Washer Beeping 3 Times? Here’s What’s Going On

Is your washing machine beeping 3 times like it’s talking in Morse code?

Don’t worry! The beeping is often just your washer trying to communicate an issue that requires your attention.

In this article, we’ll explore 8 common reasons behind the mysterious 3 beeps your washer is currently delighting you with. 

We’ll delve into everything from troubleshooting faulty door latches to deciphering error codes to help you understand this beeping mystery. Grab your detective hat, and let’s solve the case.

When your washing machine is beeping 3 times, you’ll want to check the door latch, various error codes, and the quality of your water supply. You’ll also want to look for blocked or clogged filters and anything suspicious on the washer’s control board.

Tools You May Need:

• A flashlight.
• A bucket or container.
• A pair of pliers.
• A soft brush or cloth.
• A multimeter (optional).
• Tech service manual (if available).

Ready? Let’s dive in!

Washer Beeping 3 Times? Check These 8 Things

#1 Avoid Overloading Your Washer

Overloading your washer with a large load of laundry might seem like a time-saver, but it could also explain why your washing machine is beeping 3 times. From what I’ve seen, newer washer models often beep as a warning when overloaded, as the extra weight can strain the machine’s internal components and cause severe damage.

Solution:

• Check under the lid for the maximum capacity your machine can handle.

• As a rule of thumb, fill the washing machine at most 75% full. For example, if your washer has a 7-kilogram (15 lbs) capacity, keep the laundry load to no more than 5 kilograms (11 lbs).

• Adjust the size of your laundry load to avoid overloading and causing damage to your washer.

Note: Overloading your washer can also lead to low efficiency, as the appliance will be drawing more power than necessary to compensate for the excess weight during a wash cycle.

#2 Ensure Your Washer Is On A Stable Surface

An unstable washing machine can bounce around during fast spin cycles, especially with large loads, causing it to beep 3 times as a warning. If your washer is not level or balanced, it could risk tipping over and sustaining damage during operation.

Solution:

• Check whether your washing machine has adjustable feet. If so, turn the feet left or right to raise or lower them until all four firmly touch the ground.

• If your washer doesn’t have adjustable feet, use wood shims or rubber pads under the feet, as the materials will provide enough support to keep the washer balanced and level.

• To level your washer while spinning with a load of clothes, wait for the uneven foot to lift off the ground, then turn the foot by hand until it’s solidly on the ground and can’t be turned further.

• Ensure the surface your washing machine is placed on is sturdy and even, as this will help prevent any movement or beeping during operation.

#3 Inspect for Laundry Caught in the washer

Your washing machine could also be beeping 3 times due to laundry caught between the appliance’s door seal and the glass. Stuck garments can cause the door to leak, allowing water to run down the front and collect in the bottom tray.

Solution:

1. Disconnect the washer from water and power supplies.

2. Place a towel on the floor behind the washing machine.

3. Slightly tilt the appliance backward, creating a 10–15 cm gap between the floor and the kickboard on the front.

4. Hold the appliance tilted for about 30–40 seconds, allowing the water in the bottom tray to flow out onto the towel.

5. Carefully lower the appliance back to the floor and reconnect it.

6. Examine the water supply and drainage.

7. Inspect the filters in the inlet hose and water valve for cleanliness (where the inlet hose connects to the appliance and at the water tap).

8. Initiate a wash cycle and observe if the problem has been resolved.

#4 Check the Door Latch

A faulty door latch could also explain why your washer is beeping 3 times.

For most washing machines, the door must be securely closed and latched before the machine can start its cycle. If the door isn’t closing correctly or the latch is faulty, the washer will beep three times as a warning.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Ensure the door is closed correctly and aligned with the latch.

• Inspect the latch for any visible damage or debris that could prevent it from functioning correctly.

• Clean the latch and the surrounding area with a soft cloth or soft brush like a toothbrush to remove dirt or grime.

• If the latch is damaged, consult your tech service manual or a service technician for guidance on replacing it.

If you want to get any replacement part – or see how much one would cost – click to enter your model number in the search bar below. Our partners at AppliancePartsPros stock almost every part with free guides on how to install them.

#5 Decipher Error Codes

Error Codes could also explain why your washing machine is beeping 3 times – in fact, Error Codes are one of the most likely culprits. Error codes alert you to potential issues with your washer, so my usual advice when you get them is to consult your Tech Manual or search online for a list of error codes related to your specific washer make and model.

To find a Tech Manual, please check out our free guide on finding manuals online. Alternatively, consider purchasing access to a tech manual library, such as appliancetechmanuals.com.

#6 Inspect the Water Supply

A washer beeping 3 times could also indicate a problem with the water supply. Your washing machine needs an adequate supply of water to function correctly, so if there’s an issue with the water supply, the washer can beep 3 times as a warning.

Here’s how to check your water supply:

• Ensure the faucets connected to the washer are turned on and supplied with water.

• Inspect the water supply hoses for kinks, leaks, or damage. If necessary, replace any damaged hoses.

• Check the hose screens (usually found at the faucet end of the supply hoses) for debris and clean them if needed. All washers have 1-2 screens on the water valve connection check and clean those on the machine.

• Take the hoses off the washer and hold them pointing inside the washer. Then, turn on the valve and ensure water flows through the hot and cold hoses quickly.

• If your washer is still beeping, you’ll need to consult a professional plumber to check your home’s water supply and pressure.

Recommended:

Find A Repair Professional You Can Trust

#7 Clean the Filters

Clean filters are extremely important to keep a washing machine from beeping 3 times and prevent other, more dangerous issues. The filters in your washer catch debris and other particles that aren’t meant to be inside the appliance.

And while filters work great, they can sadly become clogged over time, affecting your washer’s performance and potentially causing it to beep 3 times.

To clean the filters:

• Locate the filters in your washer, usually near the water inlet valve or at the bottom of the machine of your front-load washer. Refer to your tech service manual for specific locations.

• Carefully remove the filters using a pair of pliers if necessary.

• Clean the filters with a soft brush or cloth to remove debris, lint, or particles. You can also rinse them under running water.

• Once clean, reinstall the filters and ensure they’re securely in place.

Pro Tip: I tend to find that there’s no set frequency to clean your filters. It’s better to analyze your personal situation and go from there. If you do a lot of laundry, you should clean your filters at least 4 times per year.

#8 Investigate the Electronic Control Board

If your washer continues to beep three times, it could be a sign of a malfunctioning electronic control board. The control board is responsible for managing the various functions of your washing machine, and any issues with it can cause your washer to behave strangely, including emitting beeps.

To check the electronic control board:

• Unplug your washer from the power source.

• Locate the control board, usually found behind the control panel or at the bottom of the machine. 

• Inspect the control board for any signs of damage, such as burnt spots or loose connections.

If you discover any issues with the electronic control board, you may need to replace it. Consult your tech service manual or a service technician to be sure.

Conclusion:

That about covers it!

When your washing machine is beeping 3 times, it’s understandable that you feel annoyed and concerned.

Luckily, as I hope this piece has helped you better understand, addressing the most common causes behind a washing machine beeping 3 times is easy and quick. More often than not, simple actions like cleaning your washer’s filters and checking the door latch will do the trick.

Thank you very much for reading. If this article proved useful and interesting, please consider checking out our other incredible resources below and subscribing to our newsletter.

Have a great week!

-Craig.