LG Washing Machine: not draining properly
What is this symptom?
Experiencing issues with your LG washing machine not draining properly? If your washer fills and runs but leaves water in the drum, you might see error codes like OE. Common causes include a clogged drain pump filter or improper drain hose installation. Address these issues quickly to avoid further complications.
Important Tips for LG Models
- Official LG support highlights clogged drain filter and hose issues and specific installation height concerns
Possible Causes
Clogged drain pump filter
How to Identify: Standing water in drum after cycle; debris visible in filter housing; water drains after filter cleaning
Part: Drain pump filter
Improper drain hose installation or height
How to Identify: Too high/low hose placement relative to LG specs; siphoning or poor pump performance
Part: Drain hose installation
Control or sensor issues (e.g., water level sensor)
How to Identify: No mechanical blockage yet still no drain; error codes not solved by other fixes
Part: Control board/water level sensor
DIY Solutions
Clean drain pump filter
- Unplug washer from power
- Open access panel at front bottom
- Place bucket/towels under(filter area)
- Unscrew and remove drain pump filter cap
- Clean out lint/debris and rinse filter
- Reinstall filter and close panel then test drain cycle
Inspect and straighten drain hose
- Unplug washer and pull away from wall
- Visually inspect drain hose for kinks or sharp bends
- Straighten any kinks and ensure hose is free of obstructions
- If needed, disconnect hose and flush to clear debris
- Reattach securely and test washer
Check for hose blockages inside
- Turn off and unplug washer
- Disconnect drain hose at both ends
- Use brush or snake to clear internal blockages
- Flush hose with water
- Reconnect hose and test
Next step
Choose the next step for 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.
Most relevant component to inspect
Drain Pump
Pumps waste water out of the appliance during the drain cycle.
- Typical part-only price
- $35 - $80
- DIY difficulty
- Easy
- Estimated time
- 15-30 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.
Drain Hose
Carries waste water from the drain pump to your home's standpipe or sink drain.
Pressure Switch
Detects the water level inside the tub and signals when to start or stop filling.
Main Control Board
The central brain of the appliance that controls all components, cycles, and timings.
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
Replace faulty drain pump
Professional diagnostic for control/sensor issues
When to Call a Professional
Preventive Maintenance
-
Clean drain pump filter: Clogs that lead to drainage issues
Frequency: every 1-3 months -
Inspect drain hose for kinks: Blockages and improper drainage
Frequency: quarterly
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my LG Washing Machine not draining properly?
How do I fix LG Washing Machine not draining properly myself?
How much does it cost to fix not draining properly?
When should I call a technician for not draining properly?
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 hose or filter
- Faulty drain pump
- Malfunctioning control board or relay
User Suggested Solutions
-
Check and clear the drain hose and filter. Disconnect the washing machine from power, locate the drain filter (usually at the bottom front), and remove it to clean out any debris. Also, inspect the drain hose for kinks or clogs.
-
Test the drain pump for functionality. Access the drain pump by removing the back panel or front panel (depending on model). Check for blockages and test the pump with a multimeter to ensure it is receiving power.
-
Inspect the control board and relays. If the machine is stuck in a draining cycle, tap on the control board relays gently to see if it resolves the issue. If not, consider replacing the control board.
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
won't stop draining cycle
The issue was likely a stuck relay on the control board, which was resolved by tapping on the relay.
Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair
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