Lg Dishwasher: not filling with water

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your LG dishwasher not filling with water? This common issue may present as a cycle starting without water entering the tub and can often trigger an error code like IE. Several factors could cause this problem, including a shutoff water supply, a clogged inlet valve, or a faulty float switch. Understanding these causes can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Lg Models

  • LG dishwashers may show an IE error code when no water is detected, which specifically points to water supply/fill issues according to official support.

Possible Causes

Water supply shutoff or low incoming water pressure

How to Identify: Ensure the water supply valve to the dishwasher is fully open and confirm there is adequate water flow from the source.

Part: Household water supply/valve

Clogged or faulty water inlet valve

How to Identify: Dishwasher runs but no water enters; mineral debris may be visible at valve mesh or valve fails continuity testing.

Part: Water inlet valve

Float switch or water level sensor fault

How to Identify: Dishwasher thinks water is present or misreads level; float stuck in raised position preventing fill.

Part: Float assembly/water level sensor

Kinked or blocked fill hose

How to Identify: Visual inspection shows a sharp bend or debris blockage in the hose between supply and dishwasher.

Part: Fill/gateway hose

DIY Solutions

Verify water supply and valve fully open

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Locate the water supply valve to the dishwasher under the sink or behind access panel.
  2. Ensure the valve is fully open (turned counterclockwise).
  3. Turn on nearby faucet briefly to confirm adequate water pressure.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not force valves; if stuck consult a professional.

Clean or inspect the water inlet valve screen

Moderate 20–40 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, bucket/towels
  1. Turn off water supply and power to the dishwasher.
  2. Remove access panel and locate the water inlet valve.
  3. Disconnect hose and inspect mesh screen at valve for debris.
  4. Clean mesh with a brush and reassemble.
  5. Restore water supply and test dishwasher.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power and water are off before working.

Check and free the float switch

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver
  1. Turn off power to dishwasher.
  2. Open dishwasher and locate the float mechanism on tub floor.
  3. Gently lift the float to ensure it moves freely; clean around it.
  4. Reassemble and test fill cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before internal access.

Professional Repairs

Replace water inlet valve

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Control board or sensor replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

When to Call a Professional

If water inlet valve cleaning does not restore fill.
If diagnostic tests indicate electrical/control issues.
If internal parts like sensors or boards need replacement.

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean water inlet screen and hoses: Mineral buildup restricting water fill
    Frequency: annually
  • Check float mechanism movement: Float sticking preventing fill
    Frequency: every 6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Dishwasher not filling with water?
Common causes include low water pressure, a clogged water inlet valve, or a faulty float switch.
How do I fix LG Dishwasher not filling with water myself?
Verify the water supply is open, clean the inlet valve screen, and check the float switch for obstructions.
How much does it cost to fix not filling with water?
Professional repairs range from $50 to $150 for the water inlet valve and $150 to $400 for control board replacement.
When should I call a technician for not filling with water?
If DIY solutions don’t resolve the issue, or if you're uncomfortable with the repairs, 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: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Water inlet valve malfunction (2 mentions)
  • Main board failure (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replaced the main board

    Success rate: 33.0%
  2. Check and replace water inlet valve

    Success rate: 0.0%
Analysis based on 3 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. E1 error code LG dishwasher (what can I do?)
  2. LG LDF7774ST D/W no water fill
  3. LG LDF6920ST IE error

Community Discussions

no water fill

Replaced the main board and found a used one that worked.

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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