Skip to content 
An error code on an appliance is most people’s worst nightmare. It signifies that the unit isn’t working correctly, if at all. Samsung’s dishwashers are no different.
From time to time your dishwasher will show different codes to tell you that something is not operating properly.
Today we will discuss what the LC error code means and how you can fix it.
What Does the Samsung Dishwasher LC Code Mean?
When the LC error code on a Samsung dishwasher is flashing, it indicates the unit’s leak sensor is detecting moisture or a water leak.
If you’d like to simply clear the code it’s as simple as unplugging the power cord to the dishwasher for about 15 minutes.
Doing this should clear the error and reset your dishwasher.
However, if this does not work some additional measures need to be taken.
It could indicate a faulty leak sensor or that your dishwasher does in fact have a water leak.
If you’re lucky, the problem may be that the bottom pan simply has moisture or is damp and it’s tricking your dishwasher into thinking there is a water leak.
If this is the case there isn’t actually a leak and you’ll simply need to dry the bottom pan.
Regardless, let’s discuss some troubleshooting techniques to see what the problem is.
Connect with an Appliance Repair Tech
Click here to use the chatbox to speak with one of our technicians.
No in-home service calls. No appointments.
The First Steps to Take
The first thing you should do is check to see if the dishwasher is leaking water.
To do so simply pull dishwasher out from counter top and remove metal panel on the right side.
From there you will have some access to the drain pump, in order to see if any visible leaks appears.
If you find some water around the drain pump, it most likely has a leak and the code is being shown correctly.
Other Issues That May Cause the LC Error Code
As we mentioned, there are several other things that may cause your Samsung dishwasher to display the LC error code.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
Was your dishwasher recently installed or moved?
If you recently had your Samsung dishwasher installed or moved, water or moisture may have gotten on the leak sensor.
If so, just allow the sensor time to dry and then try clearing the code again.
Did you overfill the dishwasher with detergent?
Overfilling the detergent dispenser on your Samsung dishwasher is a bad idea.
When you overfill the dispenser, the machine may detect excess detergent and can begin showing the LC code.
Did a garbage disposal recently get connected to the dishwasher?
Garbage disposals that are newly installed and connected to dishwashers can actually cause the LC error.
This happens when the cap is not removed from the garbage disposal. If this is the case simply remove the cap and clear the code.
If none of these issues pertain to you, keep reading.
The LC Code is Still Flashing, Now What?
So, you’ve tried unplugging the machine for 15 minutes and it’s still flashing?
Your next step is to call a professional for service or simply follow the steps below.
Disconnect Power
Before going any further you’ll need to disconnect all power.
So, you’ll want to unplug your Samsung dishwasher from the wall and turn the breaker off to it.
Remove Dishwasher from Under the Counter
If you look under the counter you’ll see small clips that are fastened with a couple screws that hold the dishwasher in place.
Simply remove the screws and slide the machine out from under the cabinets to gain access to the bottom of it.
Once you have the unit out you’ll need to turn the dishwasher on its side to provide the access you need.
Remove Bottom Panel
The entire bottom of the Samsung dishwasher is covered by a panel or tray.
This part is made to keep leaking water from reaching the floor beneath.
You may notice that there is a bowl shape in the middle of the bottom tray. This is where the sensor is located.
When water collects it tells the sensor there’s water build-up and the machine gets stuck in a cycle where it constantly tries to drain the water.
Dry Water or Moisture Inside the Dishwasher
Dry the sensor and bottom dishwasher pan with a rag. Make sure you get as much of the moisture or water as you can.
Locate the Leak Sensor
The leak sensor should be located on the bottom of the unit or in the drain pan.
Once you find it, relocate it a few inches higher.
This will prevent the code from coming back if your problem is just a little moisture.
While you still have the machine open it’s a good idea to check hoses and water lines for visible signs of leakage.
If you find a leak this must be repaired or the LC code will keep coming back.
Put the Dishwasher Back in Place
Replace and secure the bottom panel on the machine. Slide it back under the counter and replace the screws to re-secure it in place.
Turn the Power Back On
Now you can plug the machine back in and turn the breaker on.
Test the Machine
Now the moment of truth. Run a test cycle to see if the LC code is cleared and the Samsung dishwasher is working properly again.
The steps discussed above are usually the only fix required to clear the LC code and allow you to continue on with using your Samsung dishwasher.
If you still need help or can’t get the code to clear you can also try to call Samsung’s dishwasher support line.
They will need to know your model number and a brief description of what’s going on.
Don’t forget to leave a comment and let us know if the process worked for you!
ps. Some of my previous fixes included tightening the very lose screws at the bottom where the stainless meets the plastic. Did it twice but the fix didn’t last long so today I bought stainless lock washers, loosened the 7 screws, forced some kitchen sealant into the gap & tightened the screws. Hopefully this will stop the moisture from dropping out of the running tub.
