Samsung Washing Machine LC Error: Meaning, Causes & Safe Checks

LC Check carefully Safe checks first

Quick answer

Samsung LC (or LE) means the machine has detected a low water level. Samsung’s checks are that the drain hose isn’t lower than the base of the machine (so water can’t siphon out) and that nothing is leaking. Then switch off at the mains for a minute and restart. If it returns, book a repair.

Also shown as LE LC1 LE1 E9

What LC means on a Samsung washing machine

The machine has detected a low water level, which can happen when water is siphoning or leaking out.

Applies to: Samsung washing machines sold in the UK. Shown as LC, LE, LC1, LE1 or E9.

What you might notice

Likely causes

What you can safely check yourself

Stop and call a qualified engineer if:
  • Water is leaking from inside the appliance or is near the plug or socket. Don’t touch the plug with wet hands or while standing in water. Switch off at the consumer unit instead.
  • A hose is split, bulging, cracked or leaking at the connection. Stop using the appliance until the hose is replaced.
  • The code or problem comes back after you’ve done the safe checks on this page.
  • The next step would mean removing a cover or panel, or working on the pump, valves, heater, motor, door lock or wiring. That is a job for a qualified engineer.
  • The appliance is still under warranty. Contact the manufacturer first, because DIY work can affect your cover.

Work through these in order. Stop as soon as one of the signs above applies.

Check the drain hose position and for kinks Take care

Before you start
  • Switch off and unplug the appliance at the wall socket before you touch hoses, filters or the back of the machine. Make sure your hands and the plug area are dry.
  • The appliance is heavy. Pull it out slowly, ideally with help, and don’t strain the hoses or the cable.
Drain hose height and standpipe Outlet height min–max: see your manual Don’t push the hose in too far it can siphon or block No kinks or loops
Drain hose height and standpipe. Positions vary by model — check your manual.
  1. Check the drain hose behind the machine is not kinked, twisted or squashed against the wall.
  2. Check how far the hose goes into the standpipe or sink trap. Pushed in too far, it can siphon or block.
  3. Check the height of the hose outlet against your manual. Manufacturers give a minimum and maximum height above the floor or the machine base.
  4. If the hose has been extended, check the joint. Extensions narrow the flow and make blockages more likely.

For this fault: Samsung: the drain hose must not sit lower than the base of the machine, and it must not be blocked.

Check the hose connections for leaks Take care

Before you start
  • Switch off and unplug the appliance at the wall socket before you touch hoses, filters or the back of the machine. Make sure your hands and the plug area are dry.
  • Turn off the water supply tap to the appliance before disconnecting any hose.
  • The appliance is heavy. Pull it out slowly, ideally with help, and don’t strain the hoses or the cable.
  1. With the water off, check that both ends of the inlet hose are screwed on securely, and that the rubber sealing ring inside each connector is in place and not damaged.
  2. Tighten plastic connectors by hand only.
  3. Check whether the drip is coming from the tap or valve itself rather than the hose.
  4. Check the drain hose is pushed fully onto its spigot or secured in the standpipe.

Don’t use a split or bulging hose. It must be replaced.

Switch off at the wall and let it rest

  1. If the display shows a code, write it down first.
  2. Switch the appliance off and turn it off at the wall socket.
  3. Leave it off for the time your manual or the manufacturer suggests (see the note below if there is one), then switch on and try again.

For this fault: Samsung: switch off at the mains for 1 minute, then restart.

Don’t repeat this over and over if the code keeps returning. That means there is a fault to diagnose.

When to call an engineer

If the checks above don’t clear LC, or any of the stop signs apply, contact Samsung or a qualified appliance engineer. Have the model and serial number from the rating label ready, and start with Samsung UK support.

Repair or replace?

Most LC cases are cleared by the safe checks above. If they don’t help, the remaining causes are parts an engineer has to diagnose. We don’t publish repair prices because they vary by area, part and model.

Related problems

Related codes

Questions people ask

Does LC always mean a leak?

No. Samsung’s UK table describes it as a low water level. A drain hose that sits too low can siphon water out as the machine fills, which looks the same to the machine.

Different code or symptom? Use the fault finder, see all Samsung washing machine codes, or read how Samsung codes work. Not sure it’s safe? Read our safety information.

Sources

Last checked against these sources: .

We write every page in our own words from manufacturer guidance and check it against the sources above. If your manual says something different, follow your manual. How we check.