Samsung · Dishwasher
Samsung Dishwasher LC Error Code
Leak sensor wet in the base pan
What this error means
LC is Samsung's Leak Code—the styrofoam float in the base pan detected water. The inlet valve shuts immediately and the display shows LC to keep water off your floor. LE on older firmware is the same fault.
How LC is detected
When LC appears on a Samsung dishwasher, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On Samsung DW80R5060US, Samsung DW80B7070US, and similar variants, the drain pump runs for a fixed interval—often three to seven minutes on washers and dishwashers—while a pressure switch or turbidity sensor verifies the tub or sump is empty. If water remains, the cycle stops to prevent spin with a full tub or overflow on the next fill.
Most LC calls are resolved without parts: turn off the breaker and remove the toe-kick panel. Restricted drain paths mimic pump failure because the impeller spins against a blocked hose or filter. Document whether the pump hums audibly during the drain step; a humming pump with no water movement points to a clogged filter or kinked hose, while silence may indicate a failed pump motor or loose wiring at the harness.
After clearing blockages, run a short cycle and listen at the drain hose for steady water flow. If LC returns on the next load with a clean filter and straight hose, measure resistance at the pump motor connector per the service manual for your model before ordering a replacement pump assembly.
Common causes
- Loose drain hose clamp at the garbage disposal
- Cracked water guide or upper spray arm spraying outward
- Over-sudding from regular dish soap instead of dishwasher detergent
- Worn door gasket along the bottom edge weeping during wash
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Turn off the breaker and remove the toe-kick panel
- 2Absorb water around the leak sensor until the float drops freely
- 3Inspect the lower spray arm and door seal for cracks or food buildup
- 4Tighten the drain hose high-loop connection under the sink
When to call a technician
LC after one dry cycle with an empty tub points to an internal hose or tub seal—requires tilt and disassembly.
Affected models
- Samsung DW80R5060US
- Samsung DW80B7070US
- Samsung DW80R9950US
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use dishwashers to prevent LC from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when LC appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your Samsung dishwasher—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for LC; Samsung uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting LC; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.