Samsung Washing Machine Error Code LC
Water has been detected where it should not be, in the base of the machine, or the water level readings do not make sense. Check for an actual leak first before assuming a sensor fault.
Also shown as: LE, LC1, 1C, 1E
Common causes
- Loose or split inlet or drain hose
- Leaking door seal
- Cracked drain pump housing
- Faulty water level sensor or its air tube blocked
What to check, in order
- Look for water under and behind the washer and check every hose connection by hand.
- Inspect the door seal for tears and trapped objects.
- Tilt nothing and move nothing until the power is off and the floor is dry.
- If everything is dry and the code returns immediately, the level sensor or its tube is the likely cause and needs a technician.
Clear the code and test
- Fix what the checks above found first — a filter cleaned, a hose straightened, taps opened. Clearing the code without fixing the cause only brings it back.
- Close the door, plug the machine back in and restore the water supply.
- Run a short rinse and spin, or the shortest wash programme, and watch the stage where the code appeared before (filling, washing, draining or spinning).
- If the cycle finishes with no code, the fault is cleared. If the code returns at the same stage, write down the code and that stage before calling a technician — it speeds up the diagnosis.
When to call a professional
Most cases are solved by the checks above. Book a technician 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.
Parts that may be involved
Water level sensorDoor sealDrain pump
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 washing machine?
LC means: Leak detected or water level sensor problem. Water has been detected where it should not be, in the base of the machine, or the water level readings do not make sense. Check for an actual leak first before assuming a sensor fault.
Can I fix Samsung LC myself?
Start yourself: the checks on this page cover the causes you can reach without opening the machine up. If they point to a faulty part, testing or replacing it is usually a technician job.
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.