FixByModel
LC1

Samsung LC1: Leak sensor detected water in the base

The washer's leak-detection sensor found water in the base pan under the drum and shut the machine down to prevent water damage. It can be a genuine leak or a false trigger from suds or a loose fitting.

May need a technician

By the FixByModel editorial team · Verified 2026-09 · Researched against manufacturer support & repair references (below)

Most likely causes

  1. Loose hose or clamp, or a fill/drain connection dripping
  2. Debris filter not seated tightly after cleaning
  3. Torn or pinched door gasket
  4. Oversudsing overflowing into the base pan
  5. Siphoning/drain setup issue or a faulty leak sensor
Where water escapes
1Door gasket
2Hoses & clamps
3Base tray
4Leak sensor

Schematic illustration of a typical washing machine — not your exact model.

Before you start — unplug the appliance and turn off the water supply. You'll be working near water and electrical parts, and drained water can be hot. If a step involves the pump, wiring, or opening the cabinet and you're unsure, stop and call a qualified technician.

Step-by-step fix

1Unplug and inspect the baseDisconnect power and look for standing water under the cabinet or in the base pan.
2Reseat the debris filterOpen the front filter door and confirm the debris filter is screwed in fully and tight — a common cause of small leaks.
3Check the door gasketInspect the rubber door boot for tears, trapped debris, or pinching that could let water escape.
4Check hose connectionsVerify the fill and drain hose connections are secure and not dripping; tighten clamps as needed.
5Reduce sudsCut detergent to the correct HE amount, since overflowing suds can trip the leak sensor without a real leak.
6Escalate if it persistsIf no leak is found and the code stays after these checks, the leak sensor or an internal component may need a technician.

Still showing LC1?

If you’ve worked through every step and LC1 keeps returning, an internal part likely needs testing and replacement. That’s a job for a qualified appliance technician, who can measure the suspect part against the service-manual spec before replacing it.

Which models this applies to

Samsung washing machines. Front-load Samsung washers, including FlexWash models where it may show as 1LC1 or LC1. LC/LC1 indicates water detected by the base leak sensor.

FAQ

What does Samsung LC1 mean?

Leak sensor detected water in the base. The washer's leak-detection sensor found water in the base pan under the drum and shut the machine down to prevent water damage. It can be a genuine leak or a false trigger from suds or a loose fitting.

What causes Samsung LC1?

The most likely cause is loose hose or clamp, or a fill/drain connection dripping. Other causes include Debris filter not seated tightly after cleaning; Torn or pinched door gasket; Oversudsing overflowing into the base pan; Siphoning/drain setup issue or a faulty leak sensor.

Can I fix Samsung LC1 myself?

Some checks are DIY, but this code often points to an internal component, so it may need a qualified technician.