Samsung Washing Machine Error Code LC — Leak Detected / Water Level Error

Q: Is Samsung error code LC covered under warranty?

If the LC code is caused by a manufacturing defect and the washer is still within the manufacturer's warranty period (typically one year for parts and labor), the repair may be covered. Leaks caused by a loose debris filter cap or wrong detergent are user-related and not covered. Check your warranty documentation or contact Samsung directly.

Check for Leaks · May Need a TechnicianAlso displayed as: LC1 LE 1C 1 LC 1 1C

Quick Answer

The LC error code means your Samsung washing machine has detected water where it should not be. A moisture sensor at the base of the machine has been triggered, indicating a possible leak. Start by checking for visible water around and under the washer. Common causes include a loose drain hose connection, a leaking debris filter cap, or excess detergent creating overflow suds. If you cannot find or stop the leak, a technician needs to identify the internal source.

DIY Time

10-15 min

Difficulty

Moderate to Hard

Tools

Towels, flashlight

DIY Cost

Free (if external)

What the LC Code Means

The Samsung washing machine error code LC is a leak detection error that indicates the washer's moisture sensor has detected water pooling at the base of the machine. Samsung front-load and some top-load washers have a small sensor tray at the bottom of the unit. When water reaches that sensor, the washer immediately stops the cycle and displays LC to prevent water damage to the floor and the machine's electrical components.

Samsung uses several related code labels for water-level and leak issues. The code LC1 specifically indicates a leak at the base (identical to LC on most models). The code LE can also appear for leak-related faults. The codes 1E, 1C, and 1 1C are related but slightly different. They indicate a problem with the water level pressure sensor (the sensor that measures how much water is in the drum), rather than a physical water leak. If your code starts with a "1" rather than an "L," the issue may be the pressure sensor hose or the sensor itself rather than a leak.

The LC code should be taken seriously. Water leaking inside or around a washing machine can cause floor damage and create an electrical hazard. Check for visible water immediately and do not run additional cycles until the source is identified.

Common Causes — Most Likely First

Excess detergent or wrong detergent type. Using too much detergent or non-HE (high-efficiency) detergent in a front-load washer creates excessive suds. The suds overflow into the base of the machine and trigger the leak sensor. Very common

Debris filter cap not sealed properly. If the debris filter cap at the front bottom of the washer was not tightened after cleaning, water leaks out during the cycle and pools at the base. Common

Loose or damaged drain hose connection. The drain hose at the back of the washer has come loose from the machine or from the standpipe, causing water to leak onto the floor and drip down to the sensor. Common

Loose or damaged water supply hose connection. A supply hose fitting at the back of the washer is not tight, or the hose itself is cracked. Water drips down the back and collects at the base. Occasional

Damaged door boot seal (front-loaders). The rubber gasket around the door opening has a tear, hole, or is not seated correctly. Water escapes during the wash or rinse cycle. Needs a technician

Internal hose or tub-to-pump connection leak. A hose clamp inside the washer has loosened, or an internal hose has cracked. Water leaks from inside the machine to the base tray. Needs a technician

Faulty leak sensor. The moisture sensor itself has failed or has a wiring issue, causing a false LC alarm even when no water is present. Needs a technician

How to Fix the LC Error — Step by Step

Turn off and unplug the washer immediately

Power the washing machine off and unplug it from the wall outlet. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Do not run another cycle until you have identified the source of the leak.

Turn off the water supply valves

Close both the hot and cold water valves on the wall behind the washer. This stops any additional water from flowing into or leaking from the machine while you inspect.

Check for visible water around and under the washer

Use a flashlight to look around the base, the back, and the sides of the washer. Mop up any standing water with towels. Follow the water trail to find where it is coming from. Knowing the location helps narrow the cause.

Water from the front: Likely the debris filter cap or door seal. Water from the back: Likely a hose connection. Water from underneath with no visible external source: Likely an internal leak.

Check the debris filter cap

Open the small access panel at the front bottom of the washer. Make sure the debris filter cap is fully seated and tightened clockwise. If it is loose or cross-threaded, reseat it firmly. A loose filter cap is one of the most common causes of LC errors after routine filter cleaning.

Inspect the drain hose and supply hose connections

Pull the washer out slightly and check where the drain hose connects to the back of the machine and where it enters the standpipe. Tighten any loose clamps. Check both water supply hose fittings at the back of the washer for drips. Hand-tighten any loose connections.

Check your detergent type and amount

If you are using a non-HE detergent in a Samsung front-load washer, or using more than the recommended amount, excessive suds can overflow into the base tray. Switch to HE detergent and use the amount specified on the detergent label for your load size.

Dry the leak sensor area and test

If you found and fixed the source (a loose cap, loose hose, or detergent issue), use towels to thoroughly dry the base area of the washer. Open the water supply valves, plug the washer back in, and run a short cycle. Watch carefully for any new leaking. If the LC code does not return, the issue is resolved.

