Lg Dishwasher: drain hose obstruction

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing standing water in your LG dishwasher after a cycle? This common issue is often caused by a drain hose obstruction, preventing wastewater from properly exiting the appliance. Addressing this problem promptly can help restore your dishwasher's function and efficiency.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Lg Models

  • Drain hose obstruction is a commonly acknowledged cause of non‑draining symptoms in LG dishwashers and is addressed in multiple LG repair guides.
  • Proper hose routing with a high loop or air gap is important for all dishwashers to prevent backflow and obstruction issues.

Possible Causes

Clogged drain hose

How to Identify: Standing water remains in dishwasher at end of cycle; water not flowing out; visible kinks in the drain hose under sink or behind dishwasher.

Part: Drain hose

Kinked or improperly routed drain hose

How to Identify: Drain cycle doesn’t clear water; hose under sink or behind dishwasher shows sharp bends or loops restricting flow.

Part: Drain hose

Debris passed filter accumulating in drain hose

How to Identify: Food particles visible in hose or collected at hose inlet; filter cleaning doesn’t resolve standing water.

Part: Drain hose/filters

DIY Solutions

Clear drain hose blockage

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Bucket, Wet/dry vacuum (optional), Pliers
  1. Turn off dishwasher power and water supply.
  2. Pull dishwasher out to access back and locate drain hose.
  3. Disconnect the hose from the drain pump and sink/garbage disposal connection.
  4. Inspect hose for debris; use a wet/dry vacuum or flush with warm water to remove obstruction.
  5. Reattach hose ensuring no kinks and secure clamps.
  6. Slide dishwasher back and restore power; run a short drain cycle to test.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power and water are turned off before disconnecting hose.

Straighten or properly route drain hose

Easy 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: None or basic hand tools if bracket adjustments needed
  1. Turn off dishwasher power.
  2. Access drain hose under sink or behind dishwasher.
  3. Check hose routing; ensure it follows high loop or air gap as recommended, without sharp bends.
  4. Adjust routing to eliminate kinks and re-secure hose.
  5. Restore power and test drain function.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure hose doesn’t rub against sharp edges.

Professional Repairs

Replace drain hose

Estimated Cost: $30 - $80

Drain pump inspection/repair

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

When to Call a Professional

Cannot clear obstruction after hose removal and cleaning
Hose is damaged or leaking
Water remains after clearing hose indicating other component failure such as pump

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean filters and inspect drain hose: Debris buildup and potential hose obstruction
    Frequency: monthly
  • Check hose routing: Kinking and flow restrictions
    Frequency: quarterly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Dishwasher Drain hose obstruction?
Common causes include a clogged drain hose, a kinked hose, or debris accumulation.
How do I fix LG Dishwasher Drain hose obstruction myself?
Turn off power, access the drain hose, and clear blockages or straighten it.
How much does it cost to fix Drain hose obstruction?
Professional repairs range from $30 to $200 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for Drain hose obstruction?
Call a technician if DIY fixes don't resolve the issue or if the problem persists.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

85%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Kinked or bent drain hose obstructing water flow
  • Clogged drain hose due to food debris or grease buildup
  • Improper installation of the drain hose leading to backflow issues

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect the drain hose for kinks or bends. Straighten out any kinks and ensure the hose is properly positioned. Check for any signs of wear or damage.

  2. Disconnect the drain hose and use a long brush or a garden hose to clear any clogs. Rinse the hose thoroughly with water before reattaching.

  3. Check the installation of the drain hose. Ensure it is at the correct height and not submerged in water. Adjust as necessary to prevent backflow.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. LG Dishwasher, OE error code (Drain hose obstruction).. Repl...

Community Discussions

OE error code (Drain hose obstruction)

Switched the dishwasher drain hose to another attachment point on the sink without a garbage disposal.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

User Comments (0)

Share your experience or solution below.

Be the first to comment!