Samsung Dishwasher Error Code LC [Troubleshooting Guide]
The error code LC on Samsung dishwashers is essentially a water leakage error. If you are getting this error code, the sensors inside the dishwasher are detecting either a water leak or the presence of moisture where it is not supposed to be. In most cases, the issue is caused by water leakage.
However, it may also be a glitch on the sensors or the control panel, which may be fixed by power cycling the dishwasher. You may also get the Samsung dishwasher error code LC when the dispenser is filled with excess detergent. Depending on the cause, different methods may be used to fix error code LC, as illustrated throughout this guide.
The Samsung Dishwasher error code LC means that the leak sensor within the machine is detecting excess moisture—often caused by a water leak. Error code LC may be triggered by a moisture or water leak from a broken connection, water supply hose, or drain hose.
In such a case, you need to replace the broken part to fix the error code LC on your Samsung dishwasher. This error may also be triggered by a software glitch, which may be resolved by power cycling the dishwasher. Error code LC may also be caused by a faulty leak sensor, among other causes.
Samsung Dishwasher Error Code LC Causes
In most cases, the error code LC pops up during the wash cycle. When this happens, the dishwasher will suddenly stop and start flashing the letters LC on the display. You will not be able to operate or use the dishwasher with the LC error code displayed.
While the issue is primarily caused by water or moisture leaks it may also be triggered by several other things. Discussed below are the common causes of error code LC on Samsung dishwashers:
Water Leak
This is arguably the leading cause of error code LC on Samsung dishwashers. Water or moisture may be leaking from faulty or broken water line connections. Leakage may also occur from the water discharge hose or filling valve on the dishwasher.
This being the case, it is advisable to first inspect the dishwasher for any signs of water leakage before trying out other error code LC fixes.
Overfilled Dispenser
There is a limit to the amount of dishwashing detergent you can put into the dispenser at a time. Overfilling the dispenser has also been proven to cause error code LC on Samsung dishwashers. The excessive detergent is more likely to form suds, which fall to the base and possibly trigger the leak sensor.
Moving the Dishwasher
If you recently moved the dishwasher, water may have splashed into or near the leak sensor hence triggering error code LC. In this case, you need to unplug the dishwasher from the power outlet socket and allow enough time for the splashed water to dry out.
Connection to a Garbage Disposal Unit
Error code LC may also occur just because you connected your Samsung dishwasher to a garbage disposal unit. This is particularly the case when you fail to remove the cap on the disposal unit. If this happens to be the problem in your case, you only need to remove the cap to resolve the matter.
Damaged Door Seal
If the door on your dishwasher is not closing as tightly as it should, water may spill from the bunker into the leak sensor. As such you should also check the sealing contour around the dishwasher door for signs of damage. The presence of debris and grease on the seal may also compromise its effectiveness.
If water is leaking at the bottom of the door, check whether the dishwasher is leveled properly, as explained later in this guide.
Faulty Leak Sensor
Though rare, the leak sensor on your Samsung dishwasher may also malfunction. When this happens, the sensor may detect a leak or presence of moisture when none is present If you have ruled the other causes out, then replacing the leak sensor on your dishwasher may fix error code LC.
How to Fix Error Code LC
The LC error code on Samsung dishwashers is often triggered by an error on the circuit board. If so, power cycling the dishwasher should clear the error. To do this, you need to unplug the dishwasher from the power socket and let it stay unplugged for about 15 minutes.
This allows the capacitors to drain the charge, hence reset the dishwasher. After 15 minutes, plug the unit back in and start it. If the error code reappears after resetting the dishwasher, then something is really wrong with the unit. In this case, you need to inspect the water supply, drain hose, and leveling legs.
To begin with, you need to inspect the machine for visible signs of leakage, especially along with the water supply hose, and both ends of the connections. If you happen to find a leak, it is advisable to turn off the water supply and use the following methods to diagnose and fix the problem:
Method 1: Run a Cycle to Find the Leaking Point
The best way to find the Leaking Point on a dishwasher is to feel and look for moisture on the internal components. However, you can only find the Leaking Point after water or moisture has leaked. For it to leak, it is advisable to run a test cycle on your dishwasher.
Just plug the unit into an outlet socket, start it and run a test cycle. Once the cycle is over, shut the dishwasher down, and unplug it from the power source. Now you need to inspect the unit for any signs of leakage or feel for the presence of moisture on the internal components.
First inspect the dishwasher door for signs of leakage, especially the door edges. If the door is not leaking, there are other components you need to inspect:
The Water Supply Hose
In most cases, leakage in Samsung dishwashers is known to occur from the water supply hose. This is often a result of loose connections, resulting in gaps between assembled parts or damage to the hose. With the dishwasher disconnected, open it up, as directed in the user manual, and feel the hose pipe for moisture.
