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Error code

LC Error in Samsung Washing Machine - Meaning, Water-Level Checks and Safe Help

Samsung UK lists LC as a low-water-level warning, grouped with LC1, LE and LE1. Check the drain-hose height and look for visible leaks first; only try one power-cycle test if there is no water visible and the machine is safe to use.

Last updated: 24 June 2026

Quick answer

LC: Samsung UK lists LC as low water level detected.

Severityhigh

Meaning

Samsung UK lists LC as low water level detected.

First safe check

Turn the washing machine off before checking around it.

Stop if

Visible water or leak

Who to call

Call an appliance engineer if LC returns after the external drain-hose and visible-leak checks, if water appears underneath, or if the water level behaves unpredictably.

High severity: escalate quickly if it persists. Disconnect power before checking accessible parts where the appliance guidance says to do so.

Fix time

5-15 minutes

Difficulty

Easy first check

The useful user checks are external: visible leaks, hose seating, oversudsing, and whether the washer is draining properly.

Expected outcome: If the warning came from foam or a minor external issue, LC may clear after one careful test; repeat LC should be treated as an ongoing leak or water-protection fault.

What does this error code mean?

Samsung UK groups LC with LC1, LE and LE1 as a low-water-level warning. This does not prove every Samsung model uses identical wording, so treat the page as general UK guidance and check the exact model manual where possible.

The useful first checks are external: make sure the drain hose is not set lower than the base of the washing machine, look for visible water leaks, and avoid repeated restart attempts if water is present. If the washer looks too full instead, compare the symptoms with Samsung OC or Samsung 0C. If the display or symptoms point to water-level sensing rather than low level, compare with Samsung 1C.

This code is in Samsung UK's low-water-level group, so the first context to check is drain-hose height, visible leakage and model-specific water-level detection.

Symptoms users may notice

  1. The washer may stop mid-cycle.
  2. The water level may appear lower than expected.
  3. There may be visible water near the machine if a leak is contributing.
  4. The drain hose may be installed too low.

What users often notice

  1. The code may appear around filling or draining.
  2. Users may notice the drain hose is set too low, or may find visible water around the appliance.

Why is this happening?

  1. Drain hose positioned too low, which can let water leave the drum when it should not
  2. Visible water leak reducing the expected water level
  3. Drain setup or siphoning issue affecting the water level
  4. Model-specific water-level detection or sensing behaviour

What this usually points to

This code is in Samsung UK's low-water-level group, so the first context to check is drain-hose height, visible leakage and model-specific water-level detection.

How to fix this safely

  1. Turn the washing machine off before checking around it.
  2. Check that the drain hose is not lower than the base of the washing machine.
  3. Look for visible water leaks around the machine, door area and hose connections if they are safely accessible.
  4. If there is no sign of water, try one power-cycle test; stop if LC returns or any leak appears.

Can I fix this myself?

Maybe

You can safely check drain-hose height and look for visible leaks. Anything beyond external checks moves into repair territory because the exact cause can vary by model.

Safety boundary: Stop immediately if water is underneath the machine, the washer keeps filling, or you would need to remove panels or work around wiring.

What not to do

  1. Do not keep forcing restart cycles if there is visible water or the code returns immediately.
  2. Do not continue if water is visible or the appliance behaves unpredictably.

Common misdiagnoses

  1. LC is often assumed to be a universal leak-protection code, but Samsung UK's current general table lists it as low water level detected.

Reset steps

  1. Leave the appliance powered off for a few minutes after the safe visual checks.
  2. Reconnect power and try a short drain or rinse only if there is no visible leak.
  3. Stop using the appliance if LC returns, water appears underneath, or the water level behaves unpredictably.

Intermittent vs persistent faults

A one-off LC may clear after the external checks and one power cycle, but repeated LC warnings should be treated as unresolved.

When to call a technician

Call an appliance engineer if LC returns after the external drain-hose and visible-leak checks, if water appears underneath, or if the water level behaves unpredictably.

Safety warning

Do not keep using the appliance if water is leaking, pooled nearby, or may be reaching electrical parts.

Useful hub links

Samsung appliance error code hub

Browse all Samsung appliance error code clusters.

Samsung Washing Machine error code list

See every washing machine code in this cluster.

Related leak and overflow fault codes

Samsung Washing Machine Error Code LC1

Samsung UK lists LC1 as low water level detected.

Samsung Washing Machine Error Code LE

Samsung UK lists LE as low water level detected.

Samsung Washing Machine Error Code OE

Samsung UK lists OE as an overflow error.

Samsung Washing Machine OC Error - Overflow, Overfilling or 0C Warning

Samsung OC usually means the washer thinks the drum is overfilling or the water level is rising too high.

Relevant guide

Common Washing Machine Error Codes Explained

Use this guide to identify what your washing machine error code is pointing to, what to check first, and when it is better to stop troubleshooting and call an engineer.

Frequently asked questions

What does LC mean on a Samsung washing machine?+

Samsung UK's general code table lists LC as low water level detected, grouped with LC1, LE and LE1.

How do I fix LC error in a Samsung washing machine?+

Check that the drain hose is not lower than the base of the washer, look for visible leaks, and only try one power-cycle test if there is no water visible.

What does LC mean on a Samsung washing machine if there is no big puddle?+

Samsung UK's general advice says to check drain-hose height and check for a water leak. If there is no visible water, one power-cycle test may be reasonable.

Can a drain problem trigger Samsung washing machine LC?+

A drain-hose setup problem can affect water level. If the drum is full and will not drain, compare the symptoms with Samsung 5C.

Can I still use a Samsung washing machine with LC?+

Pause normal use while you check the hose height and look for leaks. Do not keep using it if water is visible or the code returns.

Can too much detergent cause Samsung LC?+

Oversudsing can confuse water behaviour on some faults, but Samsung UK's general LC advice focuses on drain-hose height, visible leaks and one power-cycle test when no water is visible.

Is Samsung LC the same as LC1, LE, OC, or 1C?+

Samsung UK groups LC, LC1, LE and LE1 as low water level detected. OC, OE and OF are listed separately as overflow errors.

What should I check first for a Samsung washing machine LC error?+

Check that the drain hose is not too low, then check for visible leaks. If there is no water visible, try one power-cycle test.

Sources and review status

Model dependent · Last reviewed 24 June 2026

source checked
  • Samsung UK washing-machine code guide

    manufacturer support · UK · checked 24 June 2026

    General UK table groups LC, LC1, LE and LE1 as low water level detected and advises drain-hose height, leak check and one power-cycle test if no water is visible.

Model variation note

Samsung model wording can vary, so check the exact manual for your model. Samsung UK's general table groups LC, LC1, LE and LE1 as low water level detected.