Lg Dishwasher: not draining

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your LG dishwasher not draining properly? If it's completing cycles but leaving standing water in the tub, you may have a clogged filter or a blocked drain hose. This common issue can lead to unpleasant odors and dirty dishes. Fortunately, there are easy DIY solutions to address this problem before seeking professional help.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Lg Models

  • LG dishwashers often have internal drain pump and impeller assemblies that are distinct parts; LG troubleshooting guides emphasize cleaning filters and hose alignment first

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

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

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

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

    Success rate: 17.0%
  2. Check and replace clogged drain sensor hose

    Success rate: 17.0%

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.

OE code, not fully draining

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

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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