LC
SAMSUNG Dishwasher
Urgency
⚠ High
Stop using immediately
Repair difficulty
🔧 Competent DIY
Some experience required
⚠️
For information purposes only. Always consult a qualified engineer before attempting repairs. 🔌 Unplug your appliance before any inspection or repair.
🔗 Affiliate disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure →

What does the Samsung LC / LE error code mean?

LC (or LE) means Samsung’s leak sensor has detected water in the base tray of the machine. A float switch in the drip tray has been lifted by accumulated water, triggering a full shutdown. The machine will not operate until the water is removed and the source of the leak is identified and fixed.

🔍 Symptoms

  1. Machine stops and displays LC or LE
  2. The drain pump runs continuously trying to expel water
  3. You may notice water pooling under or around the machine
  4. Machine will not start any programme after displaying LC
  5. All panel lights may flash or an alarm may sound

How to fix the Samsung LC / LE error code

  1. Unplug the machine immediately. Do not attempt to restart it.
  2. Tilt the machine forward 45 degrees to allow water in the base tray to drain out. Use plenty of towels.
  3. Once drained, inspect the machine carefully for the source of the leak. Common locations include: the door seal (check for tears or misalignment), the inlet hose connections (check for dampness), and the sump/heater area underneath.
  4. Run a short cycle and inspect from below — a torch is helpful — to see where water is escaping.
  5. Replace the leaking component. After repair, the LC error may clear itself once the base tray is dry, or may require a manual power-cycle reset.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: The LC error went away after tilting the machine — is it fixed?

A: Only if you have identified and fixed the leak. If you simply drained the tray without finding the leak source, it will return on the next wash cycle.

Q: Can over-sudsing cause an LC error on a Samsung dishwasher?

A: Yes. Excess foam from using the wrong detergent can overflow from the tub into the base tray, triggering the leak sensor.

Q: How long does the base tray take to dry after an LC event?

A: At least 24–48 hours with good ventilation. You can speed this up by carefully using a hairdryer on a low heat setting near the base (with the machine unplugged).

ℹ️ Affiliate disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.

🎯 What is likely causing this fault?

💧
Internal leak (hoses, sump, seals) 45%
💧
Oversudsing / detergent issue 25%
💧
Residual water from previous leak/tilt 15%
📡
Leak sensor fault 10%
💡
Wiring / PCB 5%

⚠️ Estimates based on common faults — not a guaranteed diagnosis. Always verify before ordering parts.

🔩

Parts you may need

Enter your model number to filter results to your exact machine

Usually found on a label inside the door frame or on the back panel of the machine.

No model entered
Part Approx. UK Cost Find it
Door Seal £20 - £40
Door Seal £17 - £25
Inlet Hose £10 - £15
Outlet Hose (drain) £7 - £10
Inlet Hose £10 - £15
Outlet Hose (drain) £10 - £15

ℹ️ Prices are approximate. Always check the part number matches your model before ordering. Not sure of your model number? Find out how to locate it here.