LC1
Samsung Washing Machine
Severity: CriticalWhat Does This Error Mean?
The LC1 error on a Samsung washer means the machine's leak sensor has detected water where it should not be — in the base of the machine. The washer shuts down immediately to prevent water damage to your home. Sometimes this is a real leak. Sometimes the sensor was triggered by condensation or a past spill. Either way, take it seriously and investigate before running the washer again.
Affected Models
- WF45R6100AW
- WF50R8500AV
- WF45T6000AW
- WF42H5000AW
- Most Samsung front-load washers built after 2015
Common Causes
- Door seal (gasket) torn, cracked, or debris-clogged causing water to leak past the door
- Loose or cracked water supply hose connection at the back of the washer
- Internal hose connection that has vibrated loose over time
- Drain pump or sump housing with a crack or loose clamp
- Detergent drawer overfill or soap residue buildup causing overflow into the base
How to Fix It
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Do not run the washer again until you have identified and fixed the leak. Shut off the water supply valves behind the washer. Running the washer with an active leak can flood your laundry area quickly.
Slide the washer out from the wall if possible to check behind and underneath it.
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Inspect the door gasket (the rubber seal around the door opening) for tears, holes, or gaps. Run your fingers along the entire seal, checking the underside fold as well. Even a small nick can leak during the wash cycle.
Soap scum and debris in the gasket folds can also prevent a proper seal — clean the gasket with a cloth dampened with white vinegar.
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Check both water inlet hoses at the back of the machine. Make sure they are hand-tight at the washer connections and at the wall faucets. Look for cracks in the hose itself or corrosion at the fittings.
Samsung recommends replacing inlet hoses every 3–5 years as a preventive measure, even if they look fine.
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Check the detergent drawer. Using too much detergent or the wrong type (regular instead of HE) creates excess suds that can overflow into the base and trigger the leak sensor.
Always use HE (high-efficiency) detergent in Samsung front-loaders, and use no more than the minimum recommended amount.
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If you find no visible leak after these checks, the leak sensor itself may have been triggered by condensation or a prior spill. Dry the base area thoroughly, tilt the machine gently from side to side to drain water from the sensor cavity, and run a test cycle while watching closely.
The leak sensor sits in the bottom of the machine. If it stays wet from a past event, it will continue triggering LC1 even after the leak is fixed.
When to Call a Professional
If you find an internal hose leak, cracked pump housing, or cannot identify the leak source, call a technician. Internal hose and seal repairs typically cost $200–$400. If the door gasket is torn, replacement parts run $60–$120 plus labor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between LC and LC1?
Both codes relate to water in the base of the machine. LC typically means the leak sensor detected moisture. LC1 is a more specific variant that some Samsung models use to indicate a confirmed or higher-level leak detection. The diagnostic steps and fixes are the same for both codes.
Where exactly is the leak sensor in a Samsung washer?
The leak sensor (also called the flood sensor or float switch) sits in the drip tray at the very bottom of the machine. It is a small float or electronic sensor that activates when it comes into contact with water. When water collects in the base — whether from a leak, condensation, or a previous flood — the sensor triggers the LC or LC1 error.
My washer shows LC1 but I don't see any water — why?
This is common. The leak may have already dried, or the water amount was small enough that it evaporated. But the sensor stayed wet or got stuck in the triggered position. Tilting the machine to drain the base area and drying with a fan is usually enough to resolve it. If the code keeps returning with no visible leak, the sensor itself may be faulty.