Seeing LC on your Samsung dishwasher display is unsettling, but you’re not alone — this leak-sensor error shows up more often than you’d think, and in most cases it clears with a few simple steps. The good news: you can often fix it yourself and get back to a normal wash cycle without a technician visit at all.
How to Quickly Reset Your Samsung Dishwasher
A brief power reset is often all it takes to clear a false alarm:
- Power off — turn off the dishwasher at the control panel or circuit breaker
- Cut power completely — unplug the unit or switch off its breaker for a full reset
- Wait 5–10 minutes — this lets the control board and sensors fully discharge
- Restore power — plug back in or flip the breaker, then press Start (or your model’s Reset button)
- Run a test cycle — choose a quick wash or rinse-only cycle to confirm the LC code has cleared
This works because the reset interrupts any “stuck” electronic loop and clears minor software glitches or false moisture readings.
Fixing the Samsung Dishwasher LC Error Code for Good
If LC returns after your reset, work through these checks in order to find the actual cause.
Step 1: Safety First
Turn off power at the breaker, and keep the floor dry and wear gloves while working near any standing water.
Step 2: Dry the Bottom Tray (Leak Sensor)
Open the door, slide out the lower rack, and thoroughly absorb any standing water under the tub with towels or a sponge. Leave the door ajar for 30 minutes to let residual moisture evaporate and the sensor circuit board fully dry. The leak sensor triggers LC the moment it detects moisture — drying the tray resets it.
Step 3: Check for Visible Leaks
Inspect hoses under the sink and at the back of the unit for drips, cracks, or loose clamps. Examine the door gasket for tears, gaps, or compression wear where water can escape, and check the water inlet valve connections to make sure fittings and O-rings are secure.
Step 4: Clean the Filter & Spray Arms
Remove and rinse the filter under warm water to clear food debris and grease. Detach the spray arms if your model allows, and clear any clogged holes with a toothpick or thin wire. Reinstall everything securely — a clogged filter or spray arm causes excessive suds or pooling, which confuses the leak sensor.
Step 5: Level Your Dishwasher
Place a carpenter’s level on the open door or rack, then adjust the leveling legs beneath the unit until it sits perfectly horizontal — uneven floors can shift under load. Retighten the lock nuts once level. An unlevel dishwasher lets water pool under one side, which can trip the LC code.
Step 6: Inspect Door Seals & Gaskets
Wipe gaskets with a soft cloth and mild detergent to remove residue, and check for deformation or brittleness. Replace any seal showing cracks — OEM seals for models like the DW80R9950UG or DW80K7050UG ensure a proper fit.
Step 7: Verify the Garbage Disposal Knockout Plug
If your dishwasher drains through a garbage disposal, confirm the knockout plug was removed when it was installed. A plugged disposal drain causes water backup that can seep under the tub and trigger LC.
What If There’s No Visible Leak?
Even without obvious dripping, the leak sensor can pick up moisture from less obvious sources:
- Condensation under the tub — steam from hot cycles can condense under the insulation and drip onto the sensor. Leave the door open longer, 60–90 minutes, after a wash to vent all moisture.
- Saturated insulation — old or degraded insulation traps moisture. If drying doesn’t help, gently lift the insulation flap (if accessible) and let that area air-dry for several hours.
- Sensor misalignment or debris — dirt or soap scum on the sensor contacts can mimic water. Locate the small circuit board beneath the tray, wipe it gently with isopropyl alcohol, then let it dry.
- Excessive detergent or rinse aid — overdosing can cause suds to leak past seals. Cut back to the manufacturer’s recommendation and run a rinse-only cycle to flush residue.
After each fix, run the quick reset sequence again to check whether the LC code clears.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Samsung Dishwasher LC Error?
Most LC codes clear with drying, leveling, and a simple reset — all things you can do yourself at no cost. If the code keeps returning after working through every step above, the sensor, wiring, or control board likely needs professional attention. At Maydone, a dishwasher repair visit starts with a flat diagnostic fee, applied toward the repair cost if you move forward. A gasket or seal replacement tends to be on the more affordable end, while a sensor or control board replacement costs more depending on the part. We confirm pricing before any work begins, and first-time customers get $30 off their repair.
Why Does the LC Error Happen in the First Place?
