If your LG Dishwasher is giving you trouble, there is likely an easy fix. Knowing what to do is half the battle.
For the most part, a problem with an LG dishwasher not draining can be traced to issues with the drain hose. If the hose is kinked or has become clogged with food particles, the dishwasher will not drain and all of the water will remain in the bottom of the machine.
We will touch on some of the options that will often correct the problem, regardless of the problems you are seeing. Then again, you may need to check further in the article to see if there is more of a specific solution for the issue.
I would suggest that you start at the top of this list and work your way down through it. We will start with the easiest and most likely solutions first.
LG Dishwasher Not Draining
Drain Hose Kinked – There is a hose that goes from the dishwasher to the garbage disposal. If it has become kinked anywhere along the hose, it will not allow water to drain properly.
The hose is either corrugated or rigid and may differ from one dishwasher to another. Once you identify the hose, you can easily remove it by loosening the clamps on either end. Try to run water through the hose.
You may be able to see a kink in the hose before you remove it from the dishwasher. Perhaps the dishwasher itself is sitting on top of part of the hose or it may be kinked where it takes a turn.
Moving the hose so that the kink is no longer there will likely solve the problem. Try running an empty load and see if it drains properly.
Line Clogged – If the hose doesn’t have any kinks but the dishwasher is still not draining, it may be a problem with food particles or other objects stuck in the hose.
It is more likely for the hose to be clogged at a point where it turns a corner or attaches to the garbage disposal. You can also check for a clog at the beginning of the hose where it exits the dishwasher.
At times, moving the hose back and forth at any corner will help to loosen the clogged particles and allow them to move into the garbage disposal. You may also need to remove the hose and run water through it with a garden hose to loosen the clog.
Garbage Disposal Problem – Although the garbage disposal is not really a part of the dishwasher, you may find that it is a place where problems can occur, especially when it comes to the dishwasher not draining.
If you’re going to do any work on the garbage disposal or check for something that is stuck in it, make sure that you turn the power off to the disposal first. Garbage disposals are typically plugged in under the sink, so unplugging it will help. You can also turn the power off at the breaker box.
If the garbage disposal is not operating properly or if water is backing up into the sink, you may need to clear the disposal by hand. You may also be able to do this with a large screwdriver. Be cautious about putting your hand in the garbage disposal as there could be something sharp in it.
A plunger may be able to remove objects from the garbage disposal and get things flowing freely again. As a matter of practicality, use a new plunger rather than using the one from the bathroom.
Finally, there is a small slot on the bottom of the garbage disposal where it can be operated manually. A large Allen wrench fits into the slot and you can then turn it. Working the garbage disposal manually can often free up anything that is stuck in it.
Inlet Water Valve – One of the more obvious places where a problem with an LG dishwasher not draining is seen is with the inlet water valve. This is a valve where the water exits the dishwasher and goes into the drain hose.
Look for the water valve and clear any debris that may have gathered in the area. You can also work the valve manually to see if you can get it working smoothly again.
If the valve seems stuck and doesn’t want to free up, you can replace it. Replacing a valve is not typically a difficult job and most homeowners are able to do it on their own.
Interrupted Cycle – Dishwashers have a memory and if you open the door in the middle of a cycle, the dishwasher will want to start where it left off. This interrupted cycle can sometimes lead to water not draining properly.
If that seems to be a problem, you can simply close the door, press the start button, and allow the dishwasher to continue running through the cycle. Otherwise, you may need to reset the dishwasher.
Reset the Dishwasher – You will likely find that this is a common theme in many of the specific problems associated with an LG dishwasher not draining. Resetting the dishwasher is essentially resetting the control board, so it is starting fresh.
In order to reset the dishwasher, you will need to turn the power off for one minute. If you have access to the plug, you can simply unplug the dishwasher.
If the plug is behind the dishwasher or otherwise inaccessible or if the dishwasher is hardwired, you can turn the power off at the circuit breaker.
After leaving the power off for one minute, turn the power back on or plug the unit back in again. It should have reset and things should be working fine.
At times, you may need to leave the power off for longer than one minute. Some people have had success leaving the power off overnight. It may be worth a try if nothing else helps.
Drain Pump – If the drain pump is not operating properly, it will not push the water out of the bottom of the dishwasher. You can check a drain pump with a multimeter.
