Lg Washing Machine: not draining properly

Professional Repair Guide

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.

Urgency: Medium

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

Moderate 15-30 minutes

Tools Needed: towel, bucket

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

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off to avoid electrical shock

Inspect and straighten drain hose

Easy 10-20 minutes

Tools Needed: flashlight, possibly bucket

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

⚠️ Safety First: Have bucket ready when disconnecting hose; unplug first

Check for hose blockages inside

Moderate 20-40 minutes

Tools Needed: bucket, long brush or plumber snake

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

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure proper reconnection to avoid leaks

Professional Repairs

Replace faulty drain pump

Estimated Cost: $80 - $250

Professional diagnostic for control/sensor issues

Estimated Cost: $120 - $400+

When to Call a Professional

Water remains after cleaning filter and inspecting hose

Unusual noises from pump or visible motor failure

Error codes indicating pump/motor faults

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?

Common causes include a clogged drain pump filter, improper drain hose installation, or rare control/sensor issues.

How do I fix LG Washing Machine not draining properly myself?

You can clean the drain pump filter, inspect and straighten the drain hose, or check for blockages inside the hose.

How much does it cost to fix not draining properly?

Professional repairs can cost between $80 - $250 for a drain pump replacement and $120 - $400+ for diagnostics.

When should I call a technician for not draining properly?

If DIY fixes don't resolve the issue or if you suspect control/sensor problems, it's best to call a technician.

References & Sources

LG Washer - Why Isn't My Washer Draining Official
LG Washer Water Not Draining - China Support Official
LG washer won't drain? 5 easy fixes - Asurion Community

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%

DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

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.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

LG WT4870CW washing machine won't stop draining cycle

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.