Lg Front Load Washer Wont Drain

Introduction

Finding standing water in your LG front load washer after a completed cycle is frustrating. The “lg front load washer wont drain” issue can quickly lead to unpleasant odors, mold growth, and unusable laundry. Addressing this promptly is essential to prevent further damage to your machine and potential water damage to your home. Fortunately, many times the problem can be fixed with simple troubleshooting steps.

Common Causes of lg front load washer wont drain

Several factors can cause your LG front load washer to refuse to drain. Here are some of the most common:

Clogged Drain Pump Filter: This is the most frequent culprit. Small items like lint, hair, coins, and buttons can accumulate in the filter, blocking water flow.
Drain Hose Obstruction: The drain hose can become kinked, twisted, or clogged with debris, preventing proper drainage.
Faulty Drain Pump: The drain pump motor could be malfunctioning or burned out, rendering it unable to pump water out of the washer.
Clogged Drainpipe: The house drainpipe itself may be clogged.
Air Lock in Drain Hose: Sometimes air gets trapped in the drain hose, preventing water from flowing correctly.
Control Board Malfunction: Although less common, a malfunctioning control board can send incorrect signals, preventing the drain cycle from initiating.
Too Much Soap: Excessive soap can create too many suds, which can interfere with the draining process.
Bent or Damaged Drain Hose: Damage to the hose restricts flow.

Symptoms Checklist

Look for these signs to help diagnose the “lg front load washer wont drain” issue:

Standing water visible inside the washer drum after a completed cycle.
The washer making a humming or buzzing sound but not draining.
An error code related to draining (e.g., OE, Drain Error) displayed on the control panel.
Water draining very slowly.
The drain hose is bulging or kinked.
No water draining at all.

How to Fix lg front load washer wont drain Step-by-Step Guide

Unplug the Washer: Safety first! Disconnect the power cord from the electrical outlet.
Locate the Drain Pump Filter: Typically, it’s located at the bottom front of the washer, behind a small access panel. Refer to your owner’s manual for the exact location.
Prepare for Water Spillage: Place a shallow pan or towels beneath the access panel to catch any water that spills out.
Open the Access Panel: Use a flathead screwdriver or coin to gently open the access panel.
Remove the Drain Plug: Carefully unscrew the drain plug or cap. Some models may have a small drain hose that you need to pull out first to drain most of the water. Be prepared for water to gush out.
Clean the Drain Pump Filter: Once the water has drained, fully remove the filter. Rinse it thoroughly under running water to remove any lint, hair, or debris. Use a small brush to scrub away stubborn buildup.
Inspect the Drain Pump Housing: Shine a flashlight into the filter housing and check for any obstructions. Carefully remove any visible debris.
Reinstall the Drain Pump Filter: Securely screw the clean filter back into place. Make sure it’s tight but don’t overtighten.
Close the Access Panel: Snap the access panel back into its original position.
Inspect the Drain Hose: Check the entire length of the drain hose for kinks, twists, or clogs. Straighten any kinks.
Detach the Drain Hose: Carefully detach the drain hose from the drainpipe or standpipe where it empties.
Check for Clogs in the Drain Hose: Run water through the hose to check for obstructions. You can also use a straightened coat hanger or plumbing snake to dislodge any clogs.
Inspect the Drainpipe: If the drain hose is clear, the problem might be with your house drainpipe. Check for clogs.
Reconnect the Drain Hose: Reattach the drain hose to the drainpipe, ensuring it’s securely fastened.
Plug in the Washer: Reconnect the power cord to the electrical outlet.
Run a Test Cycle: Select a short wash cycle and observe if the washer drains properly.

Fix the Issue Without Buying Parts

Before considering replacing any parts, try these free methods:

Washer Reset: Unplug the washer for 5 minutes, then plug it back in. This can sometimes reset the control board and clear error codes.
Cleaning Cycle: Run the washer’s cleaning cycle (if equipped) with a washing machine cleaner to remove buildup and residue.
Reduce Soap Usage: Use only the recommended amount of HE (High Efficiency) detergent. Excessive soap creates excessive suds.
Inspect the Air Vent: Some models have an air vent on the back of the washer. Make sure it’s not blocked.
Maintenance: Regularly clean the drain pump filter (every 1-3 months) to prevent clogs.

When Replacement Might Be Necessary

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and your “lg front load washer wont drain” problem persists, the drain pump may need replacing. Drain pump replacement costs range from $80 to $250, depending on the model and labor costs. A faulty control board could also be the cause, but replacing the drain pump is the logical first step.

Safety Warning

Always unplug the washing machine before performing any troubleshooting or repairs.
Be cautious when dealing with water and electricity to avoid electric shock.
Wear gloves to protect your hands from dirty water and potential contaminants.
Be careful when lifting or moving the washing machine.
Clean up any spilled water immediately to prevent slips and falls.

Tools You May Need

Flathead screwdriver
Shallow pan or towels
Flashlight
Pliers
Bucket
Plumbing snake (optional)

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions related to the “lg front load washer wont drain” issue:

Q: Why is my washer draining slowly? A: This could be due to a partially clogged drain pump filter or a kinked drain hose.
Q: What does the “OE” error code mean on my LG washer? A: The “OE” error code typically indicates a drain error or obstruction.
Q: How often should I clean the drain pump filter? A: It’s recommended to clean the drain pump filter every 1-3 months, depending on usage.
Q: Can I use regular detergent in my LG front load washer? A: No, you should only use HE (High Efficiency) detergent to prevent excessive suds.

Conclusion

The “lg front load washer wont drain” problem is often caused by a simple clog that you can fix yourself. By following this guide, you can troubleshoot the issue and potentially save money on repair costs. If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting steps and the problem persists, it’s best to consult a qualified appliance repair technician.