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The Samsung washing machine error code 1E means the water level pressure sensor is sending abnormal readings to the control board. It usually points to a kinked pressure sensor hose or a faulty water level sensor. A power reset clears the code in some cases, but if it returns, the pressure sensor or its wiring likely needs professional diagnosis and repair.
Time
10–20 min
Tools
None needed
Difficulty
Moderate
DIY Cost
Free
Time
10–20 min
Difficulty
Moderate
Tools
None needed
DIY Cost
Free
The Samsung washing machine error code 1E is a water level sensor error that indicates the pressure frequency sensor is not communicating properly with the control board. Every Samsung washer uses a small air-pressure sensor to measure how much water is in the drum. When that sensor sends readings outside the expected range, the washer stops the cycle and displays 1E.
On newer Samsung models, the same fault may appear as 1C, 1 1C, or 1 LC. These are all variations of the same water level sensor error, just displayed differently depending on the model generation. Do not confuse the 1E code with the LE code, which indicates a motor or drain leak issue, or the LC code, which signals a leak detected at the bottom of the washer.
The 1E code is not something you can ignore. The washer will not fill, agitate, or spin correctly without accurate water level readings. A power reset sometimes clears the code if it was caused by a temporary glitch, but a recurring 1E error points to a hardware issue that needs professional attention.
Kinked or pinched pressure sensor hose. The small rubber hose connecting the tub to the pressure sensor can get bent or compressed, sending incorrect pressure readings to the board. Most common
Clogged pressure sensor hose. Soap residue or debris can partially block the hose, distorting the air pressure signal the sensor relies on. Common
Faulty water level pressure sensor. The sensor itself has failed and no longer reads water levels accurately. This is an internal component that requires professional replacement. Common
Loose or damaged wiring harness. The wire connection between the pressure sensor and the main control board has come loose, corroded, or been damaged. Occasional
Temporary electronic glitch. A one-time power fluctuation or software hiccup caused a false reading. A power reset clears this. Occasional
Main control board failure. The board itself is not processing the sensor signal correctly. This is the least common cause and typically only diagnosed after the sensor and wiring are ruled out. Rare
Unplug the washing machine
Disconnect the washer from its power outlet or switch off the circuit breaker. This is a safety precaution and the first step in resetting the control board.
Wait 5 to 10 minutes before restoring power
Leave the washer unplugged for at least 5 minutes. This gives the control board time to fully discharge and reset its memory. A temporary sensor glitch will clear during this window.
Note: A shorter unplug (under a minute) may not fully reset the board. Give it the full 5 to 10 minutes.
Check for overloading
Remove some items if the drum was packed tightly. An overloaded washer can put excess pressure on internal components and cause abnormal sensor readings during the fill and spin cycles.
Make sure the washer is level
Place a bubble level on top of the washer. If it is tilted, adjust the leveling feet until the machine sits flat. An uneven washer can cause water to pool unevenly, which may confuse the water level sensor.
Clean the debris filter
Open the small access panel at the bottom front of the washer. Place a towel and shallow container underneath, then unscrew the debris filter cap. Let any trapped water drain out, clean the filter of lint or debris, and screw the cap back in firmly.
Tip: A clogged debris filter can cause drainage problems that affect water level readings during cycles.
Restore power and run a short test cycle
Plug the washer back in and start a quick wash or rinse cycle. Watch for the first few minutes. If the washer fills normally and the 1E code does not reappear, the issue was likely a temporary glitch or a minor loading issue.
If the code returns, the sensor or its hose needs professional attention
When the 1E error comes back after a full reset and these basic checks, the pressure sensor hose, the sensor itself, or the wiring between the sensor and the control board is the likely cause. These are internal components that require a technician to diagnose and repair safely.
Same-day appointments across Boston and surrounding neighborhoods. Certified technicians. 90-day warranty on every repair. No diagnosis surprises.
