Why is my LG front loader washer not draining?

If your LG front loading washing machine is not draining properly, there are a few quick things to check before calling a repair technician:

Check the drain filter

The drain filter in LG front loaders is located in the bottom front of the washer. Remove the access panel and check for any debris clogged in the filter. Remove any lint, coins, socks etc. and make sure the filter is properly seated after cleaning.

Check the drain hose

Check where the drain hose connects to the drain pipe in your home. Make sure the hose is pushed securely onto the drain pipe fitting and has not come loose. Also check for any kinks or clogs in the drain hose that could prevent water from exiting the washer.

Clean the drain pump

If the above steps don’t resolve the issue, the problem may be with the drain pump. To access the pump, remove the access panels in the bottom front of the washer. Locate the drain pump and clean it thoroughly to remove any debris. Make sure the pump impeller can spin freely after cleaning.

Check for error codes

Your LG washer may be flashing an error code that indicates an issue with draining. Check for any error letters or numbers displayed on your control panel and look up what they mean in your owner’s manual. This can help diagnose if there is a problem with the pump, drain hose, or other malfunction.

Run a drain test cycle

Go into your washer’s settings menu and run a drain or spin cycle with no clothes loaded. This can help clear out any residual water or debris. If water remains after running the drain test, there is likely an obstruction or malfunction preventing normal drainage.

Check water supply connections

Another possibility is that the washer isn’t draining because it’s not filling properly with water in the first place. Check that the hot and cold supply hoses are properly connected and the water supply is turned on. Clogged inlet hoses can prevent proper water flow.

Inspect the door seal

A damaged or improperly sealed front door can allow water to leak out around the door during the cycle rather than draining properly. Inspect the rubber door gasket for any tears or gaps that allow leaking. Replace door seal if damaged.

Consider drain system issues

If all other potential causes have been ruled out with your washer itself, the problem may lie with your home’s drain pipes. A clogged standalone drain line or a full septic tank can prevent proper drainage. Inspect your drain lines and septic tank to identify any blockages.

Reset control panel

As a last resort, try unplugging the washer and leaving it disconnected for 5-10 minutes. After resetting the control panel, plug it back in and try running a normal cycle. This may clear any error codes or glitches preventing normal operation.

When to call an appliance repair technician

If you’ve tried all the above troubleshooting tips and your LG front load washer still won’t drain, it’s time to bring in a professional. An experienced appliance repair technician can fully diagnose the issue and identify any necessary repairs or part replacements needed to get your washer draining properly again.

Common LG front load washer drain problems

While clogged hoses, filters and pumps are some of the most common reasons an LG washer won’t drain, there are other potential issues that may require professional service and repair:

• faulty or worn out drain pump
• clogged or cracked pressure hose
• damaged or leaking drainage hoses
• faulty door latch or seal allowing water leakage
• defective water inlet valves
• obstructed or leaking drain lines
• control board failure
• broken impellers inside pump
• bad motor control unit

LG front load washer drain system overview

To understand why your LG front loader may not be draining, it helps to understand how the drain system functions on these washers:

• Wash water drains from the inner wash tub through a rear drain tube into the pump.
• The drain pump uses an impeller to force water through the drain hose into your home drainage system.
• A drain filter catches lint and debris to prevent clogs.
• Water pressure switches monitor water flow and relay signals back to the control board.
• If the washer detects an issue with drainage, it will typically display an error code.
• Most LG drain pumps have a self-cleaning feature that activates after a cycle.

With multiple components involved in draining, there are several places mechanical or electrical failures can occur with the pump, hoses, switches, control boards and more.

LG washer error codes related to drainage problems

When an LG washer fails to drain properly, you may see one of the following error codes appear on the display:

Error Code	Problem Indicated
OE	Drain hose is kinked or clogged
dE dE1 dE2 dE4	Drain pump issue or restriction
PE PE1 PE2 PE4	Water pressure sensor malfunction
LE LE1 LE2	Motor control unit failure
FE	Excessive suds or water overflow

Consult your owner’s manual and the specific code shown to help diagnose the potential cause of the drainage problem.

LG front load washer drain cycle process

Here is a general outline of what happens during the drain process on an LG front loading washer:

1. Water drains from inner wash tub through the rear drain pipe.
2. The drain pump activates and impeller engages to pump water out.
3. Water flows through drain hose to home drainage system.
4. Pressure switches monitor water flow and send signals to control board.
5. Pump should run approx. 15-60 seconds after tub is empty.
6. Excess suds may cause overflow error and end cycle.
7. After cycle, drain pump may do a self-clean of any residual water.

If this drain process is interrupted at any point due to a malfunction, obstruction or power issue, standing water can remain in the wash tub at the end of the cycle.

How to clean an LG front load washer drain pump filter

Here are step-by-step instructions for cleaning the drain pump filter on an LG front loader washer:

1. Locate the access panel at the bottom front of the washer.
2. Use a flathead screwdriver to loosen the screws holding the panel in place.
3. Remove the panel and set it aside.
4. Locate the round drain pump cover. Turn counter-clockwise to unlock it.
5. Carefully remove the cover to expose the filter inside.
6. Pull out the filter and rinse under warm water to remove debris.
7. Inspect the opening and inside the pump for any additional lint or objects.
8. Reinsert the filter all the way and twist cover clockwise to lock it.
9. Replace the access panel and tighten screws.

