LG Washing Machine: not spinning or draining
What is this symptom?
Is your LG washing machine not spinning or draining? This common issue can leave your clothes soaking wet and the drum full of water. Potential causes include a blocked drain pump filter or hose, an unbalanced load, or issues with the drain pump, control system, or mechanical components. Discover effective DIY solutions and professional repair options to get your washing machine back in working order.
Important Tips for LG Models
- LG official troubleshooting notes focus on drain restriction and unbalanced loads as primary reasons for no drain or spin. (LG AU
Possible Causes
Drain pump filter or drain hose blockage
How to Identify: Water remains in drum; blockage felt when cleaning filter; hose may be kinked or clogged with debris.
Part: Drain pump filter, Drain hose
Unbalanced load
How to Identify: Washer stops or does not spin particularly with bulky or uneven loads; UE unbalance error reported by LG sources.
Part: Load distribution
Drain pump failure
How to Identify: Humming sound without water removal; no drainage even after unclogging filter.
Part: Drain pump
Control system / sensor issues
How to Identify: Machine does not move to drain/spin stage; error codes if shown indicate electronic faults.
Part: Water level sensor/pressure switch or control board
Mechanical spin drive issues (belt/suspension)
How to Identify: Drum does not spin though drain functions; possible noise or slippage.
Part: Drive belt, suspension
DIY Solutions
Clean drain pump filter and hose
- Turn off and unplug the washer.
- Open small bottom access panel and remove drain pump filter.
- Check and clean debris from filter and flush with water.
- Straighten and inspect drain hose for clogs or kinks.
- Reassemble and test drain/spin cycle.
Redistribute laundry load
- Pause cycle if safe to do so.
- Open door and redistribute clothes evenly in drum.
- Avoid overloading or mixing very heavy items.
- Restart spin cycle.
Check and adjust leveling
- Ensure machine is on a firm, level surface.
- Adjust leveling feet to balance machine front-to-back and side-to-side.
- Test spin after adjustment.
Forced/manual drain
- Turn off and unplug machine.
- Locate manual drain hose and remove plug into container.
- Let water drain manually, then clean filter.
- Replace plug and run rinse/spin.
Next step
Choose the next step for not spinning or 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 Hose
Carries waste water from the drain pump to your home's standpipe or sink drain.
- Typical part-only price
- $15 - $30
- 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 Pump
Pumps waste water out of the appliance during the drain cycle.
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.
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 drain pump
Replace pressure switch or control board
Replace drive belt or suspension parts
When to Call a Professional
Preventive Maintenance
-
Clean drain pump filter: Drain blockages and non-draining symptoms
Frequency: monthly -
Ensure level installation: Imbalance issues affecting spin cycles
Frequency: as needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my LG Washing Machine not spinning or draining?
How do I fix LG Washing Machine not spinning or draining myself?
How much does it cost to fix not spinning or draining?
When should I call a technician for not spinning or draining?
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 pump filter
- Faulty lid switch preventing operation
- Malfunctioning motor or motor control board
User Suggested Solutions
-
Check and clear any clogs in the drain hose or pump filter. Disconnect the washing machine from power, remove the drain hose, and inspect for blockages. Clean the pump filter located at the bottom front of the machine.
-
Test the lid switch for continuity using a multimeter. If the switch is faulty, replace it. Ensure the lid is closing properly during operation.
-
Inspect the motor and motor control board for any visible damage. If the motor is not functioning, consider replacing it or the control board as necessary. This may require professional assistance.
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
displaying error codes and shutting down about 5 minutes into the cycle
Replace the hall sensor or motor; machine can be repaired.
Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair
User Comments (0)
Share your experience or solution below.
Please login to post a comment.
Be the first to comment!