Samsung Dishwasher LC (1E / LE) Error
What it means
LC stands for a leak/moisture fault — a leak sensor in the base of the dishwasher has detected water or dampness where it shouldn't be, so the machine stops to prevent a leak. Samsung shows this same fault as LE on some models; LC and LE mean the same thing. (Note: 1E is a different code — it means the fine filter is clogged and water isn't draining, in the same family as the OE/OC over-level codes — so if you actually see 1E, clean the filter and sump instead.) Often an LC/LE is just trapped moisture or oversudsing tricking the sensor rather than a real leak, but it can also indicate an actual drip from a hose, pump, or door seal.
The bottom line on the LC (1E / LE) error
LC (shown as LE) is a leak/moisture fault, and more often than not it is trapped dampness or oversudsing fooling the base sensor rather than a real leak — common right after the unit has been moved. A frequent trap is confusing it with 1E, which is actually a clogged-filter drain fault.
Start free: pull the unit forward, let the base dry 12–24 hours, cut the detergent, and reset power — this alone clears most LC codes. If water keeps reappearing, a real hose or seal leak is likely, and that $120–$300 repair makes sense on a dishwasher under about 7 years.
LC (1E / LE) snapshot
This is a water/leak code — before pulling the dishwasher out or working near the base, unplug it (or switch off its breaker) and shut off the water supply.
Our own at-a-glance triage of the LC (1E / LE) error, from the verified data on this page. See error-code rankings → · How we score →
Common causes of the LC (1E / LE) error
- Leftover moisture or dampness in the base pan triggering the sensor (common after the unit is moved)
- Too much detergent creating excess suds that reach the sensor
- Dishwasher not level (front lower than back), letting water pool at the door
- Door gasket pulled out of alignment or debris on the seal
- Garbage-disposal knockout plug left in place, blocking drainage
- An actual leak from a hose, the pump, or a worn seal
Which Samsung dishwashers get the LC (1E / LE) error
LC — and its equivalent LE display — is common across Samsung's DW60, DW80, and DW50 built-in and freestanding dishwasher lines from roughly the mid-2010s onward, all of which use a base leak/moisture sensor. On WaterWall models LC can also indicate a blocked water reflector. (The 1E code seen on the same panels is a separate clogged-filter/drain fault, not this leak code.)
How to fix the Samsung Dishwasher LC (1E / LE) error
- 1Confirm it is really a leakWipe up any water in and under the dishwasher, then run a short cycle. If no water reappears, it was a spill or trapped dampness rather than an ongoing leak.
- 2Power off the dishwasherUnplug it or switch off its breaker for about 15 minutes. A power reset clears the code if the sensor was tripped by a temporary glitch.
- 3Dry out the basePull the dishwasher slightly forward and let it sit with the door open for 12-24 hours so any trapped moisture evaporates. Many LC/LE errors clear on their own once the base is dry — this is especially common right after the unit has been moved.
- 4Reduce detergent and use a rinse aid correctlyUse only the recommended amount of dishwasher detergent. Too much creates suds that the leak sensor reads as moisture.
- 5Level the dishwasher and check the door sealMake sure the unit sits level (the front should not be lower than the back) and inspect the rubber door gasket for misalignment or debris that could let water escape.
- 6Inspect for real leaks and the disposal plugLook under and around the dishwasher for drips from hoses, the pump, or connections, especially along the water supply hose and its fittings, and tighten anything loose. If it drains into a garbage disposal, confirm the disposal's knockout plug was removed during installation.
🧰 When to call a professional
If LC (or LE) returns after the base is fully dried and you've ruled out detergent and leveling, there's likely a real leak or a failed moisture sensor. Tracing an internal leak or replacing the sensor involves removing panels and accessing the base, so call Samsung Support or a qualified technician.
Samsung LC (1E / LE) vs Samsung OE (1E): how they compare
How this code stacks up against related error codes for difficulty, urgency, and cost.
| Samsung LC (1E / LE) | Samsung OE (1E) | |
|---|---|---|
| DIY difficulty (1–5) | 3 | 3 |
| Urgency (1–5) | 3 | 3 |
| Typical cost | $$ | $$ |
How much does it cost to fix the LC (1E / LE) error?
| DIY parts | Free–$60 |
| Professional repair (parts + labor) | $120–$300 |
| New dishwasher replacement | $600–$1,700 |
Repair or replace?
LC is one of the most common 'looks scary, costs nothing' codes — most of the time drying the base for 12–24 hours and cutting back on detergent clears it for free, so never pay for service before trying that. If a real leak from a hose or seal needs a technician, budget $120–$300, which is reasonable on a dishwasher under about 7 years old. If the machine is older and the repair quote nears half the price of a new unit, replacing it makes more sense.
Common replacement parts for the LC (1E / LE) error
| Leak / moisture sensor | $20–$60 | Only if the sensor itself has failed, not just tripped | |
| Fill or drain hose | $15–$45 | If an actual drip is traced to a hose | |
| Door gasket / seal | $20–$70 | If water is escaping at the door |
Prices are typical retail ranges and vary by model and supplier — always confirm the exact part number for your appliance before buying. We are not linking parts for this code on purpose: it is a job for a qualified technician, and the right fix here starts with a diagnosis, not a purchase.
Samsung LC (1E / LE) error — FAQ
＋ − What does the LC code mean on a Samsung dishwasher?
LC is a leakage error — a sensor in the base detected water or moisture and stopped the dishwasher to prevent a leak. Samsung shows the identical fault as LE on some models.
＋ − Is the 1E code the same as LC?
No. Per Samsung, LC and LE are the leak/moisture code, while 1E means the fine filter is clogged and water isn't passing through it — that is the same family as the OE/OC over-level (drain) codes, not the leak code. If you see 1E, clean the fine filter and sump rather than chasing a leak.
＋ − Can the LC error clear by itself?
Often, yes. If the sensor was tripped by trapped dampness or suds, pulling the dishwasher forward and letting the base dry for 12-24 hours (plus a power reset) frequently clears it with no repair needed.
Sources & manufacturer references
This guide is independently written and not affiliated with Samsung. Always unplug appliances before servicing and follow your model's manual. Error codes and steps can vary by model — when in doubt, consult a qualified technician.