Samsung Washer Ub or UE Error: Unbalanced Load Fixes

Ub (also UE, U6 or Ur) on a Samsung washer means the load is unbalanced in the tub. Samsung’s fix: untangle and spread out the laundry, close the door and press Start. If the code keeps returning, Samsung points to its no-spin checks: the pump filter, the drain hose and a calibration cycle. After those, request service.

Ur is a little different: Samsung calls it Unbalanced Load Retry. The washer adds water, tries to rebalance and spins again on its own, so give it a minute before you open the door.

Samsung’s names for the same fault

Samsung’s US code list groups dc, Ub, U6, Ur, UE, 1 Ub and 1U6 as one fault. Watch out for dc: Samsung says it means an unbalanced load on some models and an open or unlatched door on others. If you see dc, check the door first, then the load.

Step 1: rearrange the load

Open the door when the washer allows it, and:

• untangle sheets and anything wrapped around itself,
• spread heavy items around the drum instead of in one clump,
• add a few towels if a single heavy item is on its own,
• take out anything that will not wash evenly, such as a bath mat with a rubber back.

Close the door and press Start. Samsung’s code page gives exactly this step.

Step 2: if it keeps happening

When Ub returns with ordinary loads, Samsung sends you to its guide for a washer that does not spin. The checks there:

1. Clean the pump filter (front-load only). Samsung says monthly or every 40 washes. Open the small panel at the bottom front, drain the water through the short rubber hose into a shallow pan, turn the filter counterclockwise to remove it, brush it clean, check that the impeller behind it turns, and refit it clockwise.
2. Check the drain hose. Samsung says 6 to 8 inches into the standpipe and no deeper, because deeper siphons; between 18 and 96 inches above the floor (24 to 35 inches for a sink); not sealed airtight; and the holder clamp in place.
3. Run a calibration. With the drum empty, hold Temp. and Delay End for 3 seconds until Cb shows, then press Start/Pause. The buttons differ by model, so check the manual. The tub turns for 1 to 3 minutes, then shows En, End or 0 and switches off.

Step 3: level the washer

Samsung’s leak guide includes leveling all four legs. A washer that rocks when you press its corners will struggle to balance any load. Adjust the feet until it sits firm and level front to back and side to side.

When to call

If the washer still shows Ub with a normal, well-spread load, a clean pump filter, a correct drain hose and a completed calibration, Samsung says to request service. Note the exact code and your model number before you call (where the label is).

If water is left in the drum after the cycle, the problem is draining rather than balance: Samsung shows 5C, 5E or nd for that, and a drain pump that has failed is one possible cause. Match a pump to your model number before you order, and if replacing it means opening the cabinet, leave it to a technician.

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For the other Samsung codes, see the Samsung washer code list. For suds pauses, see SUd.