Cleaning this drain pump filter monthly or bi-monthly keeps your washer draining properly.

How to clean the drain hose on an LG front load washer

To clean out the drain hose and remove any potential clogs:

1. Locate the drain hose at the back of the washer.
2. Detach the hose from the washer by loosening the clamp.
3. Hold the end over a bucket and run water through the hose to rinse debris.
4. Try running an auger or plumber’s snake through the hose to push out blockages.
5. Check the opening where the drain hose connects for any stuck lint or buildup and remove it.
6. Reattach the drain hose securely using the clamp.

Repeat drainage test cycle to confirm clog is fully cleared after reattaching hose.

How to put an LG front load washer into diagnostic mode

Entering diagnostic mode on an LG washer allows you to run tests and diagnose issues. Here are the steps:

1. Power washer OFF and unplug from electrical outlet.
2. Press and hold the Temp and Spin buttons while plugging the washer back in.
3. Keep holding buttons until “LF” appears on the display (approximately 15 seconds).
4. Press Start/Pause button to enter diagnostic test mode.
5. Use Program dial to cycle through available diagnostic tests.
6. Press Start after selecting test to begin.
7. When testing complete, power washer off to exit diagnostic mode.

This puts the LG washer into a special self-test mode. Useful tests for drainage issues include the drain pump test and water pressure sensor tests.

How to fix leakage from the front door seal

To stop water leaking from around the front door seal:

1. Ensure seal is properly seated inside groove of the door rim.
2. Clean seal of any lint, debris and mold buildup.
3. Wipe rubber seal with isopropyl alcohol to disinfect.
4. Check for any tears, gaps or cracks in the seal.
5. If seal damage found, order replacement seal from the manufacturer.
6. Carefully detach old seal from rim and install new one.
7. Run washer through test cycle to confirm door no longer leaks.

If the door seal is in good condition and leakage continues, the door latch mechanism may need repair to keep door closed tight during wash cycles.

How to clean suds or water from an overflow condition

If you get an overflow error due to excessive suds or water in the tub, use these steps for cleanup:

1. Use towels to soak up any water around the washer base and floor.
2. Remove any remaining water from the wash tub interior.
3. Run cleansing cycle with bleach or affresh cleaner to sanitize.
4. Check drain hose and pump filter for proper drainage.
5. Make sure hot and cold inlet hoses are properly connected.
6. Test cycle with minimal detergent to check for proper fill and drainage.
7. Consider drain line issues if washer continues to overflow.

While frustrating, occasional suds or water overflow incidents are fairly common with front load washers. Thorough cleaning and testing helps reset your washer.

LG front loader drain pump replacement cost

If your LG washer drain pump needs to be replaced, typical costs are:

• LG drain pump part: $80 – $180
• Labor: 1-2 hours at $65-$90 per hour
• Total repair cost: $150 – $350

As a DIY repair, parts may cost around $100-$200. Proper pump specs are needed based on your specific model.

Tips to prevent future LG front loader drainage problems

To help avoid repeat drainage problems with your LG front load washer:

• Clean the drain pump filter regularly.
• Use less detergent to prevent oversudsing.
• Leave door slightly open when not in use.
• Periodically inspect hoses, seals and fittings.
• Use drain features and cleaning cycles monthly.
• Don’t overload the wash tub.
• Straighten kinks in the drain and inlet hoses.
• Clean any lint or debris from door seal after cycles.

Catching minor clogs early and performing preventative maintenance helps avoid major drain failures.

When to replace instead of repairing

While most LG front load draining issues can be fixed affordably, washer replacement may be cheaper than repair if:

• Electrical control board is damaged.
• Drain pump needs replacing and tub/seal is leaking.
• Multiple components are severely clogged requiring disassembly.
• Washer is over 10 years old.
• Rust or corrosion damage is extensive.
• Repair costs exceed 50-60% of a new washer price.
• Replacement models have improved technology/efficiency.

Compare repair costs to a replacement price while also considering the washer’s age and your budget flexibility.

Conclusion

LG front load washers failing to drain properly can certainly be frustrating. But in many cases, relatively simple DIY troubleshooting and maintenance can identify and resolve drainage problems.

Checking hoses for clogs, cleaning the drain filter and pump, inspecting seals for leaks and verifying proper installation are all wise first steps before paying for professional repairs. For more complex issues involving pump failures or electrical malfunctions, a qualified appliance technician may be needed.

Understanding theLG front loader’s drain system and using drain diagnostic tests can give homeowners confidence to tackle many drainage problems themselves. But for severe internal part breakdowns or leaks, replacement may be the most cost-effective option.

With proper use and preventative care, an LG front-loading washer should provide many years of reliable washing performance. But if draining issues do arise, homeowners can try several troubleshooting steps before resorting to expensive service calls in many cases.