LC stands for Leakage Circuit — a safety feature that halts operation the moment moisture touches the bottom sensor. A small circuit board or float switch at the base senses moisture through electrical continuity, so any conductive liquid completes the circuit and trips the code.
Common paths water takes to reach the sensor include a worn door gasket letting spray-water escape, an overloaded dish rack diverting spray out of bounds, or a loosened hose clamp under pressure. Excessive suds from high water hardness or overdosed detergent can also seep through gaps and settle under the tub, and aging or compressed insulation holds moisture longer, causing repeated LC triggers even after visible water is gone.
Understanding this cause-and-effect chain helps you fix the actual source, not just the symptom on the display.
Resetting Wi-Fi Settings on a Samsung Dishwasher
For connected models using SmartThings or Wi-Fi Control:
- Press and hold the Smart Control button for 3 seconds until “AP” appears on the display
- Open the SmartThings app, tap Add Device, and follow the prompts to select your dishwasher model and enter your Wi-Fi credentials
- If pairing fails, press Hi-Temp Wash and Eco simultaneously for 5 seconds to clear saved networks, then repeat step 1
- Once the app shows Online, run a test cycle from your phone to confirm the connection
This resets only the network module — your wash settings stay exactly as they were.
Preventing Future Samsung Dishwasher LC Errors
- Clean the filter and spray arms monthly to prevent overspray and suds buildup
- Inspect gaskets quarterly — a quick replacement costs far less than water damage repairs
- Use proper detergent dosing — high-efficiency, low-sudsing detergent measured for your water hardness
- Check insulation annually — pull the kick-plate and replace any waterlogged batting
- Avoid shifting the unit mid-cycle — bumping the appliance while running can jar the sensor assembly
- Book annual maintenance to catch a worn gasket or degrading insulation before it triggers another LC code
When to Call a Professional
Some situations call for expert diagnosis rather than more DIY troubleshooting:
- LC returns immediately after thorough drying, resets, and inspections — the sensor or control board may be failing
- Internal component leaks around the pump, gearbox, or valves usually need disassembly beyond DIY comfort and can pose an electrical hazard
- Electrical or sensor failure — faulty wiring, corroded connectors, or a damaged sensor circuit board need specialized tools and parts
- Warranty coverage — if your dishwasher is under Samsung’s warranty or a service plan, unauthorized repairs can void it
Our certified technicians serve Toronto, Vaughan, and Mississauga seven days a week, and safely diagnose and replace sensors, control boards, or internal fittings.
Tried everything above and the LC code still won’t clear?
Book an Appointment With Our Technicians Today
Don’t wait for a stubborn LC code to turn into standing water damage. Call +1 (647) 558-5825 or book online, and our certified Samsung technicians will diagnose and repair it — usually the same day you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often can I safely reset my dishwasher?
As often as you need to. Power resetting doesn’t affect your saved cycle presets — go ahead and reset any time you see LC or if the dishwasher locks up.
Will resetting erase my saved cycle preferences?
No. The reset only clears the control board’s memory of errors, not your customized wash programs.
Why won’t my dishwasher start after a reset?
Many models lock out if the door isn’t fully latched or if a control-lock feature is active — check those two things first before assuming the reset failed.
Can I keep using the dishwasher if LC appears occasionally?
A one-off LC that clears immediately after a reset is usually harmless. Repeated errors on the same or nearly every cycle signal a deeper problem — worn gasket, leaning insulation, a failing sensor — that should be addressed rather than reset around indefinitely.
What’s the difference between LC and LE error codes?
LC indicates moisture detected under the leak sensor. LE points to a water-level fault in the inlet or float circuit instead — a different system entirely, even though the codes look similar on the display.
Can hard water cause the LC error?
Indirectly, yes. High water hardness increases suds formation with standard detergents, and excess suds can seep past seals and pool under the tub — exactly what triggers the leak sensor. Switching to a low-sudsing, high-efficiency detergent formulated for hard water reduces this risk.
Tried drying, leveling, and resetting – but the LC code keeps coming back?
Book an Appointment With Our Technicians Today
Don’t wait for a stubborn LC code to turn into standing water damage. Call +1 (647) 558-5825 or book online, and our certified Samsung technicians will diagnose and repair it – usually the same day you call.
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