LG Washing Machine: foreign object in drum
What is this symptom?
Are you hearing unusual noises from your LG washing machine? A foreign object like a coin, pin, or sock may be stuck in the drum. This can cause blockages and disrupt your wash cycles. Identifying and removing these objects promptly can prevent further damage and maintain your appliance's performance.
Important Tips for LG Models
- Official LG guidance emphasizes removing foreign objects before washing and closing zippers to prevent damage, but specific removal steps are not detailed in general support content.
Possible Causes
Foreign object stuck between inner drum and outer tub
How to Identify: Unusual noise during spin, item visible between drum and outer tub, rubbing sound.
Part: Drum/tub gap
Object trapped in drum perforations or gasket area
How to Identify: Rattling or scraping noises when drum rotates; visible object in gasket lip or drum holes.
Part: Drum holes or door gasket
Object moved into drainage/filter area after wash
How to Identify: Unusual noise during drain, partial blockage in drain filter, object not found in drum but symptoms persist.
Part: Drain filter/pump area
DIY Solutions
Manually retrieve object from drum opening
- Turn off and unplug the washing machine.
- Open the drum door and use a flashlight to locate the foreign object.
- Wear gloves and carefully grasp the object with needle-nose pliers or a grabber tool.
- Pull object out slowly without damaging drum edges.
Check and clear drain filter area
- Unplug the machine and locate the drain filter access panel (usually at front bottom).
- Place a towel and bucket to catch water then open panel.
- Unscrew and remove filter, retrieving any trapped object.
- Reinstall filter and test machine operation.
Next step
Choose the next step for foreign object in drum
Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.
Most relevant component to inspect
Door Gasket
Creates a watertight seal around the door to prevent leaks during operation.
- Typical part-only price
- $45 - $110
- DIY difficulty
- Medium
- Estimated time
- 30-60 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.
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.
Model-compatible Washing Machine 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.
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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.
Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets
Routine tub-cleaning supplies for residue and odor control. They do not repair a mechanical, drainage, or electronic fault.
Braided Washer Inlet Hoses
A maintenance replacement option for visibly worn external fill hoses. Verify thread size, length, and hot/cold connection requirements.
Washer Drain Hose Holder
Helps secure an external drain hose at the standpipe. It does not correct an internal pump or control fault.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.
Professional Repairs
Disassemble drum/tub to extract deeply lodged foreign object
When to Call a Professional
Preventive Maintenance
-
Check pockets and fasten closures before loading: Foreign object entry into drum
Frequency: Every load -
Regularly clean drain filter: Small object buildup in drainage area
Frequency: Monthly
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my LG Washing Machine foreign object in drum?
How do I fix LG Washing Machine foreign object in drum myself?
How much does it cost to fix foreign object in drum?
When should I call a technician for foreign object in drum?
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
- Hairpin or small metal object caught in the drum
- Coins or small items left in pockets during wash
- Debris or lint buildup in the drum or filter
User Suggested Solutions
-
Inspect the drum for visible foreign objects. If visible, carefully remove them with pliers or your fingers. If not visible, check behind the baffle or the drain pump filter for hidden items.
-
Run a spin cycle without laundry to see if the noise persists. If it does, further inspection of the drum and internal components may be necessary.
-
If foreign objects are lodged in hard-to-reach areas, consider removing the front panel of the washing machine to access the drum directly.
Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View
Sources
Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:
Community Discussions
hairpin caught inside washing machine drum
Bend or cut the hairpin to remove it, or push remaining parts behind the baffle.
Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair
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