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SAMSUNG LC

Samsung Washing Machine Error LC: Water Level or Leakage Detected

Clear meaning, realistic next steps, and safe guidance without turning the page into a long repair manual.

What it means

The washer has detected an abnormal water level or moisture in the base of the machine, indicating either a leak or a water pressure sensor fault.

Severity

Medium - some user checks may help, but repeated faults often need service.

Can you fix it yourself?

Partial — start with DIY steps

Most likely cause

Drain hose kinked, pinched, or inserted too deeply into the standpipe — causes a siphoning effect that confuses the water level sensor

Also displayed as 1E, LE, 1C, LC, LC1, 1 1C, 1 LC on some models.

Estimated time for safe first checks: 15–30 min for hose/filter checks; Professional if sensor fault.

Step-by-Step DIY Fix Guide

  1. SAFETY: Unplug the washer before checking any hose connections.
  2. Inspect the drain hose — it should be inserted no more than 6 inches into the standpipe and positioned 6–8 inches above the floor.
  3. Straighten any kinks in the inlet and drain hoses.
  4. Check both inlet hose connections (at the wall and at the washer) for drips — hand-tighten if loose.
  5. Pull the washer forward and check the floor beneath for any standing water.
  6. Clean the pump filter: locate the access panel on the front lower edge, place a towel down, slowly unscrew the filter cap, and drain the water.
  7. Run an empty rinse cycle with no detergent to clear any suds residue.
  8. If LC returns on an empty machine with no visible leak, the water level sensor or pressure hose needs professional inspection.

If it's still not draining

  • If the drain path looks clear but the code returns, the issue is more likely in the pump path or another less accessible restriction.
  • If the warning returns immediately after a clean restart, the sensor or wiring path becomes more likely than a one-time glitch.
  • If the base or floor area dries out but the code returns during the next cycle, moisture is still reaching the leak-sensor area.

What This Error Means

Error LC on your Samsung washing machine means: The washer has detected an abnormal water level or moisture in the base of the machine, indicating either a leak or a water pressure sensor fault. Also displayed as 1E, LE, 1C, LC1 on some Samsung models. The washer's self-diagnostic system has detected this condition and paused the current cycle.

The most frequent cause is drain hose kinked, pinched, or inserted too deeply into the standpipe — causes a siphoning effect that confuses the water level sensor. Work through the causes and fix steps below in order — most Samsung washer errors are resolved without a service call.

Many cases of LC can be resolved by the homeowner. The steps below cover the full DIY checks — if they do not resolve the error, a technician is needed.

The washer will not proceed until the condition is resolved. Work through all steps before contacting Samsung Support.

Most Likely Cause by Symptom

The Samsung washing machine may stop, pause, or refuse to complete the cycle normally.

Likely cause: Drain hose kinked, pinched, or inserted too deeply into the standpipe — causes a siphoning effect that confuses the water level sensor

Check first: SAFETY: Unplug the washer before checking any hose connections.

Water may remain inside the drum at the end of the cycle.

Likely cause: Excessive detergent producing suds that overflow into the base and trigger the leak sensor

Check first: Inspect the drain hose — it should be inserted no more than 6 inches into the standpipe and positioned 6–8 inches above the floor.

You may notice leaking, moisture, or water where it should not be.

Likely cause: Loose or cracked inlet or drain hose connection leaking into the washer base

Check first: Straighten any kinks in the inlet and drain hoses.

Common Causes

  • Drain hose kinked, pinched, or inserted too deeply into the standpipe — causes a siphoning effect that confuses the water level sensor
  • Excessive detergent producing suds that overflow into the base and trigger the leak sensor
  • Loose or cracked inlet or drain hose connection leaking into the washer base
  • Clogged pump filter causing water to back up and overflow internally
  • Faulty water level (pressure) sensor reporting a false reading

What Not to Do

  • Do not run the washer if water is pooling on the floor — turn off the water supply and unplug immediately
  • Do not use regular (non-HE) detergent — it generates far more suds than the machine can handle

Model and Display Variation Notes

Model-family notes

  • Samsung washing machine 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 1E, LE, 1C, LC, LC1, 1 1C, 1 LC.

Display and panel differences

  • Some control panels show this issue as 1E, LE, 1C, LC, LC1, 1 1C, 1 LC 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

  • Water level pressure sensor ($20–$50)
  • Inlet hose if cracked or leaking ($10–$25)
  • Drain hose if damaged ($10–$30)
  • Door boot seal/gasket if the front gasket is leaking into the base ($40–$100)

Manual and model check

Check your exact model and manual before ordering any Samsung washing machine parts.

Service option

Samsung service visit if the warning returns after the basic 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 appears on an empty machine with no visible leak or kink

  • Water is visibly pooling under the washer
  • LC persists after cleaning the pump filter and checking all hoses

How to Prevent It Recurring

  • Use only HE (High Efficiency) detergent in the amount recommended on the label — excess suds are a leading cause of LC on Samsung front-loaders
  • Check hose connections annually and inspect the pump filter every 3 months

Related Error Codes

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 support material and edited into consumer-safe guidance for the exact code family on this page.

View Samsung US Official Support

Model coverage note: Samsung washing machine code meanings can vary by series, control panel, and model family, so use this page as a safe starting point rather than a replacement for the model-specific manual.

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.