How to Fix Samsung Dishwasher LC Error Code

A Samsung dishwasher LC error code indicates that the dishwasher is leaking. The error code is caused by the leak sensor detecting water or moisture in the base of the dishwasher.

This guide applies to the most Samsung dishwasher models, including the following:

DB3710DB, DB3710DW, DB5710DT, DMR57LFBXAA, DMR57LFS, DMR57LFSXAA, DMR57LFWXAA, DMR77LHS, DMR78AHS, DMT300RFB, DMT300RFS, DMT300RFW, DMT400RHS, DMT800RHS, DMT800RHS/XAA, DW7933LRASR, DW80F600UTS/AA-0000, DW80F600UTS/AA-0001, DW80F800UWS/AA-0001, DW80J3020US/AA-0000, DW80K5050US/AA-0000

There are four possible reasons (with various solutions) for a Samsung dishwasher LE error code:

1. There is a leak, which means a component needs to be replaced.
2. The water detected by the leak sensor is part of normal operations. Letting the water evaporate or repositioning the leak sensor will fix the issue.
3. A glitch has caused the error code. Disconnecting the power will resolve the error code.
4. The dishwasher has been recently moved, connected to a garbage disposal, or overfilled with detergent.

Follow the steps below to diagnose and fix the issue.

1. Has the dishwasher been moved, connected to a garbage disposal, or overfilled with detergent?

If the dishwasher has been recently moved, water or moisture may have gotten on the leak sensor and triggered the LC error code. Waiting for the water to evaporate should resolve the issue.

If the dishwasher is connected to a garbage disposal, not removing the knockout plug from where the garbage disposal connects to the dishwasher drain hose can cause the LC error code. Making sure the plug has been removed may resolve the error code.

If too much detergent is used, excess suds can be created, which causes the dishwasher to detect excess moisture. Therefore, using the correct amount of detergent and cleaning out the detergent dispenser may resolve the LC error code.

2. Is the dishwasher leaking?

If you can see water on the floor around the dishwasher, it is safe to assume a component needs to be replaced to fix the problem. However, even if you cannot see any signs of a leak outside of the dishwasher, a defective component could still be causing an internal leak. Therefore, move on to step three.

3. Was the error code caused by a glitch?

Disconnecting the power to the dishwasher for 15 minutes will allow the dishwasher to reset and clear the error code. Waiting 15 minutes also allows for moisture to evaporate, which may also resolve the issue.

When you restore power to the dishwasher, the error code should have cleared, meaning it may have just been a glitch. However, if the error code returns or it hasn’t cleared, further troubleshooting is required.

4. Wait and see if the water evaporates and clears the error code

If the Samsung dishwasher LC error code has only recently appeared, waiting for the water to evaporate may resolve the issue. How long you wait will depend on how warm the environment is. We recommend waiting an hour, but 15-30 minutes may be enough in warmer climates. If the error code is a recurring or permanent issue, move on to the next step.

5. Check for defective components causing the leak

A Samsung dishwasher LC error code is typically caused by a defective spray arm, seal, water inlet valve, pump, or leak sensor.

If a dishwasher spray arm is damaged, water may be spraying in the wrong direction and causing water to seep into the base of the dishwasher. Before removing any access panels, make sure the spray arms are not damaged or clogged. If a spray arm is damaged, replacing it may resolve the LC error code.

Checking the remaining components will require accessing the base of the dishwasher.

Follow these steps to access the dishwasher base:

1. Disconnect the power to the dishwasher.
2. Turn off the water supply to the dishwasher.
3. Remove the dishwasher kick plate.

Depending on the model, you may be able to see the drain pan where the leak sensor is located. In most cases, the dishwasher will need to be moved to access the drain pan and components that may be causing the leak.

4. Move the dishwasher so that you can access components beneath the tub.

Moving the dishwasher will likely require removing the kitchen cabinet mounting screws and disconnecting the drain hose from underneath the sink. If the dishwasher is hardwired, the junction box behind the kickplate will need to be opened and the wire nuts removed to release the electrical wires.

5. Put the dishwasher on its side or upside down so that you remove the access panel on the bottom of the dishwasher.

You should now be able to locate the water inlet valve, pump, and drain pan where the leak sensor is located, as well as the various dishwasher seals and gaskets, such as the motor shaft seal and pump gasket.

At this point, some logic, a multimeter, and some trial and error are required to determine the source of the leak.

First, check the seals and gaskets for damage that would cause a leak. Replace any defective seals or gaskets that you find. Also, check that the leak is not coming from a damaged or loose hose.

Depending on the model, the dishwasher may have one or two pumps. The pumps need to be removed from the dishwasher and then tested with a multimeter for continuity. If a pump fails the continuity test, it needs to be replaced.

Over time, mineral deposits can build up in the water inlet valve, which can cause it to stay in the open position, causing too much water to fill the dishwasher and trigger the leak sensor. A clogged inlet valve needs to be replaced, as trying to unclog it is unlikely to be a reliable fix.

A water inlet valve can also fail electrically. If the pump fails a multimeter continuity test, it needs to be replaced.

Although unlikely, the leak sensor may also have failed. Replacing the leak sensor may resolve the LC error code.

6. Relocate the leak sensor

If the dishwasher does not have a leak, the leak sensor may have been installed too low in the drip pan. Relocating the leak sensor a few inches higher should solve the problem.