Samsung Washer 1E / LE / 1C / LC / LC1 Error (Water Level or Leakage)
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Quick answer: Samsung groups 1E, LE, 1C, LC, LC1 (also 1 1C and 1 LC) as a water level or leakage error: moisture is detected somewhere it doesn’t belong, or the sensor itself has a problem. Look for a leak, make sure the supply and drain hoses aren’t kinked, don’t remove the drain hose holder screw on the back, then run an empty cycle with no detergent. If suds appear, keep running empty cycles until they stop. If there are no suds and the code continues, Samsung says to request service.
Codes vary by model: Samsung Australia lists 1C, LE, LE1, E9, 11E, LC and LC1 as leaking errors, and Samsung Philippines lists 1E / 1C as a water level sensor error. Check your user manual. Work through the steps in order — the free checks come first.
Test order: easiest & free first
- Look for a leakFREE · 5 min
Samsung says leaks are sometimes so small they go unnoticed; if you find and fix a leak, that fixes the error. On front loaders a little water dripping from the door after you open it is normal — it’s only a leak if it drips with the door closed (Samsung). - Let it finish draining firstFREE · 3 min
Samsung Australia says some models automatically drain for up to 3 minutes and the POWER button is disabled while they do. Wait for draining to finish before hunting for leaks. - Inspect every hose and connectionFREE · 10 min
Check the supply hoses and drain hose (both ends) for kinks and damage, including the rubber o-rings inside the hose ends. Samsung says damaged hoses and o-rings should be replaced. - Check the door seal (front load)FREE · 5 min
Fold the door gasket back and look for debris or damage — even a single hair or piece of thread can cause a leak. Make sure the door closes fully (Samsung). A damaged seal needs service. - Check the drain hose setupFREE · 10 min
Samsung: insert the drain hose 6–8 inches into the drain pipe and secure it with a zip tie; don’t make an airtight connection (both cause siphoning). Keep the hose between 18 and 96 inches high (24–35 inches into a sink) and don’t use an extension kit. Do not remove the screw and holder that clamp the drain hose to the back of the washer; removing it can make the washer drain automatically and show LC or 4C. If the screw is gone, put the holder back with any screw that fits; if the holder is missing, service is required. - Run an empty cycle to check for sudsFREE · 1 hr+
Run a cycle with no detergent or additives. Suds mean too much detergent or non-HE detergent was used; keep running empty cycles until no suds appear, then see if the code returns (Samsung). Going forward use HE detergent and never exceed the MAX line or the detergent maker’s maximum. - Clean the pump filter (front load)FREE · 15 min
Samsung says a neglected pump (debris) filter can clog and cause draining problems and even leaks. Open the filter panel at the bottom front, drain the small hose into a pan, twist the filter counter-clockwise to remove it, brush it clean, check the impeller, then twist it back in clockwise and recap the hose. - RestartFREE · 3 min
Samsung Australia: turn the machine off at the power point, wait 2 or 3 minutes, restore power and start the cycle again. - Still showing? Request serviceSERVICE
If suds don’t appear but the code continues, Samsung says to request service. Samsung’s technician-level list says a 1E/1C water level sensor error can come from a faulty sensor, a bad sensor connection, or a folded or clogged sensor hose, and that LE/LC leakage checks cover the base, hoses, valve and tub connections and drain motor operation (Samsung Philippines).
⚠ Safety: Unplug the washer before opening the pump filter panel or pulling it out from the wall, and have towels and a container ready for the water that comes out (Samsung). Internal sensor, valve and tub repairs are a job for Samsung service.
Parts to check
| Part | Part number | |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply hoses | Look up by your model number | Check price [PLACEHOLDER – no affiliate link] |
| Drain hose | Look up by your model number | Check price [PLACEHOLDER – no affiliate link] |
| Water level sensor (service) | Look up by your model number | Check price [PLACEHOLDER – no affiliate link] |
We only list part numbers confirmed by a cited source. Parts vary by model, so always look up by your model number at the parts retailer before ordering.
💡 Prevent the next one: Clean the pump filter at least once a month or every 40 washes, whichever comes first (Samsung), and use the least HE detergent that gets clothes clean. Other Samsung codes: 4C / 4E / nF (won’t fill) · dE / dC (door lock) · Samsung cheat sheet
Watch it done
Video by Samsung Care on YouTube. FixCode Guide isn't affiliated with this channel.