Lg Washing Machine: not filling properly

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your LG washing machine not filling with water or filling very slowly? This common issue can stem from problems like water supply shutoff, kinked hoses, or clogged inlet filters. You may also see error codes like IE. Identifying the cause quickly can help you get back to doing laundry without delays.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Lg Models

  • LG may display an IE inlet error code when not filling; suggests checking supply and filters first

Possible Causes

Water supply shutoff or low water pressure

How to Identify: No water flow when washer cycle starts; other faucets in home also have low/no flow; water shutoff valves closed

Part: Water supply, house plumbing

Kinked or twisted inlet hose

How to Identify: Visual inspection shows hose bent sharply or twisted, restricting water flow

Part: Inlet hose

Clogged inlet filters

How to Identify: Water trickles very slowly when cycle starts; deposits visible at filter mesh in hose or inlet

Part: Inlet filter screens

Faulty water inlet valve

How to Identify: No cold or hot water enters even after other causes ruled out; no clicking sound from valve during fill attempt

Part: Water inlet valve

Frozen supply hose or pipes (cold weather)

How to Identify: Occurs in winter; no water even with open valves; hose feels cold/rigid

Part: Supply hose / plumbing

DIY Solutions

Check and open water supply valves

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Ensure the washing machine’s water supply shutoff valves are completely open.
  2. Test other faucets in home to confirm water is flowing normally.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not force valves if stuck; contact plumber if valves leak.

Straighten or reposition inlet hose

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Inspect the inlet hose from wall valve to washer.
  2. Straighten any kinks or twists; ensure hose is not pinched behind machine.
⚠️ Safety First: Turn off water before adjusting hose to prevent leak.

Clean inlet filters

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Pliers or small brush, Towel
  1. Turn off water supply and unplug washer.
  2. Disconnect inlet hose at washer end.
  3. Remove and rinse filter screens with water; use brush to clear debris.
  4. Reinstall hose and test fill.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure hose fitting is secure to avoid leaks.

Reset washer

Easy 10 minutes
  1. Unplug washing machine for 5–10 minutes.
  2. Reconnect power and try a new cycle to see if filling begins.

Professional Repairs

Replace water inlet valve

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Internal component diagnosis (sensors/control board)

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300+

When to Call a Professional

No improvement after basic checks and cleaning filters/hoses
Error codes persist indicating internal faults
Suspected failed inlet valve or electrical control fault

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean inlet filters: Clogs reducing water flow and fill problems
    Frequency: every 3–6 months
  • Inspect hoses for kinks: Restricted water flow due to hose bends
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Washing Machine not filling properly?
Common causes include water supply issues, kinked hoses, and clogged inlet filters.
How do I fix LG Washing Machine not filling properly myself?
Check water supply valves, straighten hoses, and clean inlet filters to resolve the issue.
How much does it cost to fix not filling properly?
Professional repairs can range from $50 to $300+, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not filling properly?
If DIY solutions fail or the issue persists, it's best to consult a professional.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Professional

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty water sensor (1 mentions)
  • Inlet valve issues (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replaced the coil with a different voltage and removed the return spring for the plunger

    Success rate: 50.0%
  2. Replaced the broken water sensor

    Success rate: 50.0%
Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Got a quote of $785 to replace Water Control Module on LG fr...
  2. Washing machine inlet valves, a tale of woe.

Community Discussions

IE error message

The water sensor was broken and was fixed for less than half the original quote.

water wouldn't fill up quickly enough and it threw an error

Replaced the coil with a different voltage and removed the return spring for the plunger.

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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