Samsung Dishwasher Error Code LC
A sensor in the base of the dishwasher has picked up water or moisture where it should not be, so the machine drains and refuses to run normally. Treat it as a real leak until proven otherwise, because water and electrics are a bad mix, and let a professional find the source if nothing obvious shows up.
Also shown as: LE
Common causes
- A hose, pump, or tub seal inside the machine is leaking
- Door seal is damaged or the door is not closing flat
- Dishwasher detergent overfilled, or the wrong detergent made excess foam
- Water splashed onto the sensor when the machine was recently moved or installed
- Sink or disposal backing water up into the dishwasher base
What to check, in order
- Switch the dishwasher off at the breaker and close the water supply tap straight away.
- Look under and around the machine for puddles, and check the door edges for dripping.
- If the machine was just installed or moved and there is no visible leak, leave it off and let the base dry out completely before retrying.
- Make sure only dishwasher detergent is being used, and only up to the fill line.
- If the code returns or you find real water inside the base, do not keep running it, and book a repair.
Clear the code and test
- Fix what the checks above found first — a filter cleaned, a hose straightened, the spray arms freed. Clearing the code without fixing the cause only brings it back.
- Close the door, plug the dishwasher back in (or restore its breaker) and make sure the water tap is open.
- Run the shortest programme and stay nearby for the first minutes, watching for leaks and listening for the drain pump.
- If the programme finishes with no code, the fault is cleared. If the code returns, write down the code and when it appeared before calling a technician — it speeds up the diagnosis.
When to call a professional
This code usually points to a faulty part, wiring or the control board on a Samsung dishwasher. Run the checks above to rule out the simple causes, then book a technician — and book one straight away if any of these apply:
- The code comes back after you have run the checks and a test cycle.
- You smell burning, see sparks or scorch marks, or the breaker trips.
- Water is leaking and you cannot stop it at the tap.
- The fix needs panels opened beyond what your manual describes, or a part tested with a meter, and you are not set up for that.
When you call, give the brand, the code LC, your model number (on a label inside the door or on the back) and the checks you already ran. It shortens the visit.
Repair or replace?
This fault is in professional territory: the fix usually means a major part or board-level work, and the labour adds up. If your machine is already well into its service life, get the repair quote first, then compare it with the price of a current equivalent model before you decide. Paying a large share of a new machine's price to repair an old one is rarely the better deal; replacing a machine over one cheap fault is wasteful too.
Parts that may be involved
Leak sensorDoor sealDrain hoseWater inlet valve
Parts are model-specific. Find your model number first — usually on a label inside the door, on the door frame or on the back — and match the part to that number before ordering.
Questions people ask about LC
What does LC mean on a Samsung dishwasher?
LC means: Leakage error: the leak sensor has detected moisture. A sensor in the base of the dishwasher has picked up water or moisture where it should not be, so the machine drains and refuses to run normally. Treat it as a real leak until proven otherwise, because water and electrics are a bad mix, and let a professional find the source if nothing obvious shows up.
Can I fix Samsung LC myself?
Only the preliminary checks. Code LC usually means a part, wiring or the control board has failed, which is a technician job. Run the checks to rule out simple causes before you book.
How do I clear Samsung LC?
Fix the cause first — clearing the code on its own brings it straight back. Then restore power and water, run the shortest programme, and watch the stage where the code appeared. If the programme finishes with no code, it is cleared.
Sources checked
- Samsung support: washing machine information codes
- Samsung support: dishwasher information codes
- Samsung support (US): dishwasher troubleshooting
The meaning and checks for this code were checked against the sources above in November 2026. Codes vary by model and region; if your manual lists a different meaning for your exact model, follow the manual.