Quick Answer
LC or LE on a Samsung dishwasher means the leak sensor found water in the base. Here are the six causes Samsung lists and why it can show up with a dry floor.
The LC code on a Samsung dishwasher means the leak sensor found water in the base of the machine. Some models show LE instead, and it means the same thing. Samsung lists six common causes: a leaking hose, a worn drain pump gasket, a leaking tub, detergent or rinse aid problems, a clogged filter, and a dishwasher that is not level. You can check most of those in about ten minutes.
What LC (or LE) actually means
Under the tub of your dishwasher is a shallow base pan with a sensor in it. If water collects in that pan, the sensor trips, the dishwasher stops, and the display shows LC. It is a safety feature. The point is to stop the machine before a small leak turns into a wet kitchen floor.
Why you can get LC with no water on the floor
This is the most common question, and the answer is simple: the base pan is hidden. Water can collect there, trip the sensor, and never reach your floor. So a dry floor does not rule out a leak. It usually just means the leak is small or recent. Suds are the other big reason. Soap foam can spill into the base without any real leak at all.
The six causes Samsung lists, and what to check
These come straight from Samsung's support guidance for the LC and LE codes:
- Hose leak. Check the water supply and drain hose connections for looseness, cracks, or holes.
- Drain pump. A worn gasket around the drain pump can leak while the dishwasher runs.
- Tub leak. A defective tub is rare, and it needs a service center repair.
- Detergent and rinse aid. Samsung says to use real dishwasher detergent, use a small amount, and wipe up any excess rinse aid with a damp towel. Hand dish soap in a dishwasher is a classic way to fill the machine with suds.
- Clogged filter. Food buildup in the filter can back water up. Twist the filter out, rinse it, and put it back.
- Dishwasher not level. If the dishwasher leans forward, water can escape toward the front. Samsung's fix is to adjust the three or four leveling feet.
How to clear the LC code
- Turn the dishwasher off and shut off its water supply.
- Work through the six checks above and fix whatever you find.
- Give the base time to dry. The code usually keeps coming back while there is water in the base pan, and that can take several hours to evaporate. Leaving the power off with the door open helps.
- Restore power and run a short cycle with the right amount of dishwasher detergent. Watch the front and sides for water.
If LC returns after the base has dried and you are using normal detergent, there is a real leak inside the machine, usually a hose, a seal, or the pump gasket.
When to stop troubleshooting
Stop and get help if you see water coming from inside the machine, if the code comes back more than once after drying, or if finding the leak would mean removing the kick plate or pulling the dishwasher out. Pulling a dishwasher out means disconnecting water and power, and it is easy to crack a hose or scratch the floor. If the code showed up alongside slow draining, our guide to a dishwasher that will not drain covers the filter and drain path in more detail.
Getting it fixed
If you are in Fairfield or anywhere in Solano County, California, we can connect you with a local technician who works on Samsung dishwashers. Our dishwasher repair page explains how the referral works. If your dishwasher is still under warranty, contact Samsung first.
Frequently asked questions
Is LE the same as LC on a Samsung dishwasher?
Yes. Samsung groups LC and LE together as the leak code. Which one you see depends on your model.
Can too much detergent cause the LC code?
Yes. Samsung lists the wrong type of detergent, too much detergent, and excess rinse aid as causes. Extra suds can spill into the base and trip the sensor.
Why does the LC code keep coming back?
Either the base pan is still wet, or there is an ongoing leak. Let it dry fully first. If it still comes back, a hose, seal, or pump gasket is likely leaking.
Is it safe to keep running the dishwasher?
Not until you know where the water came from. The code exists to stop a small leak before it damages your floor.
Related guides: the Bosch dishwasher E15 error and Midea dishwasher error codes cover the same kind of leak protection on other brands.
In Fairfield or elsewhere in Solano County, California?
We are a referral service. We connect you with an independent local dishwasher technician and do not perform repairs ourselves. Outside our area? Samsung customer support can point you to an authorized service provider near you.