Samsung Dishwasher 9E Error — Low Water Level Fix

What Does This Error Mean?

9E means the dishwasher couldn't fill with enough water to start.
Either the water supply valve is closed or partially closed, the inlet hose is kinked, or the inlet valve filter is clogged.
Check that the supply valve under the sink is fully open.
If water flows fine to the sink but not the dishwasher, the inlet filter or the inlet valve itself is the cause.

Affected Models

Samsung DW80
Samsung DW60
Samsung StormWash
Samsung Smart Dishwasher
Samsung Linear Wash

Common Causes

Water supply shutoff valve closed or partly closed
Supply hose kinked or pinched
Inlet valve mesh filter clogged with mineral deposits
Inlet valve solenoid failed
Float switch stuck up (telling controller water is full when it isn't)

How to Fix It

Check the supply valve.

Find the small valve under the sink where the dishwasher's water line connects.
It should be turned to fully open (handle parallel to the pipe).
If it's closed or partly closed, that's your 9E.
Open it fully and try again.
Inspect the supply hose.

Trace the water supply hose from under the sink to the back of the dishwasher.
Look for kinks, sharp bends, or anything pressing on the hose.
Common culprit: items stored under the dishwasher or sink have shifted and pinched the line.
Straighten any kinks.
Test water at the sink.

Turn on the hot water at the kitchen sink.
Does it flow strongly?
If pressure is weak there too, the issue is house-wide (well pump, main supply, or shutoff partly closed somewhere).
If sink is fine but dishwasher 9E persists, the issue is at the dishwasher's inlet.
Clean the inlet valve filter.

Disconnect the supply hose from the back of the dishwasher (water valve at the wall closed first).
Look at the inlet — there's a small mesh filter inside.
It catches sediment from the supply.
If clogged, clean it under running water with a brush.
Reinstall the hose.
Schedule service if valve is failed.

If supply, hose, and filter are all good but 9E persists, the inlet valve solenoid has failed.
That's a service-tech repair (50–100 USD parts plus an hour of labor).
Replacement is straightforward; not DIY-friendly without proper tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does 9E happen after long unused periods?

Mineral deposits build up in the inlet valve filter over time.
If the dishwasher sits unused for weeks (vacation, household away), the deposits dry and become harder to clear.
Running an empty rinse cycle weekly prevents this in hard water areas.

Could a partial fill still work?

Some Samsung models will start a cycle with reduced water if 9E is marginal — you'll get incomplete cleaning.
If your dishwasher has been quietly under-filling, dishes coming out dirty is the signal.
Address 9E now rather than masking it with extra wash time or higher detergent.