LG Washer Not Draining? Troubleshooting Guide and Fixes
Is your LG washing machine refusing to drain, leaving you with a tub full of water and a pile of soggy clothes? This is a common problem, but don’t panic! Before calling a repair technician, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to diagnose and potentially fix the issue yourself. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the most common causes of an LG washer not draining and provide step-by-step instructions to resolve them.
## Understanding Why Your LG Washer Isn’t Draining
An LG washer’s draining process is relatively straightforward. The washer pump forces the water out through the drain hose and into your home’s plumbing system. When the washer fails to drain, it usually points to one of the following problems:
* **Clogged Drain Hose:** This is the most frequent culprit. Lint, small objects (like socks or coins), and detergent residue can accumulate in the drain hose, restricting or completely blocking water flow.
* **Clogged Drain Pump Filter:** LG washers have a drain pump filter designed to catch larger debris before it reaches the pump. If this filter is clogged, it can prevent the pump from operating effectively.
* **Blocked Drain Pump:** Foreign objects can sometimes make their way past the filter and into the drain pump itself, jamming the impeller and preventing it from spinning.
* **Faulty Drain Pump:** Over time, the drain pump motor can wear out or fail electrically. This will prevent the pump from operating at all.
* **Air Lock in the Drain Hose:** An air lock can occur if the drain hose is not properly installed or becomes kinked. The air trapped in the hose can prevent water from flowing freely.
* **Clogged Drain Pipe:** While less common, the drain pipe in your wall can become clogged, preventing the washer from draining. This is more likely if you have older plumbing or experience frequent drain clogs in other areas of your home.
* **Control Panel/Timer Issues:** In rare cases, the control panel or timer may malfunction, preventing the washer from sending the signal to activate the drain pump.
* **Lid Switch Problems:** Some LG models have a lid switch that must be engaged for the washer to operate properly. If the switch is faulty, it may prevent the draining cycle from starting.
* **Software Glitch/Error Code:** Modern LG washers have sophisticated control systems that can sometimes experience glitches. This can cause the drain cycle to malfunction. Often, a specific error code will be displayed.
## Safety First! Important Precautions
Before you begin any troubleshooting steps, it’s crucial to prioritize your safety. Always follow these precautions:
* **Disconnect the Power:** Unplug the washing machine from the electrical outlet. This will prevent the risk of electric shock.
* **Turn Off the Water Supply:** Locate the water shut-off valves for both the hot and cold water lines that supply the washer. Turn them off to prevent water from continuing to flow into the machine.
* **Protect Yourself:** Wear gloves to protect your hands from dirty water and potential contaminants. Have towels readily available to soak up any spills.
* **Consult the Owner’s Manual:** Your LG washer’s owner’s manual contains specific information about your model, including troubleshooting tips and diagrams. Refer to it for detailed instructions and warnings.
## Troubleshooting Steps: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you’ve taken the necessary safety precautions, you can start troubleshooting the problem. Follow these steps in order, starting with the simplest solutions and progressing to more complex ones.
**Step 1: Check the Drain Hose for Kinks or Obstructions**
The drain hose is the most likely culprit for a washer that won’t drain. Carefully inspect the entire length of the hose, from where it connects to the washing machine to where it enters the drain pipe in the wall.
1. **Visually Inspect the Hose:** Look for any visible kinks, bends, or crimps in the hose. Straighten out any kinks to ensure a smooth flow path.
2. **Disconnect the Hose:** Carefully disconnect the drain hose from both the washing machine and the drain pipe. Have a bucket or towels ready to catch any water that may spill out.
3. **Inspect for Obstructions:** Hold the hose up to the light and look inside for any visible obstructions. You can also try running water through the hose to see if it flows freely.
4. **Remove Obstructions:** If you find any obstructions, try to remove them using a long, flexible object like a straightened coat hanger or a plumber’s snake. Be careful not to damage the hose.
5. **Flush the Hose:** Once you’ve removed any visible obstructions, flush the hose with water to ensure it’s completely clear.
6. **Reattach the Hose:** Reattach the drain hose securely to both the washing machine and the drain pipe. Make sure the connections are tight to prevent leaks.
**Step 2: Check the Drain Pump Filter**
The drain pump filter is designed to catch lint, hair, and other debris that could clog the drain pump. Cleaning this filter is a routine maintenance task that can often resolve draining problems.
1. **Locate the Drain Pump Filter:** The drain pump filter is typically located on the front of the washing machine, near the bottom. It’s usually behind a small access panel.
2. **Prepare for Water Spillage:** Place a shallow pan or towels under the access panel to catch any water that may spill out when you remove the filter.
3. **Open the Access Panel:** Use a screwdriver or coin to open the access panel.
4. **Remove the Filter:** The filter usually has a handle or knob that you can use to unscrew and remove it. Be prepared for water to come out as you remove the filter.
5. **Clean the Filter:** Rinse the filter thoroughly under running water to remove any lint, hair, or debris. You can use a soft brush to scrub away stubborn residue.
6. **Inspect the Filter Housing:** While the filter is removed, inspect the filter housing inside the washing machine for any additional debris. Remove any debris you find.
7. **Reinstall the Filter:** Reinstall the filter securely, making sure it’s properly seated and tightened.
8. **Close the Access Panel:** Close the access panel and secure it with the screwdriver or coin.
