On the covered Samsung washer platform, HC, HE, HE1, Hr means heater error. Samsung lists it in its All Other Errors section. First, power the washer off for 2 to 3 minutes. A visible white, chalky coating on the heater element points to scale rather than a failed part.
Differential
Likely causes of “Samsung washer code HC, HE, HE1, Hr”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Mineral (calcium/limescale) buildup on the heater or temperature sensor
What separates it The code appears after months of hard-water use and hot-cycle performance feels weaker than before
How to confirm A visible white, chalky coating on the heater element points to scale rather than a failed part
- 2
A failed or weakening heating element
What separates it Water no longer gets warm on hot cycles even after a descale
How to confirm The heater needs to be reached behind a panel and checked; most owners have this tested rather than testing it themselves
- 3
A damaged or out-of-range temperature sensor (thermistor)
What separates it The heater tests fine but the code still persists after that check
How to confirm The thermistor measures water temperature and, when faulty, reports a reading the control board rejects
- 4
A loose wiring connection at the heater or main board
What separates it The code comes and goes on different cycles rather than staying constant
How to confirm With the washer unplugged, check the connectors at the heater assembly and the main board for a loose pin
- 5
Water supply not reaching temperature
What separates it Both hot and cold taps are open but the incoming water runs cool
How to confirm Confirm both taps deliver lukewarm-to-hot water and that hoses are not kinked before suspecting the heater itself
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The exact characters: HC, HE, HE1, HC1, HC2, HE2, HC3, HE3 or Hr
- Whether hot cycles have felt weaker before the code appeared
- Whether there is visible scale on the heater or door gasket
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedWhat to do first
ReversiblePower the washer off for 2 to 3 minutes.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleSamsung says a code with no specific troubleshooting follows its basic steps: power the washer off for 2 to 3 minutes, power it back on and restart the cycle, and if the error continues request service from its Support Center.
Power reset
ReversibleUnplug the washer, or switch off its breaker, for 10 to 15 minutes to let the control board fully reset, then restore power and restart the cycle.
Check the water supply
ReversibleConfirm both hot and cold taps are fully open and delivering water, and that the hoses are not kinked, before suspecting the heater.
Look for scale
ReversibleInspect the heater element and temperature sensor, where reachable, for a chalky white coating; run a manufacturer-recommended descaling cycle if buildup is visible.
Check wiring connections
ReversibleWith the washer unplugged, look for loose or corroded wires around the heater assembly and the main control board, and reseat any loose connector.
Request service for the heater or sensor
ReversibleIf the code returns after a descale and a wiring check, the heating element or thermistor itself is the likely remaining part, and both sit behind a panel best opened by a technician.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Displayed as
- HC, HE, HE1, HC1, HC2, HE2, HC3, HE3, Hr.
- Parts named by independent repair sources
- Heating element; temperature sensor (thermistor); heater wiring connectors.
- Tools
- A descaling solution for a hard-water cycle; a panel-removal screwdriver is needed only past the wiring check, which most owners leave to a technician.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Unplug the washer before opening a panel to inspect the heater, thermistor or their wiring
- !Call for service if you cannot see or reach the heater assembly safely
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
What does HC, HE, HE1, Hr mean on a Samsung washer?+
Heater error. Samsung lists it in its All Other Errors section.
Can hard water cause this?+
Yes. Mineral buildup on the heater or thermistor is a commonly documented cause, and a descaling cycle can clear it.
Do I need to replace the heater myself?+
Most owners have a technician test and replace the heating element or thermistor, since both sit behind a panel.
Is HE1 different from HE?+
They are part of the same heater-error family; the exact suffix varies by model.