Lg Washer Drain Pump Not Working

Introduction

A washing machine that doesn’t drain properly can be a real headache. Nobody wants to pull out soaking wet clothes after expecting them to be clean and ready to dry! A common reason for this problem, especially in LG washing machines, is a malfunctioning drain pump. The drain pump is responsible for removing the water from the tub after the wash and rinse cycles. When it fails, your clothes stay wet, and your laundry routine comes to a screeching halt. Don’t panic often, the problem isn’t a broken pump, but something simpler that you can fix yourself.

Common Causes of LG Washer Drain Pump Not Working

Here are some common reasons why your LG washer’s drain pump might not be working:

Clogged Drain Hose: The hose that carries water away from the washer can become blocked with lint, small objects, or debris.
Clogged Drain Pump Filter: LG washers have a filter designed to catch debris before it reaches the pump. This filter needs regular cleaning.
Obstructed Pump Impeller: Small objects like socks, coins, or buttons can get past the filter and jam the pump’s impeller (the part that spins to move water).
Kinked or Blocked Drainpipe: The pipe your drain hose connects to might be partially or fully blocked.
Faulty Drain Pump Motor: The motor that powers the pump can fail over time.
Wiring Issues: Loose or damaged wires connecting the pump to the control board can prevent it from working.
Failed Water Level Sensor: If the washer thinks it’s still full of water, it won’t activate the drain pump.
Control Board Malfunction: In rare cases, the control board itself might be sending incorrect signals to the drain pump.

Symptoms Checklist

These symptoms can help you confirm that the drain pump is likely the problem:

The washer fills with water but doesn’t drain.
The washer makes a humming or buzzing noise during the drain cycle, but no water is pumped out.
The washer stops mid-cycle and displays an error code related to draining (e.g., OE, Drain Error).
The washer drains very slowly.
The clothes are soaking wet after the cycle is complete.

How to Fix LG Washer Drain Pump Not Working Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to troubleshoot and hopefully fix your LG washer’s drain pump issue:

Unplug the Washer: Always disconnect the power supply before working on any appliance. Safety first!
Locate the Drain Pump Filter: It’s usually located at the bottom front of the washer, behind a small access panel. Consult your owner’s manual if needed.
Prepare for Water: Place a shallow pan or towels in front of the access panel to catch any water that spills out.
Open the Drain Pump Filter Access: Carefully open the access panel. There might be a small drain hose next to the filter; if so, carefully pull it out and drain any remaining water into your pan.
Remove and Clean the Drain Pump Filter: Unscrew the drain pump filter cap (it might require some force). Remove the filter and clean it thoroughly under running water. Remove any lint, hair, small objects, or debris.
Inspect the Drain Pump Housing: With the filter removed, use a flashlight to look inside the pump housing. See if you can spot any obstructions, like a coin or a button, that might be blocking the impeller. Use needle-nose pliers to carefully remove any visible objects.
Check the Drain Hose: Detach the drain hose from the back of the washer and inspect it for kinks or clogs. You can try flushing it out with a garden hose.
Check the Drainpipe: Make sure the drainpipe where the drain hose connects isn’t clogged. You can try running a plumber’s snake down the pipe to clear any obstructions.
Reassemble and Test: Reinstall the drain pump filter, close the access panel, reconnect the drain hose, and plug the washer back in. Run a short rinse and spin cycle to see if the washer drains properly.
Check Error Codes: If the washer still doesn’t drain and displays an error code, look up the code in your owner’s manual. It might provide further troubleshooting steps.
Listen to the Pump: During the drain cycle, listen closely to the drain pump. If you hear a humming or buzzing sound but no water is draining, it suggests the pump might be trying to work but is obstructed.

Fix the Issue Without Buying Parts

Before you consider replacing parts, try these free methods:

Washer Reset: Unplug the washer for at least 5 minutes. This can sometimes reset the control board and clear minor errors.
Filter Cleaning: Regular cleaning of the drain pump filter (every 1-3 months) prevents clogs.
Hose Inspection: Periodically check the drain hose for kinks or damage.
Water Level Sensor Check: Though not a direct fix, ensure the washer is level. An unlevel washer can confuse the water level sensor.

When Replacement Might Be Necessary

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and the washer still doesn’t drain, the drain pump itself might be faulty. A replacement drain pump for an LG washer typically costs between $50 and $150 USD. The drain pump motor itself or a cracked pump housing are common reasons for replacement. Before replacing, you might want to have a qualified appliance repair technician confirm the diagnosis.

Safety Warning

Always unplug the washer before performing any repairs.
Be careful when working with water to avoid electric shock.
If you are not comfortable working with electrical appliances, contact a qualified technician.
Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges or debris.

Tools You May Need

Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
Pliers (needle-nose and regular)
Shallow pan or towels
Flashlight
Garden hose (for flushing drain hose)
Plumber’s snake (optional, for clearing drainpipe)

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about LG washer drain pumps:

Q: Why is my LG washer displaying an “OE” error code?
A: “OE” typically indicates a drain error. Follow the steps in this guide to troubleshoot the draining issue.
Q: How often should I clean the drain pump filter?
A: It’s recommended to clean the filter every 1-3 months, depending on how frequently you use your washer.
Q: Can I use a generic drain pump instead of an LG-branded one?
A: While some generic pumps might fit, it’s best to use an LG-branded replacement pump to ensure proper compatibility and performance.
Q: How do I know if my drain pump is completely dead?
A: If the pump makes no noise at all during the drain cycle, even after clearing any obstructions, it’s likely dead. Testing with a multimeter can confirm this, but it’s best left to a qualified technician.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting a malfunctioning LG washer drain pump might seem daunting, but with a little patience and these step-by-step instructions, you can often resolve the issue yourself. Remember to prioritize safety and take your time. If you’ve exhausted all the troubleshooting steps and your washer still refuses to drain, it might be time to call a qualified appliance repair technician for professional assistance.