Samsung Washer Error Code FA — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

The FA error on a Samsung washer indicates a failure with the filter or a water flow issue related to a blocked filter path. The washer detects that water is not flowing through the system at the expected rate. This is most often caused by a clogged debris filter, a kinked drain hose, or a blocked inlet filter screen. Cleaning the filter and checking the hoses is the first step.

Affected Models

Samsung front-load washers WF42H5000AW
WF45R6100AW
WF50R8500AV
WF45T6000AW
Select Samsung top-load washers with internal filters

Common Causes

Debris filter at the bottom of the washer is clogged with lint, coins, or small objects
Water inlet filter screens on the hot or cold hose connections are blocked with sediment
Drain hose is kinked, pinched, or partially blocked
Pump is partially obstructed by a foreign object such as a sock or coin
Low water pressure from the home supply affecting fill rate

How to Fix It

Unplug the washer. Locate the access panel at the bottom front of the machine. Place towels and a shallow pan on the floor. Open the panel door and slowly unscrew the circular debris filter cap to drain water.

Have plenty of towels ready. Residual water in the drum will drain out when you open the filter.
Pull the debris filter all the way out. Remove any lint, coins, buttons, or other debris. Rinse the filter under running water until it is completely clean. Check inside the filter housing for any remaining objects.

Small items like hairpins, coins, and zipper pulls are the most common culprits for a clogged filter.
Check the water inlet hose connections at the back of the washer. Unscrew each hose and look at the small mesh screen inside the inlet valve. Use needle-nose pliers to pull the screen out and rinse it under water.

Hard water areas accumulate mineral deposits on these screens. Soaking them in white vinegar for 30 minutes dissolves scale buildup.
Check the drain hose for kinks. Pull the washer away from the wall and run your hand along the entire hose. Straighten any kinks. Make sure the hose is not pushed too far into the standpipe.

A hose pushed more than 6 inches into the standpipe can siphon water back into the drum, causing fill and drain errors.
Reinstall the clean debris filter firmly, restore hose connections, plug the washer back in, and run an empty rinse-and-spin cycle to confirm the error is cleared.

If FA returns after cleaning, the pump may have a blockage or bearing failure that requires professional service.

When to Call a Professional

If cleaning all filters and hoses does not clear the FA error, the pump assembly may need inspection or replacement. A technician can access the pump quickly and check for blockages or failures. Expect $150 to $300 for pump service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean the Samsung washer debris filter?

Samsung recommends cleaning the debris filter every month or every 40 washes. If you wash pet bedding, heavy workwear, or large lint-producing items, clean it more often. Regular cleaning prevents FA errors and keeps the washer draining efficiently.

What objects can get stuck in the Samsung washer filter?

The most common items are coins, hairpins, buttons, zipper pulls, small socks, and bra underwires. These slip out of pockets or garments during the wash. Always check pockets before loading laundry to prevent filter blockages.

Can FA cause water to not drain at all?

A severely clogged filter can prevent proper drainage. If your drum still has water when FA appears, the filter is the likely cause. Clean it and run a drain-and-spin cycle to empty the drum before doing a full wash.