What 2E actually means
The machine has tried to pump the water out and hasn't managed it, so it has stopped with the drum still full.
On Samsung machines the drain code is shown as "5E", but the way the segments light up on the display it very often reads as "2E" — they are the same fault. The control board watches the water level as the pump runs, and if the level hasn't dropped to where it should be within about ten minutes of the pump starting, it gives up and flags the error. You'll usually find the door locked shut with water sitting in the drum.
What 2E looks like on a Samsung washer dryer
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Samsung washer dryer, 2E usually shows up as one or more of these:
- Machine door won't open
- Door won't lock or click shut
- Door lock light flashing
- Door stuck shut with the load inside
- Won't start even with the door closed
- Machine not draining
- Water left in the drum at the end of the cycle
- Stops mid-cycle full of water
Recognise any of those? That is this fault, and the rest of this page explains what causes it and what you can check yourself.
What usually causes it
- Something jammed in the pump — coins, hair clips and bra wires are the usual culprits
- A blocked or clogged pump filter
- Drain hose kinked, blocked, or a blocked sink spigot where it connects
- A worn or failed drain pump — very common on Samsung machines
- Blocked pressure sensor hose or air chamber, so the machine misreads the water level
What you can safely check yourself
Work through these in order. Anything beyond this — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the machine plugged in.
- Open the flap at the bottom front, drain the water off into a bowl and clean the pump filter — check for coins, wires and hair
- Look behind the machine and make sure the drain hose isn't kinked, crushed against the wall or pushed too far into the standpipe
- If the hose runs into a sink trap spigot, check that connection isn't blocked with grease
- Press Start/Pause to clear the code and let it try draining again once the filter is clean
- Turn it off at the wall for a minute, then back on, to reset the control
Common questions about Samsung 2E
What does 2E mean on a Samsung washer dryer?
The machine has tried to pump the water out and hasn't managed it, so it has stopped with the drum still full. On Samsung machines the drain code is shown as "5E", but the way the segments light up on the display it very often reads as "2E" — they are the same fault. The control board watches the water level as the pump runs, and if the level hasn't dropped to where it should be within about ten minutes of the pump starting, it gives up and flags the error. You'll usually find the door locked shut with water sitting in the drum.
Can I fix Samsung 2E myself?
There are 5 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Open the flap at the bottom front, drain the water off into a bowl and clean the pump filter — check for coins, wires and hair.
- Look behind the machine and make sure the drain hose isn't kinked, crushed against the wall or pushed too far into the standpipe.
- If the hose runs into a sink trap spigot, check that connection isn't blocked with grease.
- Press Start/Pause to clear the code and let it try draining again once the filter is clean.
- Turn it off at the wall for a minute, then back on, to reset the control.
This sometimes clears with those checks. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly.
How much does it cost to repair Samsung 2E?
£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Tried the checks and it's still showing 2E?
This sometimes clears with the checks above. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly. Then it wants someone who can open it up.
What it costs, before you call: the price is the same whatever the fault turns out to be — £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Our own engineers, not a call centre. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — most washer dryer faults are seen same day or next day.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
Outside our area? The explanation above still stands — take it to a local engineer and tell them the code. Knowing it saves them time and you money.