LG Washing Machine: not draining
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.
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
- Unplug washer and locate bottom front access panel.
- Place bucket and towels, open panel, drain residual water via small hose.
- Unscrew and remove pump filter, clean debris thoroughly.
- Reinstall filter and close access panel.
Inspect and clear drain hose
- Unplug washer and pull unit away from wall.
- Inspect drain hose for kinks or bends; straighten hose.
- Disconnect hose and flush with water or use brush to clear debris.
- Reconnect hose ensuring proper position and minimal depth in standpipe.
Reset drain system/electronics
- Unplug washer for 5 minutes.
- Plug back in and restart drain/spin cycle.
- Observe if control resets and drains.
Next step
Choose the next step for not draining
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.
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.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission from other qualifying purchases or service requests made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are based on repair relevance, not commission rate.
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
Diagnose and replace water level sensor/pressure switch
Internal hose or plumbing correction
When to Call a Professional
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?
How do I fix LG Washing Machine not draining myself?
How much does it cost to fix not draining?
When should I call a technician for not draining?
References & Sources
Community Analytical Insights
Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions
Can I Fix This Myself?
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
-
Replace the drain pump
-
Clean the drain tube and filter
-
Remove obstruction from the impeller
-
Replace Faston connector to the pump
Analysis based on 15 community discussions
View
Sources
Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:
- 2021 model top load LG washing machine has no way to access ...
- LG Washing Machine, error code OE fix
- Best affordable LG washing machine spare parts brand?
- LG Washing machine - Drain pump failure
- LG washing machine not draining - error code EO
- OE error on Ig model wm3370hwa washing machine, already clea...
- My front load washing machine LG wm3170cw will make a hummin...
- LG Washing Machine Assistance
- Washing machine not draining.
- LG front-load washing machine won't empty
- Bought home from renters and washing machine wont drain. Can...
- LG F1443KD washing machine not draining but pumps are fine -...
- Lg Front Load washing machine drain hose not working
- LG front loader not draining after tiny adjustment.
- 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.
humming sound but not draining water
failed drain pump replaced
won't empty
The drain pump motor was replaced and the washing machine is now functioning properly.
trouble draining
Removed a bobby pin from the impeller of the drain pump.
doesn't drain anymore, stops halfway through washing program with a 'OE' error
The pump has most likely failed and needs to be replaced.
Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair
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