Samsung · Dishwasher

LE

Leak Error — Base Flood Sensor Triggered

Severity

High

If your Samsung Dishwasher is displaying the error code LE, the control board has detected a fault identified as "Leak Error — Base Flood Sensor Triggered". Understanding the root cause helps you avoid an unnecessary service call.

Owner's Summary

The flood protection sensor under your Samsung dishwasher has activated. There is water in the base of the machine. Unplug it, find the leak, dry the base pan, and fix the source before restarting.

Symptoms

Samsung dishwasher stops immediately, LE shown, water under appliance

Common Causes

Water leaked into base pan triggering float switch
Torn or misaligned door gasket
Cracked or loose pump hose inside machine
Overfilling from defective inlet valve

How to Fix

1 Unplug machine and remove kick plate to inspect base pan
2 Locate and dry the base pan — use towels or a wet vacuum
3 Identify leak source by running a short cycle while observing internal hoses
4 Replace door gasket, pump hose or inlet valve depending on source

Tools You'll Need

Screwdriver Set Pliers Towels / Bucket Flashlight Replacement Gasket

Most of these fixes need only basic hand tools. If your repair requires opening electrical housings or testing live components, a multimeter and basic electrical safety knowledge are essential — when in doubt, call a technician.

Technical Explanation

The float switch in the base pan is a normally open switch that closes when water rises above a threshold. The closed switch signal is read by the PCB on a dedicated input pin — when this pin goes LOW, the PCB immediately halts all operations and posts LE regardless of current cycle state.

Is It Safe to Keep Using?

Urgent. Water in the base pan will cause rust, mold, and damage to the motor and PCB if left unaddressed.

Technician's Pro Tip

After drying the base pan and fixing the leak, the float switch must physically return to the open position for LE to clear. If the switch is stuck closed from scale or debris, clean it with a toothbrush — a stuck switch causes persistent LE even after the leak is fixed.

Related Codes

E2 — Samsung Washing Machine

Water Supply Error

High

4E — Samsung Washing Machine

No Water Supply Detected

High

5E — Samsung Washing Machine

Drain Error — Water Not Draining

High

Frequently Asked Questions

What does error code LE mean on a Samsung Dishwasher?

Code LE on a Samsung Dishwasher indicates "Leak Error — Base Flood Sensor Triggered." In practice, the most common trigger is water leaked into base pan triggering float switch. Severity is rated high, and typical repair costs range from $10 to $300.

Can I fix LE myself, or do I need a technician?

Many cases of LE can be resolved without a technician. The first step to try: unplug machine and remove kick plate to inspect base pan. If that doesn't clear the code, work through the remaining steps in the "How to Fix" section above before assuming a part needs replacing.

Is it safe to keep using my dishwasher with code LE showing?

Urgent. Water in the base pan will cause rust, mold, and damage to the motor and PCB if left unaddressed.

How much does it cost to repair LE on a Samsung Dishwasher?

Repair costs for code LE typically range from $10 to $300. Door gasket: $15–$60; Internal hose: $20–$80; Inlet valve: $40–$160. Costs on the low end usually reflect a DIY fix with no parts required, while the high end reflects a part replacement plus professional labor.

Estimated Repair Cost USD

$10 – $300

Door gasket: $15–$60; Internal hose: $20–$80; Inlet valve: $40–$160