Do Samsung dishwashers have a filter that needs to be cleaned?
Yes. Samsung dishwashers such as model DMT400RHS use a filter system in the bottom of the tub that should be cleaned regularly to prevent odors, poor cleaning, and draining problems. For your exact steps and diagrams, use the DMT400RHS manual.
On most Samsung dishwashers, the filter sits in the sump area at the bottom of the tub, typically beneath the lower spray arm. It catches food soil so the circulation pump and drain pump can move water effectively.
Common filter pieces you may see:
- Cylindrical fine filter (twist-lock style)
- Flat coarse screen (mesh plate)
- Sump cover area under the lower spray arm
Always start with the dishwasher off; let the heater cool if a cycle just ended.
- Pull out the lower rack.
- Remove the lower spray arm if it blocks access (varies by version).
- Twist the cylindrical filter to unlock, then lift it out.
- Lift out the coarse screen (if equipped).
- Rinse under hot running water; use a soft brush for grease or stuck debris.
- Reinstall the screen and filter; lock the filter fully before running a cycle.
Cleaning frequency depends on how much food soil goes into the dishwasher.
| Usage pattern | Filter cleaning interval |
|---|---|
| Heavy use, lots of food soil | Weekly to every 2 weeks |
| Typical family use | About monthly |
| Pre-rinsed dishes, light soil | Every 1 to 3 months |
A partially clogged filter can reduce water flow to the spray arms and restrict draining. That can lead to gritty residue on dishes, standing water, and error codes related to draining.
Use our Samsung dmt dishwasher error codes guide to match the code to likely causes (filter, drain hose, drain pump, or control issues).
Last updated: January 2026
How do I fix the he error on my Samsung dishwasher?
On the Samsung DMT400RHS dishwasher, an HE error typically points to a heating problem (water not heating as expected). We start by resetting power, then checking for simple causes like low water temperature and wiring issues; if those check out, test the heater circuit components.
- Turn the dishwasher off, then restore power at the breaker for 1 minute and retry a cycle.
- Confirm the sink hot water runs hot before starting the dishwasher (helps the heater keep up).
- Cancel and drain, then restart a normal cycle to see if the code returns.
- If the unit recently lost power mid-cycle, run a fresh cycle after the reset.
For model-specific button sequences and indicator behavior, follow the steps in the DMT400RHS user manual.
Most HE errors come from the heater circuit not raising water temperature fast enough.
- Heating element not heating
- High-limit thermostat tripped or failed
- Temperature sensor (thermistor) reading incorrectly
- Loose or burned wiring connection in the heater circuit
- Electronic control board not powering the heater
- Disconnect power at the breaker before accessing internal wiring.
- Remove the toe-kick panel and look for loose connectors or heat damage on heater-related wiring.
- If you have a multimeter, test heater circuit components for continuity (heater, thermostat, sensor).
- If wiring and components test good, the issue can be in the control board or relay logic.
If you want code definitions that match Samsung DMT-series dishwashers, use our Samsung dmt dishwasher error codes reference.
| What you check | What a problem suggests | Typical next step |
|---|---|---|
| Heater wiring/connectors | Open circuit or overheating | Repair/replace damaged wiring/terminals |
| Heating element | No continuity or grounded | Replace heating element |
| High-limit thermostat | Open when it should be closed | Replace thermostat |
| Temperature sensor | Out-of-range readings | Replace sensor |
| Control board output | No power to heater | Replace control board (if confirmed) |
The dishwasher relies on heat for cleaning and drying. When the heater circuit fails, cycles can stop mid-cycle, dishes may not dry, and the control may trigger HE to prevent poor performance or overheating risks.
Last updated: January 2026
How to force reset Samsung dishwasher?
To force reset a Samsung dishwasher like model DMT400RHS, we typically do a power reset: turn the dishwasher off, then remove power for 5 minutes and restore power. This clears many control glitches, stuck keys, and false error conditions.
- Press Power to turn the dishwasher off.
