Step-by-Step DIY Fix Guide
- SAFETY: Turn off power to the dishwasher before inspecting around the base or under the unit.
- Check around the toe-kick and floor area for visible signs of leaking or recent overflow.
- If the dishwasher was oversudsing, correct that first and allow the machine to dry fully before retesting.
- Inspect the door seal and obvious hose connections only if they are safely accessible.
- Do not restart repeated cycles until the source of moisture is understood.
If LC returns after the area has dried
- A repeat LC usually means moisture is still reaching the leak-sensor area during operation.
- If the floor stays dry but the code returns, the leak may be inside the base rather than obvious from the front.
- If the code follows oversudsing, correct the detergent issue before assuming a failed part.
What This Error Means
Samsung dishwasher error LC is a leak-protection warning, so the first priority is confirming whether the dishwasher really has water escaping into the base area.
The most common consumer-side causes are an installation issue, oversudsing, a door-seal problem, or a recent interruption that left water where the sensor sits.
If LC returns after the dishwasher is fully dry and the obvious leak sources are checked, the next likely issue is a persistent internal leak or a sensor problem.
Most Likely Cause by Symptom
The Samsung dishwasher may stop, pause, or refuse to complete the cycle normally.
Likely cause: Door gasket/seal worn or damaged — water leaking from the door edge during cycles
Check first: SAFETY: Disconnect power at the circuit breaker and turn off the water supply valve under the sink before any inspection.
You may notice leaking, moisture, or water where it should not be.
Likely cause: Overfilling caused by a stuck water inlet valve — water overflows the tub
Check first: Do not run the dishwasher again until the leak source is found.
The appliance may fail to start because the door or lock state cannot be confirmed.
Likely cause: Supply hose or drain hose connection loose under the sink or at the dishwasher
Check first: Open the dishwasher door and inspect the door gasket (rubber seal around the inside of the door frame) for tears, cracks, or sections that have come loose.
Common Causes
- Water has reached the leak-sensor area in the base.
- Oversudsing or detergent misuse is pushing moisture where it should not go.
- A door seal or hose connection is leaking.
- An internal component is leaking during fill, wash, or drain.
What Not to Do
- Do not keep running the dishwasher if water is actively leaking.
- Do not treat LC like a harmless reset code if the base sensor keeps seeing moisture.
Model and Display Variation Notes
Model-family notes
- Samsung dishwasher display wording and code formats can vary by series.
- If your model behaves differently, check the owner manual before trying any deeper maintenance step.
- Some models may display the same fault as LC, LE.
Display and panel differences
- Some control panels show this issue as LC, LE instead of only LC.
- Panel wording and whether the code appears with letters, numbers, or a longer variant can differ by model family.
Parts, Tools and Service Options
Common parts
- Door gasket/seal ($20–$50)
- Water inlet valve if valve is stuck open causing overfill ($30–$70)
- Internal hose if internal hose is split ($15–$40)
Manual and model check
Check your exact model and manual before ordering any Samsung dishwasher leak-sensor or seal parts.
Service option
Service visit if LC returns after the unit is dry and the basic leak checks are complete.
Suggestions in this section are organized to support the troubleshooting flow first. Any future affiliate relationships should be disclosed clearly.
When Not to Keep Troubleshooting
LC returns after the machine has dried and the obvious leak sources are checked.
- You suspect an internal hose, pump, or tub-area leak.
- The dishwasher trips the leak warning repeatedly during operation.
How to Prevent It Recurring
- Use only dishwasher-specific detergent and the correct amount — excessive or wrong detergent causes foam that overwhelms the door seal and triggers LC
- Inspect the door gasket annually for cracks or lifting sections
Related Error Codes
OC
The dishwasher has detected that the water level inside the tub is higher than expected. The water level sensor has measured an overfill condition, and the cycle has been stopped to prevent overflow and potential water damage.
5C
Samsung dishwasher error 5C usually means the machine cannot drain water from the tub at the end of the cycle.
4C
Samsung dishwasher error 4C usually means the machine is not getting enough incoming water to fill correctly.
Extra notes
- This page is based on Samsung support material and stays conservative where model-specific guidance may vary.
- The goal is to help you identify safe first checks before you move into parts, service, or model-specific manual lookup.
Source and model notes
Last reviewed: 2026-04-08
Based on: Based on Samsung dishwasher leak-protection guidance and edited to help users separate oversudsing and obvious seal issues from a persistent internal leak.
View Samsung US Official Support
Model coverage note: Leak-sensor placement and base access vary by Samsung dishwasher family, so use this page as a safe first-pass guide rather than a model-specific leak teardown.
Important: FixThisError is an independent guide, not the manufacturer. Use your model-specific manual when the panel wording or behavior differs.
Always disconnect power before inspecting appliances. If unsure, contact a licensed appliance technician.