Is your Samsung dishwasher displaying the LE error code? If you’re unsure what to do, understanding what the error means is a good way to start.
So what does the “LE” error code tell you and how can you fix it?
What does the LE error code on your Samsung dishwasher mean?
The error code “LE” means that your dishwasher has detected a leak. For Waterwall models, this error code could also mean that the water reflector is unable to move freely.
To solve it, unplug your dishwasher and look for any wet surfaces nearby. Then, plug your dishwasher back in and reboot it.
If this does not remove the error code, try the following methods:
- Look for installation errors such as loose hoses, tilting legs, or an overstretched tub.
- Check for clogs in the nozzles, valves, filters, and garbage disposal.
- Locate and replace damaged parts, especially in the water pump and draining system.
Knowing the reasons for the LE error is crucial to fixing it. So if you need more to go on, let’s dive deeper into what causes it.
What causes your Samsung dishwasher to display the LE error code?
The first thing to note is that your dishwasher would try to fix the issue itself by draining the water away. Because of this, it won’t turn itself off until the sensor stops detecting moisture.
You first have to unplug your machine before searching for the source of the leak.
Leaks triggering the LE error code are caused by either installation, usage, or mechanical issues.
| Category | Cause |
| Installation Issues | Damaged or loose water supply hose Loose drain hose Unleveled dishwasher Bowed or stretched tub Unremoved garbage disposal cap |
| Usage Issues | Wet areas Excessive detergent Use of dish soaps Pushed out rubber seal Unclean drain filter Clogged water nozzles |
| Mechanical Issues | Cracked dispenser Torn filter Dysfunctional water pump Worn out gaskets |
Installation Issues
When leaks are visible in and out of your dishwasher, one of the common culprits is a mistake in the installation phase.
Here are the most common installation errors that may be causing the LE error code.
Damaged or Loose Water Supply Hose
The common sources of leaks are the gaps in between the assembled parts of the water supply hose.
Solution: Be sure that the hose is connected securely from the water source to your dishwasher.
If the water supply hose is damaged, you may need to replace it.
Buy the right hose size at your local hardware store and refer to your dishwasher’s manual to reinstall it. You may also ask a professional for help.
Loose Drain Hose
If the drain hose is not connected properly, the chances of leaking from the gaps are extremely high.
Solution: Ensure that the connection is tight enough on both ends so the water does not slip from the gaps.
Unleveled Dishwasher
When your dishwasher is tilted from left to right, it may prevent the door from closing completely, which causes leaks.
Similarly, if your dishwasher is tilted from the back to the front where the front side is lower, the water would pool near the dishwasher door and will eventually spill out when the puddle gets too big.
Solution: Make sure that your dishwasher isn’t tilting from any side. Check if the legs are not damaged and level the dishwasher correctly.
Bowed or Stretched Tub
Bowing happens when your dishwasher is screwed too tightly on the cabinet. This will cause the sides of your tub to be overstretched and create gaps on the sides where the water can slip through.
Solution: Loosen the screws until the opening of your dishwasher is at the right measurement.
Unremoved Garbage Disposal Cap
If you have connected your new dishwasher to the garbage disposal, you may have forgotten to remove the cap before connecting the drain hose.
A closed garbage disposal cap traps the water from getting out.
Solution: Remove the drain hose, knock the cap out with a hammer and a screwdriver, and take it out from inside the garbage disposal.
Make sure to put the drain hose back properly and tightly so you won’t have to encounter any leaking problems from incorrect reinstallation.
Usage Issues
A slight oversight in how we use our dishwashers can also cause the leak sensor to go off.
This may include spilling water near the dishwasher, using the wrong cleaning agent, or forgetting to clean the machine regularly.
Wet Areas
It’s not just water from inside that you should be mindful of. Water from an external source can just as well cause moisture and trigger your leak sensor, hence the LE error code.
This may be from a previous flooding incident, a hole in one of the pipes, or simply spilling your drink underneath the machine.
Solution: Dry these wet areas to prevent moisture from slipping inside your dishwasher.
Wait for your dishwasher to dry off for a few minutes, close the shutoff valve, then restart it.
Excessive Detergent
Detergent can cause moisture, which can trigger your leak sensor. Using too much will leave some excess in the dishwasher’s system.
Solution: Clean the excess detergent suds in the dispenser and the tub.
Make sure not to put any detergent outside the dispenser and only use the appropriate amount in the future.
Use of Dish Soaps
Dish soaps are intended to be used for handwashing dishes and not for your machine. They cause too much suds that may escape the dishwasher door and result in leaks.
Solution: Wash off the extra foam and suds left by liquid soaps. Moving forward, make sure to only use detergent soaps for your machine.
Pushed Out Rubber Seal
Rubber seals can sometimes be pushed out of their normal alignment. Simply pushing them back in place should fix the issue.
However, uncleaned rubber seals could also create gaps in the dishwasher door, causing the water to spill.
Solution: To clean the rubber seals, just grab a clean towel and use a mild soap to wash off any filth stuck in between.
Uncleaned Drain Filter
The drain filter is another component that needs regular cleaning.
Leaving your filter unclean for long will cause clogs and prevent it from draining the water properly, causing the LE error code.
If you recently cleaned your filter but still have draining issues, it is possible that it was re-installed incorrectly.
Solution: Take out your dishwasher’s filter assembly and clean it in running water using a soft brush and mild soap.
Check if the screws are loose or if the filter itself has been deformed. If so, reinstall it properly or have it replaced when necessary.
Clogged Water Nozzles
Although the chances are slim, it is possible for any leftover food to make its way to the water nozzles.
If this happens, it may redirect the water to the dishwasher door instead, with enough force to break through tiny gaps.
Solution: When cleaning your dishwasher, be sure to inspect the water nozzles for any clogs that are causing it to spray water improperly.
Mechanical Issues
It’s normal for any machine to wear out when it’s frequently used. So keep an eye out for some of these parts that cause water leaks when not in their best shape.
Cracked Dispenser
Since the dispenser tray is holding your detergent, it’s the most vulnerable to detergent suds.
You’ll know that suds block the walls when the LE code is triggered as the water enters the dishwasher. This could mean that the tray is no longer dispensing the detergent properly.
Solution: Have a professional fix or replace your broken dispenser.
Torn Filter
As mentioned above, an unclean filter contributes to the water leaking from your dishwasher. However, a damaged drain filter is just as bad, if not worse.
Solution: Fixing your drain filter may be doable but it’s not a good long-term solution. So have it replaced with a new one immediately.
Dysfunctional Water Pump
The water pump is responsible for pushing the water through your dishwasher. Just like other parts, these pumps are also vulnerable to the clogging of detergents or leftover food.
Since it plays a part in pushing the water for washing and draining, a bad water pump will cause the water to pool inside the tank and prevent it from getting out.
Solution: Inspect the water pump for any damaged parts and if any, replace it as soon as possible.
Worn Out Gaskets
The gasket is the black rubber lining placed on each edge of your dishwasher door. It serves as a watertight seal, preventing the water from getting out of the dishwasher door as the cycle is ongoing.
But since they’re made of rubber, these gaskets are one of the most vulnerable parts of the dishwasher.
Solution: Buy new dishwasher gaskets from your local store and install them correctly. Make sure that they are properly aligned to not leave any small gaps for the water to slip through.
Your dishwasher is designed to allow a little room for DIY troubleshooting. With enough knowledge on what to do, you may be able to rid your appliance of that pesky little LE error on the dashboard.
If the error hasn’t disappeared after crossing out everything on this checklist, there’s no shame in calling for professional help at all. The Support Center is there for this very reason!