The DIY steps above cover everything safe to try at home. Call a professional Samsung appliance repair technician if:
The 1E code returns immediately after a full power reset
The washer stops mid-cycle repeatedly with the same code, regardless of load size
You notice the drum filling with too much or too little water before the error appears
The display is unresponsive or showing multiple error codes at once
You hear unusual clicking or buzzing from inside the top panel of the washer
When a Promix Appliance Repair technician arrives for a 1E error call, the first step is a full diagnostic. The technician will test the water level pressure sensor with a multimeter, inspect the pressure sensor hose for kinks or blockages, and check the wiring harness between the sensor and the main control board. This process pinpoints the exact failed component before any parts are ordered or replaced.
The most common repair for the 1E code is replacing the pressure sensor or clearing and reseating the pressure hose. Promix technicians carry common Samsung washer parts, so many 1E repairs are completed the same day. Every repair includes a warranty on parts and labor, backed by 10+ years of washer and dryer repair experience across Boston and the MetroWest area.
A service call fee applies and is credited toward the repair if you choose to proceed. Call Promix Appliance Repair at (781) 666-9565 to schedule same-day service.
Call (781) 666-9565 for a transparent quote before any work begins.
If You Fix It Yourself
$0
Opening valves, straightening hoses, and cleaning filter screens requires no parts and no tools.
Inlet Valve Replacement
$130–$210
Opening valves, straightening hoses, and cleaning filter screens requires no parts and no tools.
If You Fix It Yourself
$0
A power reset, leveling the washer, and cleaning the debris filter cost nothing and take about 15 minutes.
Professional Repair
Varies
Sensor replacements are typically more affordable than control board repairs. The exact cost depends on the failed part and your Samsung model.
Avoid overloading the drum. Packing too many items creates excess pressure and vibration that can stress internal sensors and loosen hose connections over time.
Use the correct amount of detergent. Excess suds leave residue inside the pressure hose. Use HE (high-efficiency) detergent in the recommended quantity for your load size.
Clean the debris filter monthly. A clogged filter affects drainage and can indirectly cause water level sensor errors during the drain and fill stages of a cycle.
Run a drum-clean cycle every 4 to 6 weeks. Samsung washers have a built-in Self Clean or Drum Clean cycle that removes soap buildup from internal components, including the area around the pressure hose.
Keep the washer level. Check the leveling feet periodically, especially after moving the washer for cleaning. An uneven washer causes unbalanced loads and inconsistent water level readings.
Same-day appointments across Boston and surrounding neighborhoods. Certified technicians. 90-day warranty on every repair. No diagnosis surprises.
Promix Appliance Repair serves Boston and surrounding MetroWest towns including Newton, Wellesley, Needham,
Brookline, Framingham, and Lexington. With a 4.9 Google rating, certified technicians, and common
Samsung parts stocked on every truck, most repairs are completed the same day you call.
No. The 1E code means the washer cannot accurately measure water levels, so it will not complete a wash cycle. Running the washer repeatedly with this error can lead to overfilling or underfilling, which may cause water damage or poor cleaning results. Resolve the error before using the machine again.
Sometimes. Unplugging the washer for 5 to 10 minutes resets the control board and can clear a 1E error caused by a temporary electronic glitch. If the code comes back after the reset, the water level sensor, its hose, or the wiring has a hardware problem that needs professional repair.
A power reset takes about 10 minutes. If the issue requires a technician, a pressure sensor or hose replacement is typically completed within 30 to 60 minutes once the part is confirmed. Promix Appliance Repair carries common Samsung parts for same-day completion in most cases.
If your Samsung washer is still within the manufacturer's warranty period (typically one year for parts and labor), a 1E repair caused by a defective sensor may be covered. Check your warranty documentation or contact Samsung support to confirm coverage before scheduling a repair.
The 1E code is a water level sensor error, meaning the washer cannot measure the water level in the drum. The LE code indicates a water leak has been detected, usually at the bottom of the unit. They are separate faults with different causes and different repairs, though both involve water-related issues.
Almost never. The 1E error is typically caused by a pressure sensor, its hose, or a wiring connection. These are all repairable components. Even a control board replacement, which is the least common cause, is far more affordable than a new washer. A qualified technician can confirm what needs replacing.