Lg Washing Machine: not draining

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your LG washing machine not draining properly? After completing the wash cycle, water remains in the drum, often accompanied by an OE or drain error. This common issue can stem from a clogged drain pump filter, a kinked drain hose, or even a faulty drain pump. Understanding the causes can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Lg Models

  • LG specifically notes that OE error and not draining can be caused by frozen drain pump in cold conditions and recommends warm water to thaw and drain system.

Possible Causes

Clogged drain pump filter

How to Identify: Water remains after cycle; debris visible when access panel removed; filter full of lint/coins.

Part: Drain pump filter

Blocked or kinked drain hose

How to Identify: Hose bent, twisted, or obstructed preventing flow; no water flows when hose disconnected.

Part: Drain hose

Faulty drain pump

How to Identify: Unusual noises or no humming during drain cycle; multimeter shows no voltage or pump not running.

Part: Drain pump assembly

Water level sensor or pressure switch malfunction

How to Identify: Washer doesn’t signal proper cycle progression; draining skipped; error codes related to sensing.

Part: Water level sensor/pressure switch

Improper drain hose height or installation

How to Identify: Drain hose too high or inserted too deep into standpipe causing siphoning and no proper pump action.

Part: Drain hose installation

DIY Solutions

Clean drain pump filter

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, bucket, towels
  1. Unplug washer and locate bottom front access panel.
  2. Place bucket and towels, open panel, drain residual water via small hose.
  3. Unscrew and remove pump filter, clean debris thoroughly.
  4. Reinstall filter and close access panel.
⚠️ Safety First: Always unplug before access

Inspect and clear drain hose

Moderate 15-45 minutes
Tools Needed: pliers, bucket, long brush or flexible cleaning tool
  1. Unplug washer and pull unit away from wall.
  2. Inspect drain hose for kinks or bends; straighten hose.
  3. Disconnect hose and flush with water or use brush to clear debris.
  4. Reconnect hose ensuring proper position and minimal depth in standpipe.
⚠️ Safety First: Prepare for water in hose

Reset drain system/electronics

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Unplug washer for 5 minutes.
  2. Plug back in and restart drain/spin cycle.
  3. Observe if control resets and drains.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before starting

Professional Repairs

Replace faulty drain pump

Estimated Cost: $80-$200

Diagnose and replace water level sensor/pressure switch

Estimated Cost: $60-$150

Internal hose or plumbing correction

Estimated Cost: $100-$220

When to Call a Professional

Drain pump makes unusual noises or no sound during drain cycle
Persistent non‑draining after cleaning filter and hose
Water level errors or control board error persists

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean drain pump filter: Filter clogs leading to no drain
    Frequency: monthly
  • Inspect drain hose: Hose blockages and kinks
    Frequency: quarterly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Washing Machine not draining?
Common causes include a clogged drain pump filter, blocked drain hose, or a faulty drain pump.
How do I fix LG Washing Machine not draining myself?
You can clean the drain pump filter, inspect the drain hose, or reset the system.
How much does it cost to fix not draining?
Professional repairs can range from $60 to $220 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not draining?
Consider calling a technician if DIY fixes don't resolve the issue or if the problem is complex.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

67%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Failed drain pump (7 mentions)
  • Clogged drain hose or filter (3 mentions)
  • Obstruction in the impeller (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace the drain pump

    Success rate: 22.0%

  2. Clean the drain tube and filter

    Success rate: 4.0%

  3. Remove obstruction from the impeller

    Success rate: 4.0%

  4. Replace Faston connector to the pump

    Success rate: 4.0%
Analysis based on 15 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. 2021 model top load LG washing machine has no way to access ...
  2. LG Washing Machine, error code OE fix
  3. Best affordable LG washing machine spare parts brand?
  4. LG Washing machine - Drain pump failure
  5. LG washing machine not draining - error code EO
  6. OE error on Ig model wm3370hwa washing machine, already clea...
  7. My front load washing machine LG wm3170cw will make a hummin...
  8. LG Washing Machine Assistance
  9. Washing machine not draining.
  10. LG front-load washing machine won't empty
  11. Bought home from renters and washing machine wont drain. Can...
  12. LG F1443KD washing machine not draining but pumps are fine -...
  13. Lg Front Load washing machine drain hose not working
  14. LG front loader not draining after tiny adjustment.
  15. NEED HELP PLZZZ WASHING MACHINE WONT DRAIN

Community Discussions

just keeps filling with water on normal wash

The pressure sensor hose had slipped off and was reconnected.

DIY View on Reddit →

humming sound but not draining water

failed drain pump replaced

DIY View on Reddit →

won't empty

The drain pump motor was replaced and the washing machine is now functioning properly.

DIY View on Reddit →

trouble draining

Removed a bobby pin from the impeller of the drain pump.

DIY View on Reddit →

doesn't drain anymore, stops halfway through washing program with a 'OE' error

The pump has most likely failed and needs to be replaced.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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