What it means
So rule out the water supply first: make sure the cold hose isn't connected to a hot supply (see 4C2). If the supply is right and the code comes back, it's the heater.
What to check, in order
- Check the cold supply
Make sure the cold tap is open and the cold hose isn't kinked or swapped with the hot.
- Restart it
Switch the washer off, wait a minute, switch it back on and start a new cycle.
When to call an engineer
If the code comes back. The heater runs on mains power inside the machine, and Samsung says to contact its service centre.
A repair visit will usually check the heating element, its temperature sensor and the wiring back to the control board.
- Note the model and serial number. They're on a label inside the door, around the door frame or on the back.
- Write down the exact code, and what the appliance was doing when it appeared.
- Check whether it's still under warranty. If it is, the repair may cost you nothing.
Good to know
- On some US and Australian models, 6E points at the motor or spin rather than the heater. If yours is one of those, see 3E.
Quick answers
What does the Samsung HE error code mean?
HE1 (6E, E5 or E6 on older models) means the heater isn't working. HE, HC and H1 are described differently by region: Samsung US calls them heater errors, Samsung Ireland a water temperature issue. So rule out the water supply first: make sure the cold hose isn't connected to a hot supply (see 4C2). If the supply is right and the code comes back, it's the heater.
Can I fix Samsung HE myself?
Engineer only (5 minutes to reset). Start with: check the cold supply; restart it. If the code comes back. The heater runs on mains power inside the machine, and Samsung says to contact its service centre.
Is Samsung HE worth repairing?
Get a quote first. A heater repair is usually worth it on a washer under about seven years old. On an older one, compare the quote with the price of a new machine.
Checked against
- Samsung UK: information codes on your washing machine
- Samsung Ireland: what the codes on your washing machine mean
- Samsung US: washer error codes
Last reviewed October 2026. Manufacturers update their pages, and your manual is the final word. Spotted a mistake? Email contact@appliance-error-codes.com.