After turning the power off to the dishwasher, use a multimeter to check the continuity of the drain pump. If there is a problem, you can replace the pump.
You may also notice that the pump is making noise when it runs. If you hear a clicking or a high-pitched screeching noise when the pump is running, it may need to be replaced.
Check Ball – The check ball is a relatively simple part of the dishwasher. Essentially, it is a ball that keeps water from flowing back into the dishwasher after it has left the machine.
If the check ball has become stuck, it may be due to debris or other issues. Clear debris from around the check ball and work it by hand multiple times.
If the check ball is still giving you problems, it may need to be replaced.
If you have a different brand dishwasher please check out our dishwasher not draining article for other brands.
LG Dishwasher Force Drain
To force drain an LG dishwasher, first, turn off the power. Then, locate the drain hose at the back and detach it from the sink or garbage disposal. Place the end of the hose into a bucket or a large bowl. Restore power to the dishwasher and start a drain cycle. The water should begin to flow out through the hose.
It’s crucial to ensure that the dishwasher is off and disconnected from power before attempting to manipulate the drain hose for safety reasons. After the draining process, check the hose and the filter inside the dishwasher for any clogs or obstructions. Regular cleaning of these components can prevent future drainage issues. Also, be aware that a consistently failing drain might indicate a deeper issue that might require professional attention.
LG Dishwasher Not Draining at End of Cycle
One of the complaints that many LG dishwasher owners have is that it does not fully drain at the end of the cycle. It might surprise you to learn that this is not always a problem.
LG dishwashers are made to allow a little water to stay at the bottom of the dishwasher when the cycle has finished. This is to keep the pump motor seals moist.
Generally speaking, you will not see the water in the bottom of the dishwasher but if there is a little bit of water in the bottom, it is not likely a problem.
If you are seeing a lot of water in the bottom of the dishwasher or if it just doesn’t seem to be draining properly, check the following potential problems.
Food Particles – The drainage system may be clogged by food particles. These can be cleaned by hand but make sure you unplug the dishwasher before doing any work on it.
Force Drain – You may have to force the unit to drain. You can do this by pushing two buttons simultaneously or by pushing the cancel/drain button. The two buttons that you push are going to be different from one model to another.
Remove Water Manually – If it is a one-time problem, you can remove the water manually and run a new cycle. You can use a cup or small bowl to do so.
Keep a bowl nearby so you aren’t carrying water to the sink and creating a slipping hazard on the floor.
Dishwasher Door – If the dishwasher door comes open during the cycle, then it will not finish the cycle and drain properly. Sometimes, closing the dishwasher door and pressing the start button will cause it to drain.
You might also have a bad switch, which makes the dishwasher think the door is open when it is not open.
Clogged Air Gap – Although the use of an air gap is questionable, it is something that is required by code in most areas. Air gaps keep contaminated water from coming back into the dishwasher.
If the air gap is clogged, it will not drain properly. You might also see water being released back into the sink. The air gap may need to be fixed or replaced.
LG Dishwasher Not Fully Draining
If your LG dishwasher is not fully draining, you may need to restart the machine.
A hard reset is done by turning the power off to the LG dishwasher for at least one minute before turning it back on. This can either be done by unplugging the dishwasher or turning it off with a circuit breaker.
After resetting the dishwasher, run an empty cycle with no dishwashing detergent. That should be enough to reset things and get it draining again.
The following may also be necessary:
Door Switch – If the door switch is malfunctioning, it will think that the dishwasher door is open. It will stop the cycle without fully draining all of the water.
You can check the door switch manually. It is located on the inside of the machine. Be careful, because activating the door switch may cause the machine to turn on.
Force Drain Dishwasher – You may need to force drain the dishwasher. On most models, this is done by holding the ‘delicate’ and ‘duel control’ buttons simultaneously for two seconds.
You can also force the dishwasher to drain by powering off the unit immediately after it starts. This can be done by unplugging it or flipping the circuit breaker.
The first 45 seconds that the dishwasher is running will be a drain cycle. Forcing it into a drain cycle in this way may cause it to drain fully.
LG Dishwasher Not Draining E1 Code
Many homeowners panic when they see any type of error code on their LG dishwasher. This would include the E1 code.
Fortunately, there may be an easy fix to the issue.
The E1 code occurs when the pump is not getting the proper amount of pressure while it is operating. It may also be due to the drain pump not stopping, water leaking into the drain pan, or a drain hose leak.