**Step 3: Inspect and Clear the Drain Pump**
If cleaning the drain pump filter doesn’t solve the problem, the drain pump itself may be clogged. This requires a bit more effort to access and clear.
1. **Disconnect the Power:** Make sure the washing machine is disconnected from the power outlet.
2. **Access the Drain Pump:** The location of the drain pump varies depending on the LG washer model. It’s usually located at the bottom of the machine, either behind the front panel or the rear panel. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to access the drain pump.
3. **Remove the Drain Pump (If Possible):** Some drain pumps can be easily removed after accessing them. If yours can be removed, carefully disconnect any wiring harnesses or hoses connected to the pump.
4. **Inspect the Pump Impeller:** Look for any obstructions that may be preventing the pump impeller from spinning freely. Common culprits include small objects like coins, buttons, or hairpins.
5. **Remove Obstructions:** Use pliers or tweezers to carefully remove any obstructions from the pump impeller.
6. **Manually Rotate the Impeller:** Once you’ve removed any obstructions, try manually rotating the impeller to make sure it spins freely. If it’s still stuck, there may be internal damage to the pump.
7. **Reinstall the Drain Pump (If Removed):** If you removed the drain pump, carefully reconnect any wiring harnesses or hoses and reinstall it securely.
8. **Test the Pump:** Before reassembling the washing machine, you can test the drain pump by temporarily reconnecting the power and running a short drain cycle. Be careful not to get water on any electrical components.
**Step 4: Check for an Air Lock**
An air lock in the drain hose can prevent the washer from draining properly. This is more likely to occur if the drain hose is not properly installed or becomes kinked.
1. **Lower the Drain Hose:** Disconnect the drain hose from the drain pipe in the wall. Lower the end of the hose into a bucket or container that is placed on the floor. This will allow any trapped air to escape.
2. **Run a Short Drain Cycle:** With the drain hose lowered into the bucket, run a short drain cycle. This will help to force out any remaining air in the hose.
3. **Observe the Water Flow:** Watch the water flow into the bucket. If the water flows smoothly and continuously, the air lock has been cleared.
4. **Reattach the Drain Hose:** Reattach the drain hose securely to the drain pipe in the wall. Make sure the connection is tight to prevent leaks.
**Step 5: Check the Drain Pipe**
While less common, the drain pipe in your wall can become clogged, preventing the washer from draining. This is more likely if you have older plumbing or experience frequent drain clogs in other areas of your home.
1. **Check Other Drains:** See if other drains in your home are also draining slowly or not at all. This could indicate a larger plumbing issue.
2. **Use a Plumber’s Snake:** Insert a plumber’s snake into the drain pipe to break up any clogs. Rotate the snake as you push it further into the pipe.
3. **Flush the Drain Pipe:** After snaking the drain pipe, flush it with water to remove any remaining debris.
4. **Call a Plumber:** If you’re unable to clear the drain pipe yourself, you may need to call a plumber.
**Step 6: Check the Lid Switch**
Some LG washers have a lid switch that must be engaged for the washer to operate properly. If the switch is faulty, it may prevent the draining cycle from starting. The switch is there to prevent the washer from spinning when the lid is open. It’s primarily a safety feature.
1. **Visually Inspect the Lid Switch:** Locate the lid switch, which is typically located on the frame of the washing machine near the lid. Look for any visible damage or loose wires.
2. **Test the Lid Switch:** You can test the lid switch using a multimeter. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to test the lid switch on your model.
3. **Replace the Lid Switch:** If the lid switch is faulty, you’ll need to replace it. You can purchase a replacement lid switch from an appliance parts store or online retailer.
**Step 7: Check the Control Panel and Timer**
In rare cases, the control panel or timer may malfunction, preventing the washer from sending the signal to activate the drain pump. These components control all of the washing machine’s functions, including the drain cycle. Diagnosing this issue requires electrical testing knowledge and it’s best left to a professional.
1. **Look for Error Codes:** Check the control panel for any error codes that may be displayed. Refer to your owner’s manual for a list of error codes and their meanings. Some error codes can be easily reset following the instructions in the manual.
2. **Try Resetting the Washer:** Some washers can be reset by unplugging them from the power outlet for a few minutes and then plugging them back in. This may clear any temporary glitches in the control panel. Many LG washers have a diagnostic mode accessible by pressing a specific series of buttons. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to access the diagnostic mode on your model.
3. **Call a Qualified Appliance Repair Technician:** If you suspect that the control panel or timer is malfunctioning, it’s best to call a qualified appliance repair technician to diagnose and repair the problem.
**Step 8: Check for Software Glitches/Error Codes**
Modern LG washers have sophisticated control systems that can sometimes experience glitches. This can cause the drain cycle to malfunction. Often, a specific error code will be displayed.
1. **Identify the Error Code**: Note down any error codes displayed on the washer’s control panel.
2. **Consult the Owner’s Manual**: Refer to your LG washer’s owner’s manual to find the meaning of the specific error code. The manual will often provide troubleshooting steps specific to that code.
3. **Power Cycle the Washer**: A simple power cycle can sometimes resolve software glitches. Unplug the washer from the power outlet for 5-10 minutes, then plug it back in.
4. **Run a Diagnostic Cycle (If Available)**: Some LG washers have a built-in diagnostic cycle that can help identify the source of the problem. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to run the diagnostic cycle.
5. **