LC
Samsung Dishwasher
Severity: CriticalWhat Does This Error Mean?
Samsung dishwasher error LC means the leak sensor has detected water in the base of the dishwasher. Water has escaped from the wash tub and collected in the bottom drip pan. This is a critical error — stop using the dishwasher immediately and investigate the source of the leak.
Affected Models
- Samsung DW80R9950US
- Samsung DW80R7060US
- Samsung DW80R5061US
- Samsung DW80K5050US
- Samsung DW80J7550US
Common Causes
- Too much or incorrect detergent caused excessive suds that overflowed the tub
- The door gasket (rubber seal around the door) is torn, warped, or has food debris preventing a good seal
- A water supply hose or drain hose connection has come loose or developed a crack
- The pump housing or spray arm assembly has a crack allowing water to escape
- A previous overfill event left residual water in the base pan, which is triggering the sensor
How to Fix It
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Cancel the cycle immediately and turn off the dishwasher. Do not open the door yet. Turn off the water supply valve under the sink.
If you see water on your kitchen floor, turn off the water supply first before doing anything else.
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Carefully tilt the dishwasher slightly forward — have a towel ready. Water may drain out from the base. Mop up any water from the base pan.
The leak sensor sits in the drip pan at the very bottom of the machine. Draining the water from it may clear the LC error temporarily.
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Inspect the door gasket — the rubber seal around the inside edge of the door. Look for tears, warping, or food debris packed into the seal.
Run your finger along the entire gasket. Any gap, tear, or hard food buildup will allow water to escape during a wash cycle.
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Pull the dishwasher out slightly and check all hose connections at the back — water inlet hose, drain hose, and internal fittings. Tighten or reseat any loose connections.
Even a slow drip from a loose hose fitting will eventually fill the base pan and trigger LC.
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Check the detergent you use. Only use automatic dishwasher detergent — never hand-washing dish soap. Excessive suds from the wrong soap causes the most common LC errors.
If you accidentally used dish soap, scoop out excess suds with a cup, mop up the base, and run a rinse-only cycle.
When to Call a Professional
Error LC can involve water near electrical components, which is a safety hazard. If you cannot identify an obvious cause such as over-sudsing or a loose hose, call a technician. Repairing internal leaks typically costs $100 to $300 depending on the source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to use the dishwasher while it shows error LC?
No. Do not run the dishwasher while error LC is active. Water in the base pan can reach electrical components and create a shock hazard. Identify and fix the leak source before running any cycles.
My dishwasher shows LC but I cannot find any leak. What is happening?
A previous leak may have left residual water in the base pan that did not fully evaporate. Try tilting the dishwasher forward slightly to drain the base pan. If LC clears and does not return after a normal cycle, the original leak source may have been a one-time event such as over-sudsing.
How do I replace a Samsung dishwasher door gasket?
The door gasket is a rubber strip that wraps around the inner edge of the door frame. You can often pull it off by hand and press a new one into the groove. Make sure to buy the correct replacement gasket for your exact model number. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, any appliance repair technician can do it quickly.