What this error means
Water supply fault — the washing machine is not filling with water correctly
The 4E error means the machine has failed to detect sufficient water entering within the allowed fill time. On Samsung washing machines this is most commonly caused by a closed or partially open water tap, a kinked inlet hose, a blocked inlet filter mesh, or low water pressure at the property. A faulty solenoid inlet valve can also produce this code.
What you'll need first
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Step-by-step
Symptoms to look for
- Machine pauses immediately after starting without taking on water
- Programme runs but takes far longer than the display estimate
- 4E displayed within the first 2 to 3 minutes of a programme
- Drum feels dry after 5 minutes of a programme
How to fix it
Find the cold water isolation tap behind or under the machine. It is usually a quarter-turn lever or straight-slot screw valve. Turn it fully anti-clockwise. If unsure whether it moved, close it fully then reopen fully.
Hold the machine body and pull it carefully forward — never drag by the hose. Run your hand along the full hose length and straighten every kink or compressed bend. Push the machine back while watching to ensure it does not kink behind the cabinet.
Turn the tap off fully. Fold a towel under the hose connection at the back of the machine. Unscrew the hose fitting anti-clockwise — water will drip out as you loosen it. Inside the machine's inlet port is a small flat or cylindrical mesh filter. Remove it with tweezers, rinse under running water and scrub gently with an old toothbrush to remove limescale and debris. Push it firmly back in, reattach the hose and hand-tighten plus a quarter turn with pliers.
With the hose disconnected from the machine, point the open end into a bucket and briefly open the tap for 3 seconds. You should see a strong, steady, uninterrupted flow. A weak trickle means a supply pressure issue at the property — contact your water supplier.
With the machine completely unplugged and water off, remove the rear panel. The inlet valve is where the hose connects internally — a solenoid body with one or two coils. Check for corrosion, cracking, or mineral build-up around the valve.
Reassemble, turn water on fully and start a Cotton 40-degree programme. Watch the first 3 minutes — you should hear water entering and the programme display should begin counting.
When to call an engineer
- Water supply pressure confirmed adequate but 4E persists after filter cleaning
- Inlet valve solenoid coil reads open circuit on a multimeter
- Valve not opening despite receiving power — confirmed by multimeter testing
- Wiring to inlet valve is burnt, corroded, or connector is melted
Frequently asked questions
Why does 4E appear even though the tap is connected?
Can limescale cause 4E on a Samsung?
What is the minimum water pressure a Samsung washing machine needs?
Is it safe to run the machine after 4E?
🎯 What is likely causing this fault?
⚠️ Estimates based on common faults — not a guaranteed diagnosis. Always verify before ordering parts.
Parts you may need
Enter your model number to filter results to your exact machine
Usually found on a label inside the door frame or on the back panel of the machine.
| Part | Approx. UK Cost | Find it |
|---|---|---|
| Inlet Valve | £15 - £30 | 🏷️ eBay UK → |
| Inlet Valve | £15 - £30 | 🛒 Amazon UK → |
| Inlet Valve Mesh | £5 - £10 | 🛒 Amazon UK → |
ℹ️ Prices are approximate. Always check the part number matches your model before ordering. Not sure of your model number? Find out how to locate it here.