And…. A water detector works when water shorts the probes sending the return signal to the control board.
With a meter you can disconnect the probe at the connector & verify proper operation of the probe.
I chose to disconnect my sensor entirely to eliminate the need to tear my dishwasher apart every couple months!
Fans, 3hr power cycle, etc…
After tearing into my 2yr old Samsung DW80K7050UG four separate times to clear my LC code, I finally had it.
Last time I added washers under the sensor raising it up abt 1/8″. Today I found ZERO moisture in the sensor catch pan. So using a meter I had zero continuity from the plug & between the probes, proving the sensor was good.
Fashioning a power cord so I could easily power it up, I got the LC no matter what I did until I disconnected the sensor.
I cut & marked the wires above the connector using liquid elect tape to seal the wires. The rest got ty wrapped to the sensor itself.
Our dishwasher now works without the leak sensor, just like all the other dishwashers we’ve owned over the past 50yrs.
Samsung… please get some common sense, would ya?!
Helpful, so thanks.
I tried the power off for 15 minutes routine but that didn’t work so as it was getting late I left the power off, removed the kick plate below the door and placed a reasonably powerful fan blowing air under the dishwasher.
That must have evaporated any moisture as next morning the dishwasher was back in action!
LC code won’t clear after removing power for more than 15 minutes and depressing start button for 3 seconds. I relocated the sensor using a zip tie. I have dried the lower section of the machine using a hair drier and compressed air and cleaned the sensor with alcohol. One of the tutorials suggested replacing the sensor, I wonder what would happen if I removed the sensor entirely.
Hi Steve,
If you remove the sensor, the control board may default to one of two modes: either it will continually give you a code, or else it will no longer give you the LC code ever – even if you really do have a leak in the dishwasher. From what you’ve said, it sounds like a new sensor is what you need, but I’m not the type to throw parts at an appliance until I find the correct one. You could remove the sensor temporarily and see what happens. Just keep an eye out for water while you’re in the testing phase. It’s always possible the control board is causing a false alarm, as well. But I wouldn’t suspect that until I’ve ruled out other possibilities.
A water detector works when water shorts the probes sending the return signal to the control board.
With a meter you can disconnect the probe at the connector & verify proper operation of the probe.
I chose to disconnect my sensor entirely to eliminate the need to tear my dishwasher apart every couple months!
Samsung is the epitome of obsolescence. Purchased $10k of kitchen appliances and only the microwave remains. Look into Bosch. They are privately owned, and give back. Unlike some, which the water dispenser and dishwasher are trash from day 1
Thank you for providing this useful tip for resolving the LC error code on Samsung dishwashers! As a Samsung dishwasher user, I’ve seen this error previously, and it’s really aggravating. Your step-by-step directions and troubleshooting advice make the procedure much easier to comprehend and implement. I appreciate the thorough explanations as well as the inclusion of possible causes for the error.
Seeing a lot of models that leaked December 2021 – January 2022…. Mine was one of these. Fixed it twice but now it needs a $150 seal. Replacement after only 2 years.
VERY helpful. Tightened up my leaking connection, but LC code on Samsung Dishwasher continued, even after being off for 15 minutes. (Disconnected). Was able to pop the drip tray down from front of washer, mop up collected water from the leak, snap tray back in place and…..worked perfectly. Thank you.
I had the same LC error. I found the water inlet valve on the bottom of the unit had worked itself slightly loose. After drying out the bottom tray and tightening up the connection, it worked great. I’m glad I found this post thanks for all of the contributions, it really helped.
I found this MOST HELPFUL. We bought a new Samsung DW, and first run out after install it had this error DL code. I followed the instructions here and found some water in the tray. I emptied it all out and once I stood the unit back up, I noticed my contractor had not paid any attention to inside the unit… there is a rectangular steel mesh screen inside unit at bottom, held in by a round plastic piece. Both had not been attached – they were loose, so water went the wrong way when we ran the unit. I dried everything out, properly attached these two pieces inside the unit and IT RUNS!!! No DL code. Thank you.
Followed your procedure which is excellent. Two things I found were 2 plug Jets on the spray nozzles. too much water at the door. And a dead roach that had crawled in the bottom pan and shorted the leak sensor! Contact me and I’ll send you a picture.
Purchased in 2019, no issues till dec. 2021. Lc code, water leak.
Read the blogs and tried a few things. 1st had to dry out washer just to get code to clear. Looked like to much water was in it and leaking at bottom of door. Replaced the waterfill inlet switch. $15.00. Still not it. Read about a possible crack in the bottom spray arm. It throws water at the door. Bingo that was it. Had a small crack, did thick layer of super glue and clamped. Ran washer and no leak at the door. About $50 to replace. We will watch the repair I did and see.