5 Reasons Why LG Washer Not Draining – Let’s Fix It

LG washers are known for their smart design, impressive wash performance, and innovative technology. However, just like any other appliance, it is prone to malfunctions. While some problems are minor and easy to fix, others are more complex and require professional assistance.

Many of you may face an LG washer not draining problem. Even though these problems are not really common, you could still find yourself facing this situation. Whether your washer keeps draining or won’t drain at all, you will always find the solution by following the instructions below.

LG washers don’t always drain properly, and they can lead to a significant amount of damage and frustration. LG washer issues may come from a variety of causes — faulty pumps, drainage problems, and more. You may also see the OE error code in the display panel.

While some issues can be easily fixed by following some troubleshooting steps, others require a full service by an expert technician. Moreover, we’ll explain how to fix common LG washing machine problems and what to check if your washer won’t drain water or won’t drain at all.

1. Clogged/Kinked Drain Hose

Sometimes the drain hose of the washer may be twisted, kinked, or bent — and if this happens, you can gently straighten it out. If there is any accumulated debris or blockage in the hose, remove it and then try using your washer again. Finally, if the problem persists and if for some reason you cannot fix it yourself, then consider replacing the hose.

If you are washing a load of laundry, then hear the drain pump kick on, but nothing is draining into the laundry room’s drain, then there’s probably an issue with the rubber hose that connects the washing machine to the drainage pipe.

To remove a clog, be sure your machine is turned off. Then, move the machine so you can access the drain hose. Disconnect the hose from the basin or tub, and move it out of the way. Now, look through the drain hose to see if anything is stuck. If there are clogs in the drain hose, remove them with a wire hanger.

Don’t use force or wind on the sprinkler. It is possible for water to get stuck inside the unit, so run some cold water through it to clean out any blockages. If you are having trouble changing the hose attachment, find a long stick to push down the hose so you can change it.

2. Improper Drain Height

If your washing machine isn’t placed properly, water won’t drain out of it. It can also cause mold to grow inside of it. Manufacturers will tell you the correct height to place your washing machine above the ground, so follow their instructions.

3. Poor Load Distribution

One of the main causes of a vibrating front load washer is an unbalanced load. Since these machines spin only when the load is evenly distributed, unbalanced loads can easily cause excessive vibrations and even damage to internal parts.

To operate your machine and achieve the best results, we ask you to follow these simple guidelines:

1. Close your water mains and open up the washer door before starting the machine. This will allow the drum to fill with water and drain properly.
2. Add detergents or powder into the drum using a scoop or drawer.
3. Make sure that your laundry is evenly distributed inside the drum for a more energy-efficient wash.

4. Wrong/Excessive Detergent Type

If you have a high-efficiency washing machine, HE detergents are specifically designed to create fewer suds. If you use traditional or non-HE detergents, your machine can produce so much foam that it may not drain properly.

Using too much detergent, even if it’s the right type, can leave your clothes still wet after a wash cycle completes. This is because detergent residue stays on clothes and washes away only with water. In some cases, this can lead to excessive suds that hamper drainage as well as color bleeding from one item onto another.

Refer to your user manual to see how much detergent is recommended for your load. Most washers only need two tablespoons of detergent to get optimal cleaning.

5. Clogged Drain Pump Filter

LG washers drain very slowly or not at all, especially after the wash cycle has finished. If you hear that the drain pump is running but there’s no water coming out of the tub, that’s because there’s a clog in the drain pump filter. This simple fix will take 5-7 minutes and can easily be done by any would-be DIYer.

If you suspect a problem with the pump, you will need to gain access to the inside of the washer to check the pump filter. So, the first thing you need to do is unplug the washer from the outlet and pull the washer away from the wall so that you can gain access to the back panel.

Remove the access panel located on the back of the machine to expose the water pump. Disconnect the hose from the inlet side of the pump and check for debris clogging the filter. If you find any, clear it out and reattach it to the pump, then check to make sure that is all working properly.

6. Faulty Drain Pump

A drain pump will become faulty when it encounters any sort of obstruction. Small objects can get stuck inside, preventing the pump from working correctly. If you’re having trouble with your pump, the only way to troubleshoot it (and fix it) is by removing and checking for blockages.

If the drain pump is making an unusual sound, it’s most likely clogged. If you unclog it and it’s still making noise, the best course of action is to replace it.

7. Check Lid Switch

The lid switch is a safety feature that all washing machines have in the event that a load gets too heavy. If a machine’s lid is left open or isn’t closed securely, the device will pause its cycle and not operate until the obstruction has been removed. This action is taken to prevent people from unintentionally dropping an item inside of a washing machine and damaging it.

When you suspect that the lid switch isn’t working, you can test it by opening the lid, locating the lid switch, and pushing it down on the switch. Depending on your model of washing machine, this may cause a clicking sound.

Use a multimeter to perform continuity tests on the lid switch. If the switch is faulty, replace it. Disconnect the power leads running to the switch. Remove the old switch and replace it with a new one.

8. Defective Coin Trap

Some LG washers are designed with a special drain pump that removes water from the machine through the coin trap. This ensures that your washer uses less energy, is gentle on clothes, and doesn’t leave behind any water in the tub. While the system works great with the standard load of laundry, it may need maintenance if there’s too much debris in your coin trap.

However, it can get clogged after a while — and when this happens, it can cause the LG washer not draining properly and result in your clothes getting wet. Cleaning the coin trap will usually solve this problem, but if it does not, feel free to contact the LG service center at any time.