Samsung Washing Machine SUD Error Code

I’ve never had a sud error on my Samsung washer, for what’s worth? I couldn’t be happier with my Samsung washer that I bought many moons ago. After all these years, my washer’s dispenser is gleaming clean with no moldy odors. 

On a side note, many homeowners think something is off with their Samsung washer because they’re used to seeing a massive drum of sud foam and water with previous top loaders. 

So they put in lots of detergents, thinking it cleans better. Samsung specifies using two tablespoons of detergent—but I’m guilty of using 3 to 4 tablespoons. 

Take it from me, I’ve been repairing washers for 17 years in Colorado and can’t tell you how many washes I’ve seen which had abundant evidence of undissolved powder in their dispensers. 

Many homeowners are clueless and careless-considering what most of these washers cost. I have provided you a breakdown of what you need to clear the SUD error code below:

What Does Sud Mean on My Samsung Washer?

SUD error means overdosing on detergent during a wash cycle. It can also refer to a bad pump, extra heavy load, wrong detergent, or excess sud. Excess suds prevent modern washers from operating, therefore flashing the SUD error code. They also make clothes smelly and trigger the growth of molds in the washer. As a precaution, the washer stops running until all the excess suds are removed from the drum. Modern washers will have a foam sensor that alerts you of excess suds.

You don’t need to call a service technician to repair the washer. Any technician like me will charge you a fee to fix a simple error like this. And all they will do is disassemble the washer and put it back. You need to make a list of things to make your washer work again. Check out these error codes that are related to your Samsung washer.

How Do I Clear the Sud Error On My Samsung Washer?

Excessive Detergents

The recommended quantity of detergent is two tablespoons. If you put more, you’ll need to remove the detergent’s residue. The best way is to run a wash cycle at a high temperature without any clothes in the water. 

When the cycle is complete, confirm if you still have a residue detergent on the surface. The modern washing machine doesn’t need lots of water like its predecessors to clean clothes, so you need to reduce the quantity of the detergent.

Today’s washer uses at least 11 to 15 gallons of water per wash. Therefore, using more detergent will cause more suds. Past washers used 40 gallons of water which means you needed lots of detergents to clean your clothes. 

An effective high detergent will contain stain fighters, boosters, strong cleaning detergents, and fabric softeners. HE detergents are best for washing, and they are available in 1X, 2X, and 3X. The higher the X concentrations, the less amount you need to use during the cleaning process.

Using the Right Detergent

I prefer to use powdered detergent instead of liquid, and I’ve only had two minor “issues” that were not related to it.  I think about the SUD issues, and it’s more of using the wrong temperature (always using cold) than the choice or type of detergent, primarily if the claim is that powered detergents aren’t dissolving. 

Liquid detergents are the worst because they lack any bleaching agent, which means more bacteria reside in your washer. I could also be wrong. Here are my general guidelines about detergents that will save you from experiencing suds errors:

• Use only cooler wash temperatures, liquid detergents, and fabric softeners. And do a HOT wash (60c plus) per week to clean the Samsung washer drum.
• Powdered detergent is the best, in my opinion. In this country, the cleaning power of the leading powered detergents is 10% higher than the liquid detergents.
• Anyone that uses powdered detergents rarely complains of a sud or smelling washing machine.

Check the Drain Pump and Its Filter

The drain pump and filter can accumulate suds, debris, and foreign objects triggering a SUD error. Therefore, you’ll have to clean them using the following directions:

• Take a piece of clothes and towels. Soak the rag in water and wipe out any water from it.
• Make sure you have a bucket to collect the water discharged from the drain pump.
• On the left side of the washer, you’ll see a small access door.
• Put the towel on the flow below the entrance and close the door. Pressing against the access door will make it easy for you to open.
• Use the towel to mop excess water that will spill during the cleaning.
• Remove the emergency drain hose from its container and out the spout over the bucket. Get rid of the cover from the drain hose to allow water to drain into the basket. Allow 20 minutes for the hose to drain.
• Turn the drain filter counterclockwise without damaging its plastic pieces.
• Get rid of any dirt, detergent residue, or debris with a clogged filter.
• When the filter is clean, you can run hot water over it or soak it in hot water for a few minutes until it is free of obstructions.
• Put the filter back into the Samsung washer and turn the top counterclockwise to fasten the base,
• Replace the cap of the hose and close the access door.

If the error persists, you have a clog in the drain hose. You’ll need to clean the hose under the sink and remove any dirt, residue, or debris that may have clogged it. 

You’ll need to open the bottom panel and remove any water from the drain line. Inspect also the cogs for obstructions and clean them.

Check the Foam Level Sensor and Water Level Sensor

Some Samsung washers indeed have a foam level sensor to monitor the foam in the drum. In other washer models, the water sensor does the same job. The water level tells the washer how much water is inside the drum to prevent overfilling. 

If you get a sud error, the chances are that you have a faulty foam level sensor or a faulty water level sensor. 

The best thing here is to replace either the foam level sensor or the water level sensor. You can access both of these sensors at the back of the Samsung washers. Here is the direction to follow:

• Disconnect the washer from the power outlet
• Remove the rear access panel of the top-loading washer or the top access panel for a front-loading washer
• Find the sensor that measures the foam level
• Test the sensor for continuity using a multimeter after disconnecting its wiring harness. If there’s no change in reading when the pressure is simulated, then the sensor is faulty, and you’ll have to replace it.

SUD Error Code Samsung Washer: Bottom Line

We encourage you to use suitable detergent and the right amounts. Use HE for front-loading Samsung washers with high cleaning capabilities. Don’t limit yourself to detergents alone. So many things can cause SUD errors. 

Check for faulty drain pumps, hoses, or drain pump filters that can cause obstructions. That’s the only way to clear the SUD error in a Samsung washer. However, it shouldn’t be something of great alarm like most people put it.