Error code
Samsung Washing Machine Error Code LC1
The washer has detected a leak risk or water collecting where it should not. The most likely cause is water in the base of the machine triggering leak protection. Check first: check the floor, door seal, detergent drawer, inlet hose, and drain hose for visible leaks if they are safely accessible.
Quick decision
LC1
What it usually means
The washer has detected a leak risk or water collecting where it should not.
First safe action
Turn the washing machine off, unplug it from the mains, and avoid touching pooled water while the appliance is still powered.
Stop and call an engineer when
Call an appliance engineer if LC1 returns after the area is dry, the machine overfills, water appears underneath, or the hoses and door seal look normal but the warning persists.
Meaning
The Samsung LC1 error code usually means the machine has detected a leak or abnormal water collection around the base. It sits in the same warning family as Samsung LC and often appears when a hose leaks, water escapes during draining, or the base sensor decides moisture is where it should not be.
Check first for water around the machine, dampness near the hose connections, or signs that the washer has failed to empty properly. If the drum is still full of water, compare the fault with Samsung 5C; if the drum is unusually full instead, compare it 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.
Likely causes
- Water in the base of the machine triggering leak protection
- Loose, split, or poorly seated hose connections
- Blocked filter or drain path leaving water inside, similar to Samsung 5C
- Oversudsing or overflow spreading water or foam into the base area
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 it safely
- Turn the washing machine off, unplug it from the mains, and avoid touching pooled water while the appliance is still powered.
- Check the floor, door seal, detergent drawer, inlet hose, and drain hose for visible leaks if they are safely accessible.
- If the drum still contains water, clean the accessible filter and make sure the drain hose is not kinked; if the machine is not draining properly, compare the symptoms with Samsung 5C or Samsung LC.
- Only run one short rinse or drain test after the outside of the appliance is dry and there is no obvious leak; stop if the water level then starts behaving more like Samsung OC.
Can I fix this myself?
MaybeYou can safely check for an obvious leak, clear an accessible filter, and confirm the hoses are seated correctly. Anything beyond those external checks moves into repair territory because LC1 often involves water near electrical parts.
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 an engineer
Call an appliance engineer if LC1 returns after the area is dry, the machine overfills, water appears underneath, or the hoses and door seal look normal but the warning persists.
Safety warning
Disconnect the appliance from the mains before any accessible checks and do not keep using it if water may be reaching electrical parts.
Useful hub links
Related leak and overflow fault codes
Samsung Washing Machine Error Code 0C
The washer thinks the water level has risen too high or the drum is overfilling.
Samsung Washing Machine Error Code LC - Leak or Drainage Problem
The machine has detected a leak risk or water collecting where it should not.
Samsung Washing Machine Error Code OC - Overfilling Problem
The washer thinks the drum is overfilling or the water level is rising too high.
Samsung Washing Machine Error Code 1C - Water Level Sensor Problem
The washer is not getting a reliable water-level reading from the pressure sensing system.
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.
Model variation note
Samsung model wording can vary between LC, LC1, LE, OC, and OE style water-level warnings, so always check the exact manual for your model.