Washer Overflowing or Using Too Much Water
There is too much water in the washer. The 5 codes below are the ones whose manufacturer wording describes this condition. Open a code for the checks and the escalation advice listed for it.
Which error codes can cause this problem?
Codes are grouped by brand. Each one links to its own page with the full checklist and the manufacturer source.
Samsung
LG
Whirlpool
What to check first
These are the checks the manufacturer support page lists for each code. Brands word their checks differently, so they are shown per code.
Shared by several codes:
- Too much washing powder/liquid may have been added; Samsung E3, Samsung OF
- switch off the power to the appliance, wait 1 minute, then switch it back on - the drain pump should drain the washing machine. Samsung E3, Samsung OF
Samsung E3 — 2 checks
- Too much washing powder/liquid may have been added;
- switch off the power to the appliance, wait 1 minute, then switch it back on - the drain pump should drain the washing machine.
Samsung OE — 2 checks
- Follow the no-drain checks: make sure the washer is level, the drain hose is not kinked and is at the correct height, and (front loaders) clean the drain pump filter;
- then run a cycle to confirm the washer drains.
Samsung OF — 2 checks
- Too much washing powder/liquid may have been added;
- switch off the power to the appliance, wait 1 minute, then switch it back on - the drain pump should drain the washing machine.
LG FE — 2 checks
- Check whether extra water is being supplied through the detergent dispenser;
- unplug the appliance, wait 60 seconds, restart it and start a Quick 30 program (it should start with a drain action).
Whirlpool F8E3 — 2 checks
- Use only HE detergent and measure the dose (use less with very soft water);
- make sure the drain hose and drain pump filter are not plugged.
Common causes
Conditions the manufacturer support pages name for these codes.
- Water collecting where it should not be (a leak or the base tray filling) Samsung OE, Samsung OF, Whirlpool F8E3
- A blocked or dirty filter Samsung OE
- A kinked, bent, or pinched hose Samsung OE
- A blocked, kinked, or incorrectly installed drain hose or standpipe Samsung OE
- Using the wrong type of detergent Samsung OF
- Too much detergent, which produces excess suds Whirlpool F8E3
When to call a professional
What the manufacturer support pages say about escalating each code.
- If the error continues, visit the Samsung Support Center to request service. Samsung E3
- If the washer still does not drain during a test cycle, request service. Samsung OE
- If the tub continues to fill to the point of overflowing, there may be a problem with the water level sensor - request service if the error recurs. LG FE
- If the code returns, service is needed. Whirlpool F8E3
The support page for Samsung OF does not add separate escalation advice.
Regional differences
These codes are described separately for the United States and the United Kingdom.
Samsung E3
United States: Motor error - no specific troubleshooting is listed on the page; follow the basic steps.
United Kingdom: Overflow error.
LG FE
United States: Water overfilling problem: the drain pump activates to prevent leaks and extra water may have entered the drum, possibly through the detergent dispenser.
United Kingdom: Overfill error: the washer detected an overfilled tub.
Official sources
- Samsung washing machine information and error codes
- What do the codes on my washing machine mean?
- LG Front Load Washer - Error Code List(New)
- F8 E3 - Front Load Washer
Every explanation on this page follows the manufacturer support page for the code it comes from.
If you see water on the floor, smell burning, or the official page says to call service, stop and contact the manufacturer or a qualified technician.