Samsung Washer LE Code: Meaning & Fixes
- Meaning
- Water level or leak error: the washer detected water where it shouldn't be, or couldn't reach the right water level, and stopped the cycle.
- Can I fix it?
- Sometimes, may need a pro
- Also shown as
- LC, LC1, LE1
- Seen on
- Samsung front-load and top-load washers. Some models show LC, LE1 or LC1 for the same fault.
Samsung groups LE with LC as a water level or leak error. On most current models it means moisture was found where it shouldn’t be, and the washer drains for a few minutes on its own. On some older models LE meant the washer couldn’t fill to the right level. Heavy suds from too much or non-HE detergent are the most common trigger.
Try this first
- Turn the washer off and look for water on the floor around and under it.
- Check the detergent you used. Use only HE detergent, in the amount the label gives for your load size, or less for small loads.
- Check that the drain hose is secured in the standpipe or sink and isn't leaking at the back. Don't remove the screw that holds it to the washer.
- Clean the detergent drawer if it is clogged and overflowing.
What causes LE
| Cause | What you notice | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Too many suds | Foam in the drum or the detergent drawer | Detergent type and amount |
| Drain hose loose or leaking | Water behind the washer | The hose end in the standpipe and the clamp at the washer |
| Inlet hose leaking | Drips at the taps or the back of the washer | Both hose connections |
| Clogged detergent drawer | Water spills from the front of the drawer | Pull out the drawer and rinse it |
| Door seal or internal hose leaking | Water under the front with no visible source | Needs the cabinet opened |
Fix it step by step
Tap a step number to tick it off as you go. Ticks stay on this device.
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Stop and drain
Turn the washer off. On LC and LE the washer drains for about 3 minutes on its own, and Power may not respond until it finishes. Then unplug it.
Safety: Water and electricity: unplug the washer before you touch anything wet around it.
-
Find where the water is
Dry the floor with towels. Pull the washer out a few inches and look at the back, the hose connections and the floor under the front.
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Run a suds rinse
If you saw foam, plug the washer back in and run Rinse+Spin with no detergent once or twice until no suds are left.
-
Check the hoses
Tighten the inlet hoses by hand at the taps and at the washer. Make sure the drain hose is pushed into the standpipe and held by its clip or tie.
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Watch a test cycle
Run a short cycle with a small load and the right amount of HE detergent. Stay close and check the floor during the fill and the spin.
When to call a technician
If LE comes back with the right detergent and dry hose connections, the leak is likely inside the cabinet: the door seal, the tub-to-pump hose or the pump itself. A technician can find and fix it without risking water on the control parts.
Questions people ask
Can too much detergent cause an LE code?
Yes. Extra suds can overflow and set off the sensor. Use only HE detergent, in the amount the label gives for your load size, or less for small loads.
How do I clear LE on a Samsung washer?
Drain the washer, dry the floor and fix the source of the water. Then unplug it for a minute and start again. If water is still in the base, the code may return until it dries.
Is LE the same on Samsung and LG washers?
No. On a Samsung washer LE is a water leak. On an LG washer LE means the motor is locked or overloaded.