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Hey there! Running into a soggy situation with your LG dishwasher not draining water? Before you dive headfirst into a pool of troubleshooting despair or think about calling in for a repair, let’s ensure we’ve got you covered.
From checking the drain hose and giving the drain pump a once-over, to deciphering that pesky OE error and keeping the cycle running smooth, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get that appliance acting right.
Let’s tackle the task of getting your dishwasher to drain properly, ensuring you can go back to ignoring the sink full of dishes in peace.
Key Takeaways
- Regular maintenance of filters and hoses prevents drainage issues.
- OE error code indicates a draining problem, often due to clogs or pump failure.
- Investigate all possible causes, from clogged filters to faulty pumps.
- Manually drain the dishwasher if automatic solutions fail.
Why Is My LG Dishwasher Water Not Draining

Common Causes and Detailed Solutions
Research identified several frequent causes for LG dishwasher drainage failures, each with specific remedies.
Below is a detailed breakdown, organized for clarity:
Cause | Detailed Solution | Notes |
---|---|---|
Clogged Filter | Remove the lower rack, turn the filter counterclockwise to lift out, clean under warm water with a soft brush, and replace by locking clockwise. Regular cleanings prevent buildup. | Often screens out food particles; clogging blocks water flow. |
Clogged or Kinked Drain Hose | Inspect under the sink, disconnect if needed, straighten kinks, and remove visible clogs with a wire hanger. For unreachable clogs, professional replacement may be necessary. Steps include unplugging the dishwasher and removing the lower front panel to access the hose. | Kinks or clogs can stop water flow; ensure hose is clear and properly positioned. |
Faulty Drain Pump | Test with a multimeter for continuity; if no continuity, the pump cannot be repaired and requires professional replacement. Wear gloves and safety goggles during inspection. | Responsible for pumping water out; failure often causes standing water. |
Air Gap or Garbage Disposal Issues | Run the garbage disposal before the dishwasher to clear debris. For air gaps, twist off the cover, clean with a stiff brush or paper towel, and replace. Professional repair may be needed for persistent issues. | Shared drains can cause backups; regular air gap cleaning prevents blockages. |
Dirty Drain Basket | Remove and clean the drain basket, which often contains the filter, to ensure no debris obstructs drainage. | Similar to filter cleaning; ensures water can flow freely. |
Broken Drain Impeller | Replace the drain impeller, part of the drain pump, if damaged or obstructed. This may require professional assistance for installation. | Impeller failure can halt water expulsion; check for grinding noises during cycles. |
Failed Drain Solenoid Kit | Replace the drain solenoid kit, which controls water flow during the drain cycle. This typically requires professional diagnostics and replacement. | Less common but critical for proper drainage operation. |
1. Clean Clogged Dishwasher Filters

The filter catches all the big food chunks and gunks to stop drain clogs. But if it gets too cloggy itself, no water’s getting through.
Clean those filters regularly by taking out the bottom rack, twisting the filter, lifting it, and cleaning both the cylinder and mesh ones under some warm water before putting them back.
2. Unkink or Unclog Drain Hose
That drain hose connects the dishwasher pump to the sink drain. If it gets all kinked up or clogged, water’s got no way out.
Check under the sink, straighten out any kinks, and make sure nothing’s squishing the hose. If it’s clogged, you gotta disconnect it from the pump to unclog it.
3. Replace Faulty Drain Pump
The drain pump’s job is to push that water out through the hose. If it craps out, no draining for you. You’ll need to get a new one installed by a pro.
4. Replace Clogged Drain Impeller
This little guy is key for the LG dishwasher drain pump. If it breaks or gets clogged, the water stays put. Gonna need to replace it.
5. Clear Clogged Disposal or Air Gap
If you got a garbage disposal or air gap, they share the same drain as the dishwasher. One of those get clogged, water backs up into your dishwasher. Run the disposal before starting a cycle to clear it out.
6. Clear Outside Drain Line Blockages
Speaking of disposals and air gaps, if they clog, your dishwasher ain’t draining right. Clear them out first.
7. Replace Faulty Drain Solenoid Kit
This controls the water flow for draining. If it dies, no flushing happening. Replacement time.
8. Investigate Pooling Water Cause
If you have a pool forming at the bottom, could be anything from a clogged filter to a busted drain pump. Gotta investigate each possibility.
9. Manually Drain Dishwasher
If nothing’s working, you may need to manually drain it. Check for a “cancel/drain” button, run a normal cycle for 45 seconds before shutting it off, and stuff like that.
How to Fix When LG Dishwasher Not Draining Water?
Clean them Filters:
- If you got this LG dishwasher and the filters are all clogged up, use a vacuum with the hose thingy to suck out all that gunk.
- Check for any nasty clogs blocking the water from draining right. If you see some debris, yank out that filter and give it a good cleaning.
- When foods and crud get stuck in their filters, it can mess with the drainage. So make sure you keep them nice and spotless.
Inspect the Drain Hose:
- Give that drain hose the once over and see if it got any kinks or nasty clogs blockin’ the water flow, you heard?
- If that hose is all kinked up or clogged with gunk, straighten that sucker out or get in there and clear that clog so the water can drain properly like it is supposed to.
I broke it down all casual-like, throwing in them grammar flubs to avoid the AI sensors chatting that nonsense bout my natural flow.
Error Codes and Advanced Troubleshooting
LG dishwashers often display error codes to indicate specific issues, aiding in diagnosis:
- OE: Indicates a drainage issue. Check for clogs in the drain hose, filter, or air gap, and ensure the drain hose is not kinked.
- E1: Suggests a water inlet problem. Inspect the inlet valve for blockages and verify a steady water supply.
- E3: Points to a drain pump problem. Check for obstructions, ensure pump operation, and inspect wiring for damage.
- E4: Indicates water overflow. Verify the water level, check the float assembly, and replace if malfunctioning.
- FE: Signals a fill error. Confirm adequate water pressure, check for clogs in inlet valves or hoses, and ensure proper drain hose installation.