Error code
Samsung Washing Machine LC1 Error - Drain Hose Warning
Samsung groups LC1 with LC, LE and LE1 as a drain-hose warning. Check that the hose end is not lying on the floor and that the hose is not kinked or blocked; stop and contact support if LC1 returns.
Quick answer
LC1: The washer has detected a drain-hose problem
Meaning
The washer has detected a drain-hose problem
First safe check
Switch the washing machine off before checking the external hose.
Stop if
Visible water or leak
Who to call
Contact Samsung support or an appliance engineer if LC1 returns after the hose position and blockage checks, the washer still cannot fill or drain normally, or water appears underneath.
High severity: escalate quickly if it persists. Disconnect power before checking accessible parts where the appliance guidance says to do so.
What does this error code mean?
Samsung groups LC1 with LC, LE and LE1 as a drain-hose warning. The manufacturer advises checking that the end of the drain hose is not placed on the floor and that the hose is not clogged.
A hose fitted too low can let water siphon out while the washer is trying to fill. A kink or blockage can cause the opposite problem and prevent normal draining. Check the installation diagram in the manual for the full model number because the permitted hose height and routing vary.
LC1 should not be described as a general internal leak-sensor code. If water is visibly escaping, switch the machine off, isolate the water supply if safe, and do not run another test.
Symptoms users may notice
- The cycle may stop while filling or draining.
- Water may siphon away because the drain hose is fitted too low.
- Water may remain in the drum if the hose is kinked or blocked.
What users often notice
- Users may notice the washer repeatedly adding water, stopping during a rinse, or failing to empty.
- LC1 can appear when the external drain-hose installation does not match the model manual.
Why is this happening?
- Drain hose positioned too low
- Drain hose end positioned too low
- Kinked or clogged drain hose
- Incorrect drain-hose routing causing siphoning
- Model-specific drain installation problem
What this usually points to
Samsung's guidance points first to the external drain hose: its height, routing, and whether it is clogged. Internal pump or sensing checks are not user-service work.
How to fix this safely
- Switch the washing machine off before checking the external hose.
- Make sure the end of the drain hose is not lying on the floor or fitted below the height shown in the model manual.
- Check the visible length of hose for kinks, crushing, or an obvious blockage.
- After correcting an external hose problem, restart once; stop if LC1 returns or water is visible.
Can I fix this myself?
MaybeYou can safely check the external drain-hose height, routing, and visible condition. Internal drainage or sensor diagnosis needs a technician.
Safety boundary: Stop immediately if water is underneath the machine, the hose is damaged, or the next check would require removing a panel.
What not to do
- Do not place the drain-hose end on the floor.
- Do not keep forcing restart cycles if the code returns or water is visible.
Reset steps
- Leave the appliance powered off for a few minutes after the safe visual checks.
- Reconnect power and try a short drain or rinse only if the hose is correctly positioned and no water is visible.
- Stop using the appliance if LC1 returns, water appears underneath, or the washer still cannot drain normally.
Intermittent vs persistent faults
LC1 may clear after an incorrectly positioned or kinked hose is corrected. A repeated code suggests a persistent drainage or installation problem.
When to call a technician
Contact Samsung support or an appliance engineer if LC1 returns after the hose position and blockage checks, the washer still cannot fill or drain normally, or water appears underneath.
Safety warning
Disconnect the appliance from the mains if water is leaking or pooled nearby. Do not remove panels or reach into internal drainage parts.
Useful hub links
Related drainage fault codes
LC Error in Samsung Washing Machine - Meaning, Low Water Level Checks and Safe Help
Samsung UK lists LC as low water level detected.
Samsung Washing Machine Error Code LE
Samsung UK lists LE as low water level detected.
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.
Samsung Washing Machine Error Code 0C
The washer thinks the water level has risen too high or the drum is overfilling.
Relevant guide
Frequently asked questions
Can I still use the appliance with Samsung LC1 showing?+
Pause use while you check the external drain-hose position and condition. Stop and contact support if LC1 returns or water is visible.
Is Samsung LC1 the same as LC?+
Samsung groups LC1 with LC, LE and LE1 as drain-hose warnings. Exact display wording varies by model.
Will resetting fix Samsung LC1 permanently?+
Only if the cause was an external hose-position or blockage problem that has been corrected. If LC1 returns after one test, stop and contact support.
What happens if I ignore Samsung LC1?+
The washer may continue siphoning, fail to drain, or stop mid-cycle. Do not keep restarting it without correcting the hose problem.
Sources and review status
Model dependent · Last reviewed 24 June 2026
- Samsung UK washing-machine code guide
manufacturer support · UK · checked 24 June 2026
LC, LC1, LE and LE1 drain-hose meaning and the checks for hose height and blockage.
Model variation note
Samsung model wording can vary. The checked Samsung guidance groups LC, LC1, LE and LE1 under drain-hose checks; use the installation diagram for the full model number.