LG Washing Machines are well known for their high-tech features, impressive wash performance, and stylish design! However, they are susceptible to malfunctions just like any other appliance. That, of course, can cause a lot of inconvenience.
So, what’s the main problem that many people encounter? Well, it’s “the LG washing machine not draining.” And the causes for it might vary, such as:
- Unbalanced Load
- Drain Hose is Blocked or Bent
- Drain Pump Filter is Clogged
- Door Latch Switch is Faulty
- Coin Trap is Dirty
In the following guide – we will discuss each of these causes of why the LG washing machine isn’t draining in detail and provide you with their solutions. By the end of this guide — you will be able to easily resolve the issue that your LG washing machine has! Let’s get to it!
Cause 1: Unbalanced Load
Source: LG
Error code: UE or uE
Meaning: The load is too small, too large, or not balanced.
The main possible cause of LG washing machines not draining is that the load is unbalanced. This means that the clothes are not distributed evenly in the drum, causing the washer to shake or vibrate excessively. This can affect the water flow and the spin cycle, and trigger the UE error code on the display.
Step-by-Step Solution
The solution for this problem is to balance the load by rearranging the clothes or adding or removing some items. To do this, you can follow these steps:
- Step 1: Turn off the washer and open the door.
- Step 2: Check the drum and see if the clothes are clumped together or piled up on one side. If so, redistribute them evenly around the drum. You can also add or remove some items to balance the load. Avoid overloading or underloading the washer, as this can also cause unbalance.
- Step 3: Close the door and turn on the washer. Run a spin and drain cycle and check if the problem is resolved.
Cause 2: Drain Hose is Blocked or Bent
Source: Appliance Analysts
Error code: OE or oE
Meaning: The washer is unable to drain the water in 10 minutes.
Another common cause of LG washing machines not draining is that the drain hose is blocked or bent. When the drain hose is blocked – you’ll encounter an OE or oE error.
The drain hose is the part that connects the washer to the drain pipe or sink. If the hose is blocked by foreign objects such as lint, hair, coins, or socks, the water can’t flow out of the washer properly. Similarly, improper installation or moving the washer can cause the hose to bend or twist, restricting or stopping water flow.
Step-by-Step Solution
The solution for this problem is to remove the drain hose from the drain and run the spin cycle. This will help you check if the water drains well through the hose. If the water doesn’t drain or drains slowly, you need to clean the hose and make sure it is not twisted or bent. To clean the hose, you can use a wire hanger or a plumber’s snake to remove any blockages. You can also flush the hose with water or vinegar to dissolve any deposits.
To remove, clean, and reinstall the drain hose, you can follow these steps:
- Step 1: Turn off the washer and unplug it from the power source.
- Step 2: Locate the drain hose at the back of the washer and disconnect it from the drain pipe or sink.
- Step 3: Run the spin cycle and observe the water flow through the hose. If the water does not drain or drains slowly, proceed to the next step. Otherwise, reconnect the hose and skip to step 6.
- Step 4: Clean the hose with a wire hanger to remove any blockages.
- Step 5: Check the hose for any kinks or bends and straighten it if necessary.
- Step 6: Reconnect the hose to the drain pipe or sink and secure it with the clamp or hose connector. Make sure the hose isn’t too long or too short, and that it doesn’t touch the floor or have any sharp bends.
- Step 7: Plug in the washer and turn it on. Run a rinse and spin cycle and check if the water drains properly.
Cause 3: Drain Pump Filter is Clogged
Error code: OE or oE
Meaning: The washer is unable to drain the water in 10 minutes.
Another possible cause of LG washing machines not draining is that the drain pump filter is clogged. The drain pump filter is a small mesh screen that catches lint, coins, or other debris that may enter the washer. If the filter is clogged, the water flow and the spin cycle can be affected, resulting in poor washing performance or water remaining in the tub.
Step-by-Step Solution
The solution for this problem is to turn off the washer, open the service panel, drain the excess water, and remove and clean the pump filter. To do this, you can follow these steps:
- Step 1: Locate the service panel at the bottom front of the washer and open the cover by pulling the tab.
- Step 2: Place a shallow container or a towel under the drain pump filter to catch any water that may leak out.
- Step 3: Turn the drain pump filter counterclockwise and pull it out. Be careful as the water may be hot or dirty.
- Step 4: Clean the filter with a soft brush or a cloth and remove any lint, coins, or other debris. You can also rinse the filter with water or vinegar to remove any deposits.
- Step 5: Reinsert the filter and turn it clockwise to lock it in place. Make sure the filter is tight and secure.
- Step 6: Close the service panel and plug in the washer. Run a rinse and spin cycle and check if the water drains properly.
Cause 4: Door Latch Switch is Faulty
Error code: dE or dE1
Meaning: The door is open or not locked properly.
The door latch switch is a device that detects if the washer door is closed and locked. It sends a signal to the control board to start the spin cycle and drain the water. If the door latch switch is damaged or worn out, it may not send the correct signal or no signal at all, preventing the washer from spinning or draining properly.
Step-by-Step Solution
The solution for this problem is to test the door latch switch with a multimeter, and replace it if it is defective. To do this, you can follow these steps:
- Step 1: Open the washer door and locate the door latch switch on the front panel. It is usually a small plastic device with two or three wires attached to it.
- Step 2: Remove the screws that hold the door latch switch in place and pull it out. You may need to disconnect the wires from the switch by using a pair of needle-nose pliers.
- Step 3: Set your multimeter to the ohms or continuity mode and touch the probes to the terminals of the switch. You should get a reading of zero or close to zero when the switch is pressed, and a reading of infinity or no continuity when the switch is released. If the readings are not as expected, the switch is faulty and needs to be replaced.
- Step 4: To replace the switch, connect the wires to the new switch and insert it into the front panel. Secure it with the screws and close the washer door.
- Step 5: Plug in the washer and turn it on. Run a spin and drain cycle and check if the problem is resolved.
Cause 5: Coin Trap is Dirty
Error code: OE or oE
Meaning: The washer is unable to drain the water in 10 minutes.
The coin trap is a small plastic container that collects coins, buttons, or other small items that may enter the washer. It is located near the drain pump and has a hose connected to it. If the coin trap is dirty, it can obstruct the water flow and cause noise or vibration.
Step-by-Step Solution
The solution for this problem is to remove the coin trap, clean it, and reinstall it. To do this, you can follow these steps:
- Step 1: Locate the coin trap on the bottom front of the washer and remove the service panel by pulling the tab or unscrewing the screws.
- Step 2: Place a shallow container or a towel under the coin trap to catch any water that may leak out.
- Step 3: Disconnect the hose from the coin trap by using a pair of pliers to loosen the clamp or hose connector.
- Step 4: Pull out the coin trap and empty it. Clean it with a soft brush or a cloth and remove any coins, buttons, or other debris. You can also rinse it with water or vinegar to remove any deposits.
- Step 5: Reconnect the hose to the coin trap and secure it with the clamp or hose connector. Make sure the hose is not kinked or bent.
- Step 6: Replace the service panel and plug in the washer. Run a rinse and spin cycle and check if the problem is resolved.
Call a professional to fix your LG Washer!
While some drainage problems in LG washers can be resolved with DIY solutions, such as straightforward replacements—more complex issues may require the intervention of a skilled technician. So, in case the above tips don’t work, call a professional. A qualified professional can properly diagnose and repair your LG washer!
