Samsung Dishwasher Stuck On Heavy? – Working Solutions

Wondering why the Samsung dishwasher stuck on heavy? Let’s find out here!

When your dishwasher is stuck on heavy, it is because it has too much water. This issue can be caused by many other factors as well, so keep reading the guide to learn more!

Samsung dishwashers get stuck in heavy settings for factors including too much water in the appliance, a defective temperature sensor, a fault heater, or a clogged drain hose and filter.

Without further delay, let’s begin troubleshooting the heavy cycle dishwasher issue!

Samsung Dishwasher Stuck on Heavy Cycle – 1 Minute Fix!

Here are the best-working and proven solutions for “heavy” issue on Samsung dishwashers:

1. Cancel The Wash Cycle

Sometimes too much or too little water in the dishwasher causes it to become stuck on the heavy cycle.

Moreover, something may become stuck during the wash cycle and prevent the dishwasher from operating normally so all you need to do is reset the wash cycle!

Here is how to cancel the dishwasher wash cycle:

1. Locate the Start / Pause button from the panel.
2. Press and hold the Start / Pause for about 5 seconds.
3. Start a new wash cycle and check for the error.

In case the issue disappears, keep reading to prevent it from appearing in the future!

Important: Keep in mind that before starting a new cycle, the correct settings are selected and the water supply valve is turned on.

2. Inspect The Drain Pump

If the Samsung dishwasher drain pump is not properly connected to the sink then the machine becomes unable to drain and water and the heavy light continues to blink.

Therefore, inspect the drain pump to address the defect if there is any. 

Here is how to inspect the Samsung dishwasher drain pump:

1. Check the hose under the sink and make sure it is tightly connected. 
2. Then turn on the dishwasher and listen for the water running sound. 
3. If you hear the water then the supply line is in working order. 
4. Lastly, check whether the water is draining through a hose.

If you find that water is draining in a garbage disposal or sink then the pump and hose are in working order.

Otherwise, if the water is not draining from any of those, then you need to inspect the hose for any blockages, defects, or leakage! 

3. Check The Drain Hose

It is now clear that the dishwasher is on a heavy cycle because it is unable to drain the excess water from it through the drain hose.

Whenever the hose becomes fully clogged the machine can’t continue draining water that’s why Samsung dishwasher is stuck on heavy. 

Solution: Unclog the drain hose!

Here’s how to unclog the Samsung dishwasher drain hose in easy steps:

1. Unplug the dishwasher from the power source.
2. Turn off the water supply to the dishwasher.
3. Also, disconnect it from the sink or garbage disposal. 
4. Inspect the drain hose for any clogs, bents, and defects. 
5. Wash the drain hose with lukewarm water to soften the clogs.
6. You can also use a mix of vinegar and water to clear the hose.
7. Take a long soft bristled brush and clean the hose inner area.
8. Again wash the hose with water to clear away the dirt.
9. Re-assemble the dishwasher by following the steps in reverse.

Note: Replace the dishwasher drainage hose if you found it broken, leaked, or fully clogged!

4. Clean The Drain Filter & Sump

If cleaning the hose didn’t work and the dishwasher won’t drain or drain slowly, then clean the filter and sump as well.

Since the usual stuck food and debris on the filter might often block the filter holes completely and will prevent the water from draining.

Here is how to clean the dishwasher filter and sump:

1. Unplug the Samsung dishwasher.
2. Open the dishwasher’s door.
3. Take out the lower rack from the appliance.
4. Locate the dishwasher filter assembly.
5. Rotate counterclockwise to detach it.
6. Lift the filter assembly and take it out.
7. Disconnect the coarse filter and fine filter.
8. Clear both filters under lukewarm water. 
9. Clean the filters using a soft brush.
10. Check the sump area and clean all matter.

Note: Ensure that the filters are completely dry before inserting them back into the machine!

5. Reset The Samsung Dishwasher

It may be a good idea to reset the dishwasher cycle settings before implementing any of the following solutions.

The reset refreshes the entire system and will surely remove the “heavy” error at least temporarily.

Here is how to reset the Samsung dishwasher:

1. Locate the Smart Control button from the dishwasher panel.
2. Hold down the Smart Control button for about 3 seconds.
3. Keep pressing until “AP” displays on the panel.
4. Next, press the Hi-Temp Wash button for about 7 seconds.
5. Keep pressing the button until the dishwasher chimes.
6. Then turn off the dishwasher and turn the machine back on.

If resetting the dishwasher doesn’t work, then move on to the next solution! 

6. Test The Temperature Sensor

When there is a problem with the temperature sensor, Samsung dishwashers also enter heavy cycles.

In some cases, the sensor is not completely faulty and causes minor issues but when the component becomes defective, the Samsung dishwasher stuck on heavy setting. 

Best Method: Carry out a normal cycle to test the state of the temperature sensor! 

Here is how to test Samsung’s dishwasher temperature sensor:

1. Turn off the dishwasher from the electrical outlet. 
2. Then, remove the dishes and empty the dishwasher. 
3. Next, put a detergent in the Samsung dishwasher. 
4. Run a normal wash cycle to clear the buildup from the sensor. 

If the dishwasher is running normally, then perhaps the issue is now gone. In case the normal wash cycle doesn’t work, then the temperature sensor is likely to be faulty.

How To Replace Temperature Sensor?

1. Unplug the dishwasher from the power.
2. Locate the temperature sensor.
3. Tip: Under the bottom tub.
4. (Optional) Note down the orientation of the wires!
5. Disconnect the wires from the temperature sensor. 
6. Remove the temperature sensor using a screwdriver. 
7. Set up the new temperature sensor in the same spot.  
8. Reconnect the wires as per their orientation.

Tip: If you’re not feeling confident about replacing dishwasher components, call a technician!

7. Inspect The Dishwasher’s Heater

A dishwasher needs a certain temperature of hot water to operate effectively, however, if the heater doesn’t warm the water the machine would go into a heavy cycle.

You must check the dishwasher heater because it can be defective or problematic.

Here is how to check the Samsung dishwasher heater in easy steps:

1. Unplug the machine from the outlet.
2. Unscrew the front panel and side panels. 
3. Locate the heater assembly in the appliance.
4. Disconnect the component from the appliance.
5. Next, check for Continuity using a Multimeter.
6. Connect multimeter probes with the ends of the heater.
7. If the meter shows a reading of zero, then the heater has continuity.
8. If there is no continuity, then the heater is defective.

As per your findings, either proceed reading or check whether your warranty is intact!

8. Check For Dishwasher Leaks

In case you’ve attempted everything in the guide above, perhaps the issue is due to leaks from the main chamber.

This issue often happens due to corrosion on the really old dishwashers and if that’s the case, it’s recommended to check for any leaks.

Note: For more help contact Samsung Support or reach out to a local technician.

Quick Recap:

Whenever your Samsung dishwasher is stuck on heavy, start a new cycle, check the drain pump, drain hose, drain filter, and sump, and be sure to clean them properly.

Also, test the temperature sensor, check the heater and detect any leaks in the appliance.