- Turn off the dishwasher’s breaker (or unplug it if it’s accessible).
- Wait 5 minutes (a full reset needs time for the control to discharge).
- Restore power at the breaker (or plug it back in).
- Press Power, then start a short cycle to confirm normal operation.
For model-specific button behavior and indicator meanings, use the DMT400RHS manual.
A reset will not fix a hard failure (door not latching, no water fill, drain problem, or a failed control). Check these common causes:
- Control lock/child lock is enabled (look for a lock indicator).
- Door latch is not fully closed; push the door firmly until it clicks.
- Water supply is off or the inlet hose is kinked.
- Drain issue (standing water, clogged filter, blocked drain hose).
- An error code is active.
If you see an error code, match it using Samsung dmt dishwasher error codes.
| Action | What it helps | What it won’t fix |
|---|---|---|
| Power reset (breaker off 5 min) | Frozen control, stuck cycle, false code, unresponsive keypad | Broken door latch, failed pump, clogged filter, wiring issues |
| Cancel/Drain (if available) | Stops a cycle and drains water | Control board faults, no power to unit |
Resetting is the quickest safe first step because it can restore normal control operation without disassembly. If the dishwasher immediately shows the same error code after reset, that points to a real condition (fill, drain, heating, leak) that needs troubleshooting.
Last updated: January 2026
What are the parts of my dishwasher?
Your Samsung DMT400RHS dishwasher is made up of wash, drain, heating, and control components that work together to fill, spray, heat, drain, and dry. For model-specific component locations and access panels, we recommend using the DMT400RHS manual.
- Dish racks (upper and lower)
- Silverware basket
- Spray arms (typically lower and upper, depending on configuration)
- Detergent dispenser and rinse aid dispenser
- Door and door latch assembly
- Filters (screen and/or fine filter area in the sump)
These parts are common in Samsung dishwashers like the DMT400RHS, even though exact layouts can vary by version.
- Water inlet valve (lets water into the tub)
- Circulation pump and motor (moves wash water through the spray arms)
- Drain pump (pushes water out through the drain hose)
- Heating element or heater circuit (heats water and supports drying)
- Float and overfill switch (helps prevent overfilling)
- Electronic control board and user interface (runs cycles and reads sensors)
| Part | What it affects | Common symptom when it fails |
|---|---|---|
| Water inlet valve | Filling | Won’t fill, fills slowly |
| Circulation pump | Cleaning | Poor wash, weak spray |
| Drain pump | Draining | Standing water in bottom |
| Heater circuit | Drying, water temp | Dishes not dry, cool wash |
| Door latch | Starting, safety | Won’t start or stops |
Knowing which part handles filling, spraying, heating, and draining helps you troubleshoot faster and order the right replacement part for your Samsung DMT400RHS.
If you see an error code, use our Samsung dmt dishwasher error codes reference to narrow the problem to a specific system (drain, fill, heater, or leak detection).
Last updated: January 2026
What does express 60 mean?
On the Samsung DMT400RHS dishwasher, we cannot confirm an “Express 60” (or “Quick+”) cycle name from the model-specific information available for this exact model. If you see “Express 60” on your control panel, it typically refers to a 60-minute quick wash intended for lightly soiled dishes.
Cycle names can vary by control panel version and region, even within the same model family. Use your model’s documentation and panel labels to confirm the exact cycle list.
- Check the cycle names printed on the console (not just what you remember from another Samsung dishwasher)
- Look for a cycle chart and option descriptions in the DMT400RHS use & care manual
- Match what you see on the panel to the manual’s cycle descriptions
- If the manual lists different cycles than your panel, use the panel labels as the primary reference
When Samsung uses an Express 60 style cycle, it is generally designed to trade deep cleaning and drying for speed.
