage surges in the network or exposure to humidity, individual elements on the microcircuit may burn out, their contacts and/or tracks may burn out or oxidize. With the LE code, such a problem occurs in the pressure switch circuit. In rare cases, the cause of the error lies in a processor malfunction.
Signs
The washing machine shows the LE error, but there is no leak.
How to fix
The control unit is diagnosed: the pressure switch circuit is inspected and ringing. Oxidized and burnt contacts of elements and tracks are cleaned and re-soldered. If the cause is a processor malfunction or extensive damage to the board is detected, the control unit is replaced with a new one.
Despite the variety of breakdowns for which Samsung issues the LE error, the technicians of the Repair City successfully cope with them. All you need is to leave a request. On the same day (or any other convenient day for you), a specialist will come to your home, diagnose the washing machine and establish the exact cause of the error. After, with your consent, the technician will perform repairs at home. There is no need to take the equipment anywhere!
We are responsible for quality according to the law: we provide a guarantee for work and spare parts for up to 3 months. We will give a second life to your Samsung!
