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Helpful tips for dealing with a leak, whether it’s visible or not
If you see the "LC" code on your Samsung dishwasher display and hear the drain running, it means the machine’s sensors have detected moisture. While this often indicates a water leak, other factors can cause the error as well. Fortunately, most LC errors are easy to fix with just a few tools. Keep reading to find out what causes the LC code and how to resolve it. We also consulted with appliance repair specialists for expert cleaning and troubleshooting tips to assist you.
Troubleshooting the Samsung Dishwasher LC Error Code
The LC or LE code typically means the dishwasher has detected a water leak or moisture near the sensor. Check for and fix any leaks you find. If there’s no visible leak but the LC code persists, try unplugging the dishwasher to reset it, allowing moisture to dry, or contacting a professional technician for help.
Instructions
What does the LC error code represent?
The LC code indicates that your dishwasher has detected moisture or a potential leak. The dishwasher has a moisture sensor underneath the tub to monitor for water leaks. When moisture is detected, the LC or LE code appears on the display. Even in the absence of an actual leak, the dishwasher will continue running to try and drain any leftover water.
- The dishwasher will keep operating and attempt to drain until no moisture is sensed.
- For Waterwall Samsung dishwashers, the LC or LE code means that the water reflector at the bottom of the tub, which moves back and forth, is obstructed.
How to Clear the LC Code When a Leak is Visible
Secure or replace loose connections in the supply hoses. Your dishwasher uses several hose connections that can leak if they are loose or damaged. Open the cabinets near your dishwasher and inspect the hose leading from your dishwasher to the water supply.
- If the hose connection feels loose, tighten a hose clamp around the connection to seal it.
- If you spot any damage at the hose’s end or along its length, it’s best to replace it. Turn off your water supply, disconnect the hose, and install a new one.
- Some hoses attach to the back of your dishwasher, making them harder to access. Unscrew the side screws, and ask a friend to help you pull the dishwasher out.
Clean or replace the door gasket if it's soiled. The door gasket is the rubber seal around the dishwasher door, and any damage or buildup can cause leaks. Open the dishwasher and check the gasket. Clean off any dirt or residue with a damp cloth. If it’s cracked, torn, or worn, replace it.
- Appliance repair expert Gevorg Grigorian notes that dishwashers “tend to leak from the left or right side of the door, or even both sides simultaneously. This is often due to a worn-out gasket around the door.”
Clear the dishwasher filter if it’s blocked. According to Grigorian, filters can get clogged with food particles or broken dishware, which might prevent proper drainage and lead to a leak error. To clean the filter, simply remove the bottom rack, twist and pull out the filter, then rinse it under water in your sink.
- The dishwasher filter is typically located at the bottom of the tub near the front.
EXPERT ADVICE
Gevorg Grigorian
Appliance Repair Specialist
Appliance Repair Specialist
Inspect the filter drain for any blockages before reinstalling the filter. Use a flashlight to check the area where the filter was and ensure there are no objects obstructing the drain.
Loosen the screws on the side of the tub if the walls are bowed. Check your dishwasher to ensure the sides of the tub are vertically straight. If you notice any bowing, gently loosen the screws holding the dishwasher to the cabinets until the walls are no longer deformed.
- According to Grigorian, prolonged exposure to hot water can warp plastic tubs, which may cause leaks.
Adjust the dishwasher legs if they are uneven. Remove the toe kick panel to access the adjustment legs. Turn the screws or nuts on the legs to level the dishwasher and prevent it from wobbling or tilting. Use a bubble level inside the tub to verify the dishwasher’s level.
- If the back legs are uneven, turn off the power and water supply, then carefully pull the appliance out to access them.
- Use your level to check the front and back alignment of the dishwasher. If the front is lower, water may leak from the door, triggering the LC code.
Clean the spray arm nozzles. The spray arms rotate to distribute water, but debris inside can misdirect the spray. Open the dishwasher, remove the nuts securing the spray arms, rinse them with clean water, and use a toothpick to remove any debris from the nozzle holes.
Resolving the LC Code Without Visible Leaks
Reset your dishwasher. If no leaks are found, the sensor may be faulty. Appliance repair expert Homer Flores suggests, “check the technical spec sheet behind the toe kick plate” for model-specific instructions. Once reset, the error code should clear.
- Generally, you can reset the dishwasher by unplugging it or switching it off at the breaker, waiting for about 5 minutes, and then plugging it back in. Some models may require pressing certain buttons on the appliance.
Allow your dishwasher to air-dry. If you don’t see a leak but the LC error persists, there might still be residual water near the moisture sensor. Let your dishwasher dry fully, and the error code should disappear on its own.
- The dishwasher will remain on and keep draining while the error is active, which can be quite noisy. You can either unplug the dishwasher while it dries or leave the house for a few hours to avoid the sound.
Request professional repair services. If the error code remains and you can’t pinpoint the cause, visit the Samsung Repair Services site to find a local repair center. Provide details of the issue and what troubleshooting you’ve done, and a qualified technician will come to fix the problem.
- Repair costs can vary based on which parts need replacement and whether your dishwasher is still under warranty.
Causes of the LC Error Code
Your dishwasher is leaking. The moisture sensor’s primary role is to detect water leaks beneath your dishwasher. If enough water escapes to trigger the sensor, the LC code will appear on the display, and the appliance will attempt to drain the excess moisture.
- Leaks are often visible as pools of water under the appliance, but they can also occur under your sink near the supply hose or along the drain hose.
The moisture sensor is wet or detects nearby water. If there’s no visible leak, water might have splashed onto the sensor if you recently moved the dishwasher. As long as the sensor detects water, the LC or LE error will remain active.
- High humidity or extreme temperatures can also cause the moisture sensor to detect water, triggering the error code.
Too much detergent was used. Using an excessive amount of detergent in your dishwasher can create excess suds that may reach the moisture sensor. Since detergent takes longer to dry and evaporate compared to water, it can trigger an error and cause the LC code to appear.
The moisture sensor might be defective. If the moisture sensor is damaged or there was a recent power interruption, it could malfunction and cause the LC error, even if there’s no leak. If resetting your dishwasher doesn’t resolve the issue, the sensor may need professional repair or replacement.
The water reflector is obstructed or improperly installed. For some Samsung Waterwall dishwashers, the water reflector moves along the bottom of the tub to spray water. If it’s blocked or incorrectly positioned, it will trigger an error message on the display.
Other Samsung Dishwasher Error Codes
The dishwasher display shows an error code whenever an issue is detected. The display usually shows the cycle status or time remaining. However, if something malfunctions, the error code will appear and remain visible until the problem is fixed. Common error codes include:
- 1E or IE: Clogged dishwasher filter
- 3C: Dishwasher pump failure
- 3E: Water temperature is too hot
- 4C or 4E: Low water supply pressure or temperature
- 5C, 5E, SC, or SE: Draining issues
- 7E: Blocked reflector in Samsung Waterwall dishwashers
- 9E: Low water level
- AP: Dishwasher is in Access Point mode to connect to a mobile device
- bE or 6E: Stuck button
- CE: Communication error with the control panel
- HC: Excessively high temperature
- HE: Incorrect temperature detection
- OC, 0C, or oE: Excess water inside the dishwasher
- PC: Malfunction in the Zone Wash feature
- PE: Half load function is malfunctioning
- tE: Inaccurate temperature readings
- Regularly clean your dishwasher every few weeks to prevent potential leaks from forming.
