Why is Your Samsung Dishwasher Heavy Light Blinking or Flashing?

If the 'Heavy' light on your Samsung dishwasher is blinking, it will mean one of two things depending on the model you have. In models that feature Express 60 capabilities, it means there's too much water in the dishwasher itself and you'll need to make sure the drain pump and drain hose are working properly. In models without the Express 60 feature, it means a leak has been detected by the leak sensor and the inlet valve, float switch, or fill hose will need to be inspected. Our guide will explain how to troubleshot this, to get your Samsung dishwasher working!

Why Your Samsung Dishwasher Lights are Blinking

The control panel on your Samsung dishwasher features a number of buttons for each cycle selection, and above those there are indicator lights. During the cycle, the indicator lights are letting you know what cycle is running and what features are selected. If no cycle is currently running, and you notice any of those indicator lights flashing or staying on, your Samsung dishwasher is trying to communicate an issue. Since there are no electronic displays to show you an error code, the appliance uses these lights to notify you what the problem is. It can be a single light, like this articles discusses, or a combination of up to four lights.

Why is Your Samsung Dishwasher Not Draining?

Seeing a 'Heavy' light blinking on Samsung dishwasher models with an 'Express 60' mode, without any other indications, tells us that there's too much water inside of the dishwasher, and this normally indicates an issue with its draining system. This means there's a part not working as well as it could be, or broken enough to stop working properly. If your dishwasher has an 'Express60' button or 'Quick+' button, this would apply to your model.

How to Clean or Replace a Samsung Dishwasher Filter

The first and simplest part you can fix is the filter in your Samsung dishwasher. The filter is designed to catch and trap any larger pieces of food debris from entering your dishwasher's drain and causing clogs or damage to the other more sensitive components. A clogged or damaged filter means water does not drain easily and food waste can more easily gain access to the drain system. This leads to further clogs and eventually too much water sitting in the dishwasher tub, which will raise the float switch and lead to a blinking 'Heavy' light. But we're here to explain exactly how to inspect your filter and either clean or replace it, so your dishwasher can properly drain.

1. Open your dishwasher door and locate the filter, usually at the bottom of the tub's interior.
2. Remove the lower dish rack, and if necessary, remove the lower spray arm to gain access to the filter.
3. Remove the filter and, if necessary, clean it by soaking it in warm soap and water for 5 minutes, and then scrubbing it with a soft-bristle brush.
4. Inspect the filter for any signs of damage, and if you notice any holes or other damage that would otherwise stop it from working properly, replace it with a new filter.
5. Reinstall the dish rack and spray arm, then run a quick cycle on your dishwasher to monitor for the code or if water doesn't drain properly.

How to Fix or Replace a Samsung Dishwasher Drain Hose

The next part you can troubleshoot if your dishwasher isn't draining properly, is its drain hose. The drain hose, as its name implies, is a plastic hose attached to your dishwasher's drain pump that allows dirty and food-debris-filled water to exit the dishwasher and be disposed of. If this drain hose is clogged or cracked, it will cause water to either build up inside the dishwasher because it can't exit, or cause water to leak in and around your dishwasher, This leads to the float switch detecting too much water, and a flashing 'Heavy' light. To explain how to find your drain hose and see if it's in need of a replacement, check out the guide below!

1. Locate the drain hose either behind the dishwasher or below it, or by inspecting underneath your sink.
2. Run a short cycle on your dishwasher and monitor the drain hose for any water flow stoppages.
3. If you notice the water stopping and/or not flowing consistently, disconnect your dishwasher from the wall outlet after the cycle is over.
4. If your drain hose is clogged, use a screwdriver or wrench to remove any clamps and gain access to the hose's connection point, and use paper towel or a tube brush to dislodge and remove the clog.
5. If your drain hose is also connected to a garbage disposal system, ensure it's turned off before you open it and inspect its interior for any clogs.
6. If you discover your drain hose is not clogged but is instead cracked or broken, it will need to be replaced.
7. Once your dishwasher's drain hose has been cleaned or replaced, run a short cycle to see if it drains properly.

