Samsung Dishwasher LC Error Code: What It Means and How to Fix It

By Dan Mercer · Published October 5, 2026 · Updated October 6, 2026 · Codes covered: LC, LE · Sources

An LC code on a Samsung dishwasher means its leak sensor has detected moisture where it shouldn't be, usually in the base under the tub. Often the cause is simple: too much detergent, hand dish soap, a seal out of place, or water that splashed in when the dishwasher was moved. You can usually find and fix that yourself, then let the base dry. If the code keeps coming back with no obvious cause, Samsung says to request service.

Samsung uses LE for the same error. Samsung's support pages cover LC and LE together. Models without a display show it as a pattern of blinking lights.

This 3-minute fix saved 0 homeowners a technician visit this month.

What the LC code means

Samsung's error-code list calls LC and LE the "Leakage error": "The dishwasher's leak sensor detects moisture." Samsung's leak guide adds that it means moisture is detected "where it doesn't belong, even if a leak isn't visible or noticeable."

What's normal: Samsung says that when this code appears, "the dishwasher will turn itself on and will not turn off." It tries to drain the water away. That pump noise is expected. The dishwasher is protecting your floor.

Waterwall models: Samsung says LC can also mean the water reflector is blocked. A dish or utensil stopping the reflector can send water where it shouldn't go.

The sensor is very sensitive. iFixit notes Samsung's leak detection can react to about 45 ml of water, and sometimes as little as 10 ml. That's about two teaspoons. So a tiny, occasional drip can set it off.

Look-alike codes: OC is an over-level water error, and 5C (also SC, 5E or SE) is a drain error. On LG dishwashers, LE means something different (a motor error), so don't mix up the brands.

Likely causes (most common first)

1. Too much detergent, or the wrong kind. Hand dish soap makes masses of suds that escape the tub. Samsung also says leftover detergent is moist enough to trigger the sensor and doesn't dry as fast as water.
2. Water splashed near the sensor when the dishwasher was moved or installed.
3. A new garbage disposal with its cap still in place. Samsung says this can send water to the leak sensor.
4. A loose or leaking water supply hose, at either end or along its length.
5. A drain hose not connected properly to your sink drain or disposal.
6. A door seal that's dirty or pushed out of its channel.
7. A dishwasher that isn't level. If the front is lower than the back, water pools at the door, Samsung says.
8. Cabinet screws too tight. Samsung says this can stretch the tub sides and open gaps.
9. Clogged spray nozzles aiming water straight at the door seal.
10. A blocked water reflector (Waterwall models).
11. An internal leak. Samsung's Caribbean code table lists a worn drain pump gasket, a defective tub and a damaged dispenser. iFixit adds sump gaskets, the inlet valve and door vent seals. These need service.

How to fix it, step by step

Work through these in order.

1. Cut the power. Samsung's first step for LC is to unplug the dishwasher or switch it off at the circuit breaker. Many Samsung dishwashers are hardwired, so the breaker is usually the way to do it. Leave it off while you troubleshoot.
2. Look for a visible leak. Check the floor, the cabinet under the sink, and the water supply hose at both ends. Feel for moisture. If you find a leak, turn off the water supply under the sink.
3. Fix the supply hose if it's the source. Samsung says the supply hose is sold separately and isn't covered by service. Reseat it, or replace it. Samsung recommends a 3/8-inch stainless steel hose. Follow the installation guide.
4. Check the drain hose connection at your sink drain or disposal and tighten it if needed. For leaks anywhere else along the drain hose, Samsung says to request service.
5. Remove the disposal cap if the dishwasher drains into a newly installed disposal.
6. Check your detergent. The label must say it's for dish*washers*. Don't overfill the dispenser, and don't add detergent outside it. Samsung's Caribbean page also says to wipe up excess rinse aid with a wet towel.
7. Clean and reseat the door seal. Push it back into its channel if it has come out. Wipe it with a towel and mild soap. If it's damaged, Samsung says to request service.
8. Clean the filter and spray nozzles. Food in the nozzles can spray water at the door hard enough to get past the seal.
9. Waterwall models: free the reflector. Make sure no dishes or utensils block it.
10. Check the level and the cabinet screws. The dishwasher should be level side to side and front to back. Samsung says to measure across the opening where the cabinet screws are. It should be exactly 22 inches. If it's wider, loosen the screws.
11. Give it time to dry. Leave the power off so the base can dry out. Samsung says you can leave it unplugged or off at the breaker if the noise bothers you.
12. Restore power. If LC is gone, run a cycle and watch for leaks. If LC is still showing after it has had time to dry, request service.

Test the part

Samsung's leak sensor isn't something you test with a meter. iFixit describes it as a white sensor with metal contacts, or "nodes," in the bottom pan. Water bridging the nodes triggers the code. So the check is to find water and dry it, not to measure anything.

1. Switch off the breaker (or unplug the dishwasher) and turn off the water. If it's hardwired and you need to disconnect the cable to pull it out, iFixit says to confirm the wires are dead with a non-contact tester first. If you're not comfortable with house wiring, call a pro.
2. Look under the front first. Remove the two screws on the lower access plate, take it off, and look for water and mineral trails under the tub.
3. Get to the bottom pan if needed. On the DW80 and similar models in iFixit's guide, you release the mounting screws, slide the dishwasher out, and tip it on its side. Then remove the screw and clips that hold the bottom pan. Other models may differ.
4. Dry the pan and the sensor. Wipe up all the water and wipe the metal nodes dry with a paper towel or microfiber cloth.
5. Trace the source. Feel along the drain, the inlet hose, the inlet valve and the motor area for wet spots. Water trails usually lead back to the leak.
6. Don't move or alter the sensor. iFixit warns against taking it out of the pan or shortening its contacts. The sensor is there to catch real leaks, and moving it can lead to serious water damage.
7. Reassemble and test. Refit the pan and junction box cover, put the dishwasher back, restore power, and watch the next cycle closely.
8. Stop and call a pro if you find water coming from the pump, sump, tub, inlet valve or door vent, or if LC returns once everything is dry.

Safety notes

When to call a pro

Request Samsung service or call a qualified appliance technician if:

• LC or LE is still showing after the dishwasher has had time to dry.
• There's no sign of suds, a spill or a hose leak, but the code keeps coming back.
• The door seal is damaged, or you see a leak along the drain hose (other than at your sink connection).
• You find water coming from inside the machine, such as the pump, tub or dispenser.
• You'd have to disconnect hardwired power to pull the dishwasher out and you're not comfortable doing it.
• Your dishwasher is under warranty. Check the terms before opening it.

Samsung US support is at samsung.com/us/support or 1-800-SAMSUNG (1-800-726-7864).

FAQ

Related

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