- Best for lightly soiled plates, cups, and bowls
- Not ideal for baked-on food or heavy grease
- Often uses a shorter wash time and fewer temperature changes
- Drying may be reduced compared to Normal or Heavy
| If you need… | Better choice than a quick cycle | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy soil removal | Heavy (or Pots/Pans) | Longer wash and stronger cleaning action |
| Best everyday results | Normal | Balanced time, water use, and cleaning |
| Better drying | Normal plus rinse aid | More time and heat for evaporation |
Using a quick cycle for the wrong load is a common reason for leftover food, filming, or wet plastics. Confirming the exact cycle behavior for your DMT400RHS helps you pick the right cycle and avoid repeat washes.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the most common problem with the Samsung dishwasher?
For the Samsung DMT400RHS dishwasher, the most common issues we see are poor cleaning (food left on dishes), draining problems (standing water), and leak detection events. These symptoms are usually tied to a dirty filter/sump area, a restricted drain path, or a wash system problem; confirm model-specific checks in the DMT400RHS user manual.
- Not cleaning well: clogged filter, blocked spray arm holes, low water temperature, or a weak circulation pump.
- Won’t drain or drains slowly: debris in the sump, a blocked drain hose/air gap, or a failing drain pump.
- Leak-related shutdowns: water in the base from a door seal issue, loose hose connection, or oversudsing.
- Won’t start: door not fully latched, control lock enabled, or power supply issue.
- Detergent not dispensing: dispenser door blocked by dishes or a sticking dispenser mechanism.
- Turn off power at the breaker, then remove and rinse the filter and check the sump for glass or labels.
- Spin the spray arms by hand; clear any clogged jets.
- Verify the drain hose has a high loop and is not kinked; clear the sink air gap (if used).
- Run hot water at the sink before starting; dishwashers clean best with hot incoming water.
- If you see an error code, match it to the symptom before replacing anything.
Use the code to narrow the failure area (leak, drain, fill, heating, or wash motor). We recommend checking Samsung dmt dishwasher error codes for code meanings and the first troubleshooting steps.
| What you notice | Most likely system | Typical next step |
|---|---|---|
| Dishes still dirty | Wash/circulation, spray arms, filter | Clean filter and spray arms; confirm hot water |
| Water left in tub | Drain system | Check sump for debris; inspect drain hose routing |
| Water in base or leak code | Leak detection | Check door seal area and hoses; avoid oversudsing |
| Unit has power but won’t run | Door latch/control | Confirm latch engagement; check control lock |
These three problem areas (cleaning, draining, leaking) share a common theme: restricted water flow. Cleaning the filter and verifying drain routing often restores normal operation and helps prevent repeat error codes.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the part number of the Samsung dishwasher drain pump?
For the Samsung DMT400RHS dishwasher, the exact drain pump part number cannot be confirmed from the model-specific information we have here. Samsung drain pump part numbers vary by version and production run, so we recommend verifying the drain pump callout using the DMT400RHS manual before ordering.
Use these checks to match the right replacement drain pump to your dishwasher:
- Confirm the full model tag format (often includes a suffix like XAA on the rating label).
- Look up the drain pump in the parts breakdown or service information referenced in the manual.
- Match the pump by mounting style and electrical connector type.
- Compare the old pump housing shape and outlet direction to the replacement.
- If your dishwasher shows a drain-related error, note the exact code before ordering.
A drain pump number you see online may be correct for some Samsung dishwashers, but not necessarily for DMT400RHS.
| What you have | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Model family match (DMT series) | Similar platform, not a guaranteed part match | Verify by model-specific lookup |
| “Fits Samsung dishwasher” listing | Often cross-model marketing | Confirm with your exact model ID |
| Old pump label number | Helpful, but may be superseded | Cross-check against the manual/parts list |
Using the wrong drain pump can cause no-drain symptoms, leaks at the sump connection, or repeated drain errors. Confirming the correct part for Samsung DMT400RHS helps ensure proper water evacuation and prevents repeat repairs.
If you are chasing a drain error or a unit that will not drain, use Samsung dmt dishwasher error codes to narrow down whether the issue is the drain pump, drain hose, filter blockage, or control sensing.
Last updated: January 2026





