LC means your Samsung dishwasher has detected a leak or water detection problem

The LC error code on a Samsung dishwasher tells you the appliance's water leak sensor has been triggered. This sensor sits in the base of the machine and detects standing water where it shouldn't be. When water pools there, the sensor sends a signal and the dishwasher stops mid-cycle, locks the door, and displays the LC code on the control panel.

This is a safety feature, not a malfunction of the sensor itself. The dishwasher is doing what it's supposed to do — stopping operation before water damage spreads inside the cabinet or to your kitchen floor. However, the cause of the leak varies, and some require professional repair while others you can address yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • LC means water has pooled in the base of the dishwasher where a leak sensor is located, and the machine has shut down to prevent damage.
  • The most common causes are a clogged drain filter, a kinked or blocked drain hose, or a loose connection at the inlet valve.
  • Before calling a technician, check the filter, straighten the drain hose, and make sure the hose connections are tight.
  • If water is actively leaking from under the door or from the sides of the machine, turn off the water supply and call a repair service.

Check the drain filter first

The drain filter is the easiest place to start. Open the dishwasher door, look at the bottom center, and you'll see a cylindrical filter basket. Unscrew it by turning counterclockwise — it usually comes out by hand without tools. Pull out any food debris, hair, or buildup inside and rinse it under running water.

A clogged filter prevents water from draining out of the tub. Water sits in the base, the leak sensor triggers, and the LC code appears. After cleaning the filter, screw it back in firmly, close the door, and run a short cycle to see if the code clears. This solves the problem in many cases.

Inspect the drain hose for kinks and blockages

The drain hose carries water from the dishwasher to your sink drain or garbage disposal. If it's kinked, twisted, or bent sharply, water backs up into the machine. Pull the dishwasher out slightly from under the counter and look at the hose running from the back of the unit toward the sink.

Straighten any kinks by hand. If the hose is cracked or has a hole, it will need to be replaced — water leaks out instead of draining away. Also check where the hose connects to the sink drain or garbage disposal. If it's loose, water may be leaking there rather than flowing through. Tighten the connection by hand or with a wrench, depending on the fitting type.

Verify the inlet valve connections are tight

The inlet valve brings fresh water into the dishwasher at the start of the cycle. It sits behind the lower front panel of the machine. If the connection where the water supply line attaches to the valve is loose, water drips into the base during operation.

You can access this by removing the lower front panel — usually held by a few screws. Look for the inlet valve on the left side, and check that the water supply line is connected firmly. If you see water pooling near this area, tighten the connection. If water is actively spraying or the valve itself is cracked, the valve will need to be replaced by a technician.

When to call a repair technician

If water is visibly leaking from under the dishwasher door or from the sides of the cabinet, stop using the machine and turn off the water supply to it. This indicates a problem beyond a clogged filter or kinked hose — likely a cracked tub, a failed door seal, or an internal component failure. These require professional diagnosis and repair.

Also call a technician if you've cleaned the filter, straightened the hose, and tightened connections but the LC code returns on the next cycle. The leak sensor itself may be faulty, or there may be an internal leak you can't see from outside. A repair service can test the sensor and inspect the tub for cracks.

How to clear the LC code after fixing the problem

Once you've addressed the cause — cleaned the filter, fixed the hose, or tightened a connection — the code won't clear automatically. You need to manually reset the dishwasher. Press and hold the Start/Cancel button for three to five seconds until the display goes blank or shows a different screen.

Some models require you to open and close the door firmly, then press Start/Cancel again. Check your user manual for the exact reset sequence for your model number. After resetting, run a short cycle or a rinse cycle to confirm the machine drains properly and the LC code does not return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run the dishwasher with the LC code showing?

No. The dishwasher will not start a cycle while the LC code is displayed. The door may also be locked. You must reset the machine after fixing the underlying leak or drainage problem.

Does LC mean the dishwasher is broken?

Not necessarily. LC is a warning that water is pooling where it shouldn't be, but the cause is often straightforward — a clogged filter or kinked hose. Only if the tub is cracked or a seal has failed is the dishwasher itself broken.

What if the LC code comes back after I clean the filter?

Check the drain hose next for kinks or blockages. If the hose is clear and straight, the inlet valve connection may be loose, or the leak sensor itself may be faulty. A technician can test the sensor and rule out internal leaks.

Is it safe to ignore the LC code?

No. Ignoring it risks water damage to your kitchen cabinets and flooring. The code appears because water is pooling in the base — continuing to use the machine will make the problem worse and may damage the motor or control board.