How to Clean or Replace a Samsung Dishwasher Drain Pump

The most time consuming part that you'll have to troubleshoot in your Samsung dishwasher if it's not draining properly, is its drain pump. The drain pump is what facilitates the draining of the dishwasher, and in some models can be the main motor for the filling and draining of all water. If the drain pump is clogged or bad, it will cause water not to drain and instead buildup inside the dishwasher tub, and lead to the float switch detecting too much water, and cause the 'Heavy' light to start blinking. Whether there's something lodged in the drain pump or if there's a broken seal, we've got the guide to explain to you precisely how to figure out what's going on in your dishwasher.

1. Disconnect your dishwasher from the wall outlet and turn off its water supply.
2. Use a screwdriver or drill to unthread and remove the kickplate at the bottom of the dishwasher.
3. Carefully unthread the fill hose from the inlet valve, and disconnect the electrical junction box and drain hose.
4. Pull the dishwasher out, and flip it on its back by pulling and pushing its top backwards or to the side.
5. Tip: Keep a towel close by for any water spilling that may occur.
6. Unthread and remove any plastic panels covering the bottom of the dishwasher, as well as the leak detector sensor wire.
7. Remove the wire harness from the drain pump's terminals, and rotate the drain pump counter clockwise while pulling it towards you to remove it.
8. Inspect the drain pump for any clogs or damage, and remove any pieces of debris that could be causing the pump not to drain.
9. If there's nothing stuck or lodged in the pump, ensure you've checked the drain hose and other drain system parts.
10. Use a multimeter to test the pump for defects or failures. If it doesn't read nearly zero with both probes touching the terminals, or one terminal touching ground, the pump likely failed.
11. Install the proper wires to the drain pump, and then install the drain pump into the dishwasher by rotating it clockwise and pushing on it.
12. Replace the leak detector sensor, as well as the plastic cover panels if applicable, then flip the dishwasher back upright.
13. Push the dishwasher back into place, and reinstall the fill hose, drain hose, and electrical junction box.
14. Replace the kickplate and turn your dishwasher's breaker back on, as well as connecting the water supply. Then run a short cycle to monitor for any lights.

Why is Your Samsung Dishwasher Leaking?

The leak sensor in your Samsung dishwasher will blink the 'Heavy' light as an indication of water underneath it, if it's a model that doesn't have an 'Express 60' or 'Quick+' mode. This can happen for a couple of reasons, and we're going to break down the reasons and parts that would cause you to see the 'Heavy' light blinking on your Samsung dishwasher.

Where is Your Samsung Dishwasher's Leak Sensor?

Most Samsung dishwashers have a leak sensor at the bottom of the appliance that will communicate with the control board when there is moisture detected. Accessing this leak sensor to troubleshoot your dishwasher isn't difficult, but it does require some tools and time set aside to disassemble the dishwasher itself. Lucky for you, we'll explain exactly where to find it and what to look for.

1. Disconnect the power to your dishwasher, and its water supply.
2. Use a screwdriver to remove the kickplate at the bottom of your dishwasher, then carefully unthread the fill hose from the inlet valve and disconnect its wires and drain hose.
3. Pull your dishwasher out and flip it onto its back or side, by pushing and pulling it backwards or to the side from its top.
4. Tip: Use a towel to clean up any water that spills out.
5. Use a screwdriver or wrench to unthread the plastic cover panel at the bottom of your dishwasher.
6. Open the plastic cover and locate the leak sensor, which should be attached to it.
7. Inspect around the leak sensor for any dried soap or moisture residue that could point to a specific part underneath your dishwasher that's leaking.
8. You may notice dried soap or moisture near the drain hose or drain pump, and you can read the guides above for how to properly troubleshoot those parts.

How to Fix or Replace a Samsung Dishwasher Inlet Valve

If any sort of leak is occurring underneath your Samsung dishwasher, it will very likely have something to do with its inlet valve. When you turn your dishwasher on and start a cycle, the fill hose routes water from your home's water supply, to the inlet valve. Any issues with the inlet valve caused by electrical failure or a plugged screen will result in water underneath your dishwasher and a detection by the leak sensor, and a blinking 'Heavy' light. The easiest way to resolve this is by removing the inlet valve and checking for any issues with it, and either fixing or replacing it, which we'll explain how to do.

