samsungError Code LCModerate — basic toolsModerate safety risk — read warnings

Samsung Dishwasher LC Error: Leak Detected

Updated August 6, 20263 min readTime needed: 20–30 minutes

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.

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

Likely Causes

1. Residual water from a prior small leak or overflow

Even a leak that has already stopped can leave enough standing water in the base pan to trigger the float switch on the next cycle.

2. A loose or dripping hose connection

Fill or drain hose fittings inside the unit can loosen slightly over time or with vibration, dripping into the base pan during use.

3. Excess suds from the wrong detergent

Regular dish soap or too much detergent produces excess foam that can escape the tub and drip down to the base, triggering the same sensor as an actual leak.

4. A cracked or misaligned base pan

Less commonly, the pan itself can crack or sit unlevel, allowing normal condensation to pool instead of draining away.

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
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
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
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
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.

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.

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.

Home Solutions Editorial Team

Reviewed against manufacturer documentation. Updated August 6, 2026. How we write guides