Start with the point where the hose connects with the dishwasher all the way to where it connects to the home water supply system. The water supply hose in the Samsung dishwasher is sold separately and not covered by service. If yours is damaged or broken, you need to replace it with a new one.
In this regard, you should get a 3/8-inch stainless steel hose as the plastic alternatives do not last for long. You can get the hose at your local hardware store or buy one at the Samsung Parts website. This installation guide will help you install the water supply hose correctly.
The Drain Hose
Another component that is known to leak in Samsung dishwashers is the drain hose. Though part of the dishwasher, the drain is not covered by the warranty as well. To begin with, you should check whether the drain hose connections are connected properly.
If loose, you need to tighten the connection(s) to stop the leakage. If the drain hose is broken, you should just replace it with a new one or visit the Samsung Support Center to schedule a service.
The Rubber Seal
Due to vibrations when the dishwasher is running, the rubber seal on the drain hose may get pushed out of alignment. If this happens to be the problem in your case, you only need to push it back into the channel to stop the leakage and clear the Samsung dishwasher error code LC.
Again, the seal to be cleaned prior to installation. The presence of dirt and debris on the seal can create a gap that allows water to leak. You can clean these using a towel dampened in a mild soap solution.
Method 2: Check the Dispenser
Open the dishwasher door and inspect the inside for the presence of suds. If you notice the excessive formation of suds, you probably are using the wrong detergent on your dishwasher. Be sure to use the recommended type of detergent on your dishwasher.
The excess suds can escape and be detected by the leak sensor as a leakage. The presence of suds will also impact the cleaning performance of the dishwasher. Again, the Samsung dishwasher error code LC may also occur when you overfill the dispenser—even when you are using the right type of detergent.
The right dispenser type for your dishwasher is specified on the label. In addition to using the right detergent, you should also avoid overfilling the dispenser in your Samsung dishwasher.
Method 3: Level the Dishwasher
If the dishwasher was not leveled properly dusting installation or was moved after installation, it is possible for the door to leak. In such a case, the door could bump the cabinet on either side thus compromising the effectiveness of the door seal.
This is the case when the dishwasher is not level front-to-back and especially when the front is lower than the back. Such a scenario causes water to pool at the dishwasher door, making it more likely for water to leak out.
If your Samsung dishwasher is leaking at the door, it is probably not level. To fix the LC error code, in such a case, you should consider leveling the dishwasher.
Method 4: Check Whether the Tub Sides are Stretched or Bowed
D the cabinet screws on your Samsung dishwasher are over-tightened, the tub may stretch at the sides. Thai creates gaps, allowing water and moisture to leak out. To rule this out, measure across the door opening especially where the screws are located. Normally, it should be 22 inches long.
If it measures more than 22 inches, you should loosen the cabinet screws until the issue is corrected. If you happen to be using a Samsung Waterwall model, ensure that there are no utensils or dishes obstructing the movement of the reflector. This has also been proven to trigger the Samsung dishwasher error code LC.
Method 5: Check the Water Nozzles
Food particles may get stuck in the dishwasher Nozzles, hence redirecting the flow of water from the Nozzles. If redirected towards the door, the water jets may hit the door with a force strong enough for it to leak through the seal.
The water may also be redirected to parts where it is not supposed to be. When this happens, the leak sensor may detect it as leakage, and trigger error code LC. To fix the issue, just clean the Nozzles and ensure that they are spraying water in the right direction.
Method 6: Check the Garbage Disposal Cap
If the dishwasher is displaying error code LC and you did not find any signs of leakage with the above-discussed steps, you need to check the Garbage Disposal Cap. To begin with, turn the unit off at the circuit breaker and then unplug it from the power source.
If you recently connected the dishwasher to a Garbage Disposal unit, check whether the cap is removed. If the cap is not removed, the cap may cause water to end up where it is not supposed to be. This can also trigger the Samsung dishwasher error code LC.
If this happens to be the problem, just remove the cap on the Garbage Disposal unit before attaching it to the dishwasher.
Final Verdict
The Samsung dishwasher error code LC often points to a water or moisture leakage within the unit. However, there are times when the error is triggered by a minor error within the circuit board. Just to be sure, you should start by resetting the dishwasher to clear the error code from the display.
The right fix for this issue will depend on which part is leaking. With this guide, you should have an easy time troubleshooting and fixing the Samsung dishwasher error code LC.
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Linkedin Email