Try some of the following solutions to see if you can correct the E1 error code.
Check Installation – If the dishwasher was not installed properly, you may end up with an error code. Check the installation, even if it was installed many months ago as things may have shifted.
Detergent – If you are not using the proper detergent, it could cause problems with the drain pump that would result in the E1 error code. Always use the recommended detergent and the proper amount of it.
Drain Pan – Any leak in the drain pan may trigger an E1 error code. Look for the leak, which is likely where the pan drains into the hose.
Door Leaks – While the dishwasher is operating, look around the door carefully for any water getting out of the dishwasher. If you see any water or any noticeable gaps, it needs to be fixed.
Improper Loading – Always load the dishwasher properly. Overloading the dishwasher or putting dishes in improperly can result in error codes.
Reset Dishwasher – If all else fails, reset the dishwasher by turning off the power for one minute and restarting again. You can turn it off by unplugging it or at the breaker box.
LG Dishwasher Not Draining OE Code
If you are seeing an OE error code and your LG dishwasher is not draining, then the error code is working properly.
The OE error code is associated with a drain issue. Fortunately, it is often easy to fix.
Cleaning the inside of the dishwasher may help to stop the error code from showing and cause the dishwasher to start draining again. Look for food that is on the bottom of the tub and clean the spray arms. Clean the filters as well.
After thoroughly cleaning the machine, run it through a maintenance cycle. Afterward, run it through an empty cycle with no detergent.
This should be enough to flush the dishwasher and get it draining again.
Some other possible issues that could lead to an LG dishwasher not draining and the OE error code include:
1. Drain Hose Problems
2. Airgap
3. Issues with the garbage disposal
You may also want to try to force drain the machine by pressing the ‘delicate’ and ‘dual control’ buttons simultaneously for two seconds.
LG Dishwasher Not Draining No Error Code
If your LG dishwasher is not draining but there are no error codes, you can check the following to see if they are experiencing any issues.
The first thing to check is the system that allows the dishwasher to drain. This would include the check valve, check ball, and drain hose.
If any of those are clogged with debris or are not operating properly, they can be either fixed, cleaned, or repaired. You should also make sure that the hose is not kinked.
The pump motor may also be experiencing problems. If you are hearing a strange sound with the pump motor is running, have it checked by a technician. You can also check the pump motor’s continuity with a multimeter.
Clean the unit thoroughly, including running a little vinegar through an empty cycle. Clean the filter and run it through a cycle again.
Finally, you may need to do a hard reset if you have an interrupted cycle or if the other solutions do not correct the problem. Perform a hard reset by turning off the power to the machine for one minute and turning it back on again.
LG Dishwasher Drain Pump Starts and Stops
If the drain pump is starting and stopping, it is likely a problem with the control board. The control board is the computer for the dishwasher.
Fortunately, the control board is easy to replace but if you are not comfortable doing so, call a technician.
You might also be experiencing a problem with an obstruction in the sump area. This area is typically located under the filter. Be cautious putting your hands and where you can’t see them but if you can loosen the obstruction, it will likely start working properly again.
If you hear a whining noise when the dishwasher is draining, it could be a jammed pump or the motor may be going bad. Have a technician come in to check and either repair or replace the motor.
LG Dishwasher Drain Pump Keeps Running
If the drain pump keeps running, it can be a serious issue. That is especially true if the pump continues to run even after the dishwasher cycle has finished.
Often, this is an issue that is due to build-up in the area. That buildup can cause mechanical problems that continue to cause the drain pump to operate.
There is also a switch in the dishwasher known as the float riser assembly. Essentially, it is a floating unit and when it goes high enough, it causes the dishwasher to drain.
If the float riser assembly has become stuck, the dishwasher might think that there is more water in it and it would continue to try to drain the unit.
Manually work the float and check for any debris that may be causing it to become stuck. The float can easily be replaced if necessary.
There may also be an issue with the main controller card. You can add water to the dishwasher using a large pitcher and starting an empty cycle.
If this doesn’t correct the issue and the controller card is bad, you may need to replace it.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on September 16, 2021.
Finally, if all else fails, perform a hard reset by turning off the power and restarting it after one minute. You can turn off the power by unplugging it or turning it off at the circuit breaker. Often, this simple stop/start action will solve the problem.
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Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on September 16, 2021.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on September 16, 2021.