LG Dishwasher: error code AE, not draining properly

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing LG Dishwasher Error code AE? This error indicates that your dishwasher is not draining properly due to a triggered float switch, often caused by water accumulation in the base. This can halt cycles and lead to drainage issues. Understanding the common causes can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for LG Models

  • AE and E1 codes both indicate leak detection via float switch activation.

Possible Causes

Water leak or accumulation in base triggering float sensor

How to Identify: Standing water in base pan, AE code appears and cycle stops; float switch activated by water in bottom tray

Part: Leak detection float switch / base pan

Dishwasher not level causing water to accumulate improperly

How to Identify: Dishwasher tilts, water pools to one side; AE appears despite no visible leak into base

Part: Dishwasher leveling legs

Damaged or worn door gasket / seal causing leaks

How to Identify: Visible wear, cracks or compression marks on gasket; water leaking around door edges; AE code during runs

Part: Door gasket

Clogged or restricted drain system leading to water backup

How to Identify: Dishwasher fails to drain normally, standing water in tub after cycle, possible backup into base tray; AE may still display

Part: Drain hose / drain pump

Faulty float switch (sensor) giving false leak indication

How to Identify: No actual water in base pan but AE persists; float doesn’t move freely or test fails continuity

Part: Float switch

Internal hose or component leak (pump, inlet valve) dripping into base

How to Identify: Moisture or water around internal components/pump area; recurrent AE after drying base

Part: Internal hoses, water inlet valve, pump seals

DIY Solutions

Dry out base pan and reset error

Moderate 20–40 minutes
Tools Needed: towels, bucket or container, screwdriver
  1. Turn off power at breaker or unplug dishwasher
  2. Remove lower access panel (kick plate)
  3. Use towels or absorbent material to remove water from base pan
  4. Let the base pan dry fully
  5. Turn power back on and start a short cycle to see if AE clears
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before accessing internal areas

Use correct dishwasher detergent and correct amount

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Ensure detergent is dishwasher-specific (HE) type
  2. Use only one pod/tablet or follow fill lines for powdered detergent
  3. Do not use household dish soap to avoid excessive suds

Level the dishwasher

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: bubble level, wrench/screwdriver
  1. Place a level on dishwasher racks to check levelness
  2. Adjust front and rear leveling legs using wrench/screwdriver until unit is level
  3. Reinstall dishwasher and test
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dishwasher stable to avoid tipping

Inspect and clean door gasket

Moderate 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: soft cloth, warm soapy water
  1. Open door and inspect gasket for damage
  2. Clean gasket with warm soapy water
  3. Ensure gasket seats properly when door closes
  4. Replace gasket if damaged

Clear drain hose or filter clogs

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: wrench, bucket, gloves
  1. Turn off power and water supply
  2. Disconnect drain hose and inspect for obstructions
  3. Clear any debris and reconnect hose securely
  4. Check drain pump filter and clean
⚠️ Safety First: Be prepared for water spill when disconnecting hose

Next step

Choose the next step for error code AE, not draining properly

Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.

Check during diagnosis

Most relevant component to inspect

Float Switch

Detects the maximum water level to prevent overflow and potential flooding.

Typical part-only price
$15 - $40
DIY difficulty
Easy
Estimated time
10-20 mins
Where can I find the model number?

Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.

Find a part that fits my model

Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.

Other parts options

Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.

Possible related component

Appliance Leveling Leg

Supports and levels the appliance to reduce rocking, vibration, and door-alignment problems.

$8 - $40 · Easy · 10-30 mins

Check fit & price
Possible related component

Door Gasket

Creates a watertight seal around the door to prevent leaks during operation.

$45 - $110 · Medium · 30-60 mins

Check fit & price
Possible related component

Drain Hose

Carries waste water from the drain pump to your home's standpipe or sink drain.

$15 - $30 · Easy · 15-30 mins

Check fit & price
Model number required

Model-compatible Dishwasher parts

Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.

Find a part that fits my model

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission from other qualifying purchases or service requests made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are based on repair relevance, not commission rate.

Optional routine care

Maintenance supplies

These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.

Maintenance supply

Dishwasher Cleaner and Descaler

Supports routine removal of mineral scale, grease, and odor. It is maintenance, not a repair for a failed pump, valve, or control.

View maintenance supply
Maintenance supply

Braided Dishwasher Inlet Hose

For replacement of an externally damaged supply hose. Verify connection size, length, and appliance installation requirements before ordering.

View maintenance supply

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.

Professional Repairs

Replace faulty float switch

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Repair or replace leaking internal hoses/pump/inlet valve

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

Replace door gasket

Estimated Cost: $30 - $100

When to Call a Professional

AE error persists after drying base and basic DIY checks
Visible leak from internal components or hoses
Float switch tested and found faulty
Repeated AE despite correct detergent and leveling

Preventive Maintenance

  • Check and clean door gasket: Leaks and false AE errors
    Frequency: monthly
  • Ensure correct detergent and amount: Excessive suds and overflow
    Frequency: every wash
  • Level dishwasher installation: Water pooling and AE triggers
    Frequency: periodically or after moving

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Dishwasher Error code AE, not draining properly?
The AE error code often points to water accumulation triggering the float switch, potentially due to leaks, improper leveling, or clogs.
How do I fix LG Dishwasher Error code AE, not draining properly myself?
You can dry out the base, ensure proper leveling, clean the door gasket, and check for drain hose clogs.
How much does it cost to fix Error code AE, not draining properly?
Professional repair costs range from $30 for a door gasket to $300 for internal hose or pump replacements.
When should I call a technician for Error code AE, not draining properly?
If DIY solutions fail or if the issue involves complex repairs like replacing internal components, it's best to consult a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Clogged drain filter or hose
  • Faulty drain pump
  • Blocked or kinked drain hose

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check and clean the drain filter and hose. Remove the lower spray arm, take out the filter, and rinse it under warm water. Inspect the drain hose for any blockages or kinks.

  2. Inspect the drain pump for any obstructions. If the pump is blocked, remove the blockage. If the pump is faulty, consider replacing it.

  3. Examine the drain hose for kinks or blockages. Ensure it is properly connected and not pinched. If damaged, replace the hose.

Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View Sources

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

  1. LG LDP6797BD AE Error code

Community Discussions

AE Error code, dishwasher beeping and draining unexpectedly

Disassembled and cleaned interior parts, resolved issue

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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