LG Dishwasher: not draining

Possible Causes

Clogged filter or food debris trap

How to Identify: Standing water after cycle, visible food debris in filter at bottom of dishwasher

Part: Dishwasher filter assembly

Blocked or kinked drain hose

How to Identify: Water remains in machine, hose visibly kinked or blockage detected when detached

Part: Drain hose

DIY Solutions

Clean the filter assembly

Easy 10-20 minutes

Tools Needed: gloves, soft brush, warm water

1. Turn off dishwasher and open door
2. Remove bottom rack to access filter
3. Twist and lift out filter assembly
4. Rinse filter under running water and scrub debris
5. Reinstall filter and rack
6. Run a short drain test

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dishwasher is off during cleaning

Check and clear the drain hose

Moderate 20-40 minutes

Tools Needed: screwdriver, bucket, long flexible brush

1. Turn off power and water to dishwasher
2. Pull dishwasher slightly out to access back or bottom
3. Disconnect drain hose from disposal or sink connection
4. Inspect hose for kinks or debris
5. Use brush/water to clear blockages, straighten hose
6. Reconnect hose and test drain
7. Push dishwasher back and restore power

⚠️ Safety First: Have bucket to catch water when disconnecting hose

Clean air gap and disposal connection

Moderate 15-30 minutes

Tools Needed: screwdriver, brush, water

1. Remove air gap cap if present
2. Clear debris from air gap housing
3. Run water through disposal to clear blockages
4. Check hose connection between dishwasher and disposal
5. Reassemble and test drain

⚠️ Safety First: Turn off disposal power before clearing

Next step

Choose the next step for not draining

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

Based on diagnostic data

Most relevant component to inspect

Dishwasher Filter

Screens food debris from recirculating wash water and protects the pump system.

Typical part-only price

$15 - $65

DIY difficulty

Easy

Estimated time

5-15 mins

Optional: enter your model number

Apply

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

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

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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 drain pump or impeller

Estimated Cost: $60 - $200

Replace drain solenoid or valve

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Float switch replacement

Estimated Cost: $30 - $100

When to Call a Professional

Pump makes humming but no water drains

No improvement after clearing filter, hose, and air gap

Electrical components (pump, solenoid) suspected faulty

Preventive Maintenance

• Clean filter regularly: Clogs and drainage issues
  Frequency: monthly
• Inspect drain hose for kinks: Blockages and poor drainage
  Frequency: quarterly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Dishwasher not draining?

Common causes include a clogged filter or food debris trap, and a blocked or kinked drain hose.

How do I fix LG Dishwasher not draining myself?

You can clean the filter assembly or check the drain hose for blockages.

How much does it cost to fix not draining?

Professional repairs can range from $30 to $200, depending on the issue.

When should I call a technician for not draining?

If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if you suspect a pump or solenoid problem, it's time to call a technician.

References & Sources

• LG Dishwashers Not Draining: Causes & what to check first Community

Common Issues Reported by Users

• Clogged drain pump or impeller (2 mentions)
• Clogged drain sensor hose (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

1. Remove blockage from drain pump impeller

2. Check and replace clogged drain sensor hose

Community Discussions

grinding/vibrating noise and trouble starting up the drain pump

Removed a piece of semi melted plastic blocking the impeller in the drain pump.

DIY View on Reddit →

OE code, not fully draining

Check for clogged drain sensor hose and consider replacing it if necessary.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair