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samsungError Code LCModerate — basic toolsModerate safety risk — read warnings

Samsung Dishwasher LC Error: Leak Detected

Updated August 29, 20263 min readTime needed: 20–30 minutes
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Short answer: LC means Samsung's leak-detection float switch has sensed water pooling in the base pan and stopped the cycle to prevent flooding. It's the same underlying concept as similar leak-lockout codes on other brands — find and clear the source of that water, then reset.

Before you assume it's a real leak

LC is triggered by water in the base pan, but water there doesn't always mean an active leak. In order of how often each turns out to be the actual cause: leftover water from a leak or overflow that's already stopped, a loosened hose fitting still dripping slightly, excess suds from dish soap or too much detergent escaping the tub and running down, and — least commonly — a cracked or unlevel base pan that lets normal condensation pool instead of draining away. The dry-and-watch test above is what tells these apart in practice: if the pan stays dry once you've cleared it, you were most likely dealing with one of the first two (residual water or suds), not a genuine leak that needs a part replaced.

Common Symptoms

  • 'LC' or 'LC1' displayed and the dishwasher stops mid-cycle or won't start
  • Water visible in the base of the unit when the lower kick plate is removed
  • The error returns quickly after being cleared
  • The dishwasher ran normally before this specific cycle

Safe Checks You Can Do

  • Turn off power at the breaker before removing the lower kick plate to access the base pan.
  • Look for standing water once the panel is off, and check whether it's actively dripping from somewhere or just residual.
  • Confirm you're using dishwasher-specific detergent, not liquid dish soap.
  • Check visible hose connections at the front of the unit for drips.

Step-by-Step Solution

  1. 1

    Cut power and access the base pan

    Turn off the breaker, then remove the toe-kick panel at the bottom front of the dishwasher.

  2. 2

    Dry the base pan fully

    Use a towel or small wet/dry vacuum to remove all standing water so the float switch can reset to its normal position.

  3. 3

    Watch for an active drip during a short test run

    With the panel still off, run a short cycle and observe for a few minutes to see if water is actively dripping from a hose or fitting.

  4. 4

    Address the source and reset

    Tighten a loose connection if found, switch to proper dishwasher detergent if suds were the cause, then restore power and run a normal cycle to confirm the error clears.

What Not to Do

  • Don't keep restarting the cycle without drying the base pan first — the float switch needs the water actually cleared to reset.
  • Don't use regular dish soap in a dishwasher — its foam can trigger this exact error and risks overflow.
  • Don't overtighten plastic hose fittings when checking connections, which can crack them and create a new leak.

When to Call a Professional

  • You find an active leak from a hose, pump seal, or tub fitting beyond a simple loose connection.
  • Water reappears in the base pan shortly after being dried with no obvious cause.
  • You're not comfortable removing the kick plate or working near the unit's wiring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using the dishwasher with the LC error appearing occasionally?

Don't ignore it — treat every occurrence as a potential real leak until you've confirmed the cause, since an unaddressed leak can cause water damage over time even if it seems minor.

Is LC the same as LC1 or LE on Samsung dishwashers?

Different Samsung model generations display similar leak-detection faults slightly differently, but the underlying cause and fix are the same.

What detergent should I use to avoid this?

Use a dishwasher-specific tablet, pod, or powder, measured according to the package instructions — both dish soap and excess detergent can produce enough foam to trigger the leak sensor.

Safety warning

Always disconnect power at the breaker before removing any panel or working near water and electrical connections together. If you cannot identify the source of the water, treat it as a potential leak and have it professionally inspected.

Home Solutions Editorial Team

Updated August 29, 2026. How we write guides

Sources & Verification

  • Error code meanings may vary by model. Check your appliance manual before attempting any troubleshooting.

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