Error code
Samsung Washing Machine Error Code LC1
Samsung UK lists LC1 as low water level detected. The most likely cause is drain hose positioned too low. Check first: check that the drain hose is not lower than the base of the washing machine.
Quick answer
LC1: Samsung UK lists LC1 as low water level detected.
Meaning
Samsung UK lists LC1 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 LC1 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.
What does this error code mean?
Samsung UK groups LC1 with LC, LE and LE1 as a low-water-level warning. This is general UK support guidance rather than proof for every model, so check the exact manual where possible.
Check first that the drain hose is not lower than the base of the washing machine, then look for visible water leaks around the appliance and hose connections. If no water is visible, one power-cycle test may be reasonable. If the drum looks overfilled instead, compare with Samsung OC or Samsung 0C.
This code usually points to the leak and overflow protection path, including hose connections, base leak detection, drain behaviour, and water-level control.
Symptoms users may notice
- The cycle may stop with water still inside the drum.
- You may see water around the appliance or near the hose connections.
- The machine may not complete the programme because it believes a leak risk is present.
What users often notice
- Users often notice the washer is not draining fully, leaves damp clothes, or shows the warning soon after water has collected underneath.
- LC1 may appear after filling, during a rinse, or after the machine detects moisture where it should not be.
Why is this happening?
- Drain hose positioned too low
- Visible leak reducing the expected water level
- Drain setup or siphoning issue affecting water level
- Model-specific water-level detection behaviour
What this usually points to
This code usually points to the leak and overflow protection path, including hose connections, base leak detection, drain behaviour, and water-level control.
How to fix this safely
- Turn the washing machine off before checking around it.
- Check that the drain hose is not lower than the base of the washing machine.
- Look for visible water leaks around the machine and hose connections if they are safely accessible.
- If there is no sign of water, try one power-cycle test; stop if LC1 returns or any leak appears.
Can I fix this myself?
MaybeYou 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
- Do not keep forcing restart cycles if there is visible water or the code returns immediately.
- Do not ignore a small drip underneath the machine, because leak sensors can trigger before a large puddle forms.
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 there is no visible leak.
- Stop using the appliance if LC1 returns, water appears underneath, or the machine keeps filling unexpectedly.
Intermittent vs persistent faults
A one-off LC1 after heavy suds or a disturbed hose may clear after safe checks, but repeated LC1 warnings should be treated as a persistent leak or overflow risk.
When to call a technician
Call an appliance engineer if LC1 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
Related leak and overflow 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?+
No. LC1 is a leak-protection warning, so keep the washer off until you have checked for obvious water escape and the machine is dry externally.
Is Samsung LC1 the same as LC?+
They are very closely related leak and overflow warnings on Samsung washers. Check the exact wording for your model, but both should be treated seriously.
Will resetting fix Samsung LC1 permanently?+
Only if the trigger was temporary, such as oversudsing or a one-off drainage issue. If LC1 returns after one safe test, the leak or overflow cause has not been fixed.
What happens if I ignore Samsung LC1?+
You risk a bigger leak, repeat mid-cycle stoppages, and possible damage to the base sensor, pump, or surrounding flooring.
Sources and review status
Model dependent · Last reviewed 24 June 2026
- 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.
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.