1. Turn off your water supply and disconnect your dishwasher from the wall outlet.
2. Remove the kickplate at the bottom of your dishwasher and unthread the fill hose from the inlet valve, and disconnect its wires and drain hose under the sink.
3. Pull your dishwasher out and flip it onto its back or side by pushing and pulling its top backwards or to the side, to gain access to the inlet valve.
4. Tip: Make sure you keep a towel close by in case any water spills out.
5. Remove any clamps on the inlet valve and fill hose, as well as the attached wire harness.
6. Remove the inlet valve and inspect it for any cracks or damage, or if there are any clogs in its screens.
7. If you notice signs of a leak from the inlet valve's area during any inspection, reassemble your dishwasher and run a quick cycle to observe any issues while it fills.
8. To test the multimeter for full functionality, you can use a multimeter to check the valve for continuity. Set your multimeter to x1 and touch the probes to each of the valve's terminals (this also applies if the solenoid has four terminals).
9. If the inlet valve reads infinity, the solenoid is faulty and the valve will need to be replaced.
10. Install the existing or new inlet valve.
11. Flip your dishwasher back upright and into place, and reinstall the wires and its fill and drain hose.
12. Connect your dishwasher's power and water supply, and then run a quick cycle to monitor for any leaks or error lights.

How to Clean or Replace a Samsung Dishwasher Fill Hose

Similar to its drain hose, a dishwasher fill hose allows water to flow freely from the water supply to the inlet valve and be used to clean your dishes. If this drain hose is in any way clogged, kinked, or cracked, it can and will lead to leaking, which the leak sensor will detect and result in the 'Heavy' light blinking. But you can fix your drain hose by cleaning it or replacing it, depending on whether it's still in working condition; which we'll explain exactly how to find out for yourself!

1. First off, you'll need to locate your fill hose underneath your sink and trace it to your dishwasher.
2. Then shut off your water supply and the power to your dishwasher, by turning off its breaker.
3. Take off the kickplate and disconnect the fill hose and its clamps (if applicable), drain hose, and the wires connected to the inlet valve.
4. Inspect the fill hose for any cracks or clogs. Use a paper towel or tube brush to clean the inside of the hose if any clogs are present. If it's damaged or cracked in any way, it will need to be replaced immediately.
5. Install the fill hose to the inlet valve and replace any clamps that were removed, as well as the wires and drain hose.
6. Turn your water supply on and connect the dishwasher to power.
7. Run a quick cycle in your dishwasher and monitor for any leaks or leak indicators.

How to Replace a Samsung Dishwasher Float Switch

A part that could be responsible for the leaks in your dishwasher is the float switch, which is always handy to check to ensure it's working properly. The float switch, also known as the flood switch, detects how much water is in your dishwasher and activates the pump if too much water is present. The issue being that if the float switch is bad, water will continue to fill into the dishwasher and eventually leak out of your dishwasher, and cause the leak sensor to detect it, which is where you see the 'Heavy' light blinking. So if you're curious whether this part is working properly, read on!

1. Disconnect power to your dishwasher.
2. Locate the float switch in your dishwasher at the bottom of the appliance, underneath the spray arm, which will appear as a small round component.
3. To gain access to the float switch, you will need to remove the spray arm, dish racks, and unthread and remove certain panels within your dishwasher.
4. Once you've gained access to the switch, carefully remove it and disconnect any wires connected to it.
5. Use a multimeter to test the switch for continuity, and replace it if it's bad or defective.
6. With the new or existing switch, install it into place in your dishwasher and secure whichever panels were originally removed, as well as the spray arm and dish racks.
7. Run a few cycles in your dishwasher and monitor for leak detections or other issues.

At this point, your Samsung dishwasher should be revived from its unstable condition, and you've got it back to cleaning! Should you be in need with any other appliances and any errors that can arise from them, or if you're just simply looking for inspiration around your home, check out everything that the PartSelect blog has to offer you!