If the code returns or you cannot find the leak, call a technician

If LC reappears after drying the sensor area and fixing all visible issues, the leak is internal (a torn door boot seal, a cracked internal hose, or a loose tub-to-pump connection). These components are inside the machine and require a technician to access safely.

When to Call a Technician

Leak errors should be addressed promptly to prevent water damage. Book a professional Samsung appliance repair if:

You see water coming from underneath the washer but cannot identify an external source (hoses, filter cap)
The LC code returns after you have dried the sensor area, tightened all connections, and run a test cycle
You notice water seeping from around the door seal on a front-load washer
The LC code appears even when the washer has not been running and no water is visible (possible sensor fault)
There is a large or continuous water leak that you cannot stop by closing the supply valves

How Promix Repairs Samsung Washing Machine LC Errors

When a Promix Appliance Repair technician arrives for a Samsung washing machine LC error, the first step is identifying the leak source. The technician runs a diagnostic cycle while visually inspecting all hose connections, the door boot seal, the debris filter housing, and the tub-to-pump junction. If the leak is not visible externally, the technician tilts or partially disassembles the machine to access the base tray and internal hose connections.

Common repairs for a persistent LC code include replacing the door boot seal (the rubber gasket around the door opening on front-loaders), tightening or replacing internal hose clamps, and replacing cracked drain or recirculation hoses. If the leak sensor itself has failed, the technician replaces it. Promix carries common Samsung washer and dryer repair parts on every service vehicle, so most LC repairs are completed in a single visit. All repairs include a warranty on parts and labor. A service call fee applies and is credited toward the repair if you choose to proceed. Call (781) 666-9565 to schedule.

Repair Cost Expectations

If You Fix It Yourself

Tightening a loose filter cap or hose connection, and switching to HE detergent, costs nothing.

Professional Repair

Varies by part

Door boot seal and hose clamp repairs are on the lower end. Tub seal or sensor replacements cost more. Call (781) 666-9565 for a transparent quote before any work begins.

How to Prevent Error Code LC From Coming Back

Use HE detergent in the correct amount. Samsung front-load washers require high-efficiency detergent. Using regular detergent or too much HE detergent creates excess suds that overflow to the base tray and trigger the leak sensor.

Tighten the debris filter cap after every cleaning. A filter cap that is cross-threaded or not fully seated will leak during the next cycle. Turn it clockwise until it stops and confirm it is snug.

Inspect hose connections every six months. Check the supply hose fittings and drain hose connection at the back of the washer for any signs of dripping or corrosion. Hand-tighten anything that feels loose.

Wipe the door seal after each load (front-loaders). Debris, hair, and moisture trapped in the rubber folds of the door boot seal can degrade the rubber over time. A quick wipe keeps the seal in good condition.

Replace rubber supply hoses every 3 to 5 years. Aging rubber hoses can develop cracks or bulges. Braided stainless steel hoses are more durable and less prone to leaking.

Washer Leaking? We'll Find the Source Today.

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Book Samsung Washer Repair Call (781) 666-9565

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Samsung washing machine with error code LC?

No. The LC code means the washer has detected a water leak. Running additional cycles can cause water damage to your floor and create an electrical safety risk. Unplug the washer, turn off the water supply, and identify the source of the leak before using the machine again.

Will resetting my Samsung washing machine clear error code LC?

Unplugging the washer for 60 seconds and plugging it back in will clear the code from the display. However, if the leak sensor at the base of the machine is still wet, the code will return immediately. You need to fix the leak source and dry the base tray thoroughly before a reset will hold.

How long does it take to fix Samsung error code LC?

If the cause is something external like a loose filter cap, a loose hose connection, or a detergent issue, you can resolve it yourself in 10 to 15 minutes. If a technician needs to replace the door boot seal or an internal hose, the repair typically takes 45 to 90 minutes on site.

Is Samsung error code LC covered under warranty?

If the LC code is caused by a manufacturing defect (a faulty door seal or a loose internal hose clamp from the factory) and the washer is still within the manufacturer's warranty period (typically one year for parts and labor), the repair may be covered. Leaks caused by a loose debris filter cap or wrong detergent are user-related and not covered. Check your warranty documentation or contact Samsung directly.

What is the difference between Samsung error codes LC and 1E?

LC indicates the washer's leak sensor has detected water at the base of the machine. It means there is (or was) an actual water leak. 1E (or 1C) indicates a problem with the water level pressure sensor, which is the sensor that measures how much water is inside the drum. The fixes are different: LC requires finding and stopping a leak, while 1E usually requires professional diagnosis of the pressure sensor or its air hose.

Can too much detergent cause Samsung error code LC?

Yes. Using too much detergent, or using non-HE detergent in a Samsung front-load washer, creates excessive suds. These suds can overflow from the drum area into the base of the machine and trigger the leak sensor. Switch to HE detergent and use only the amount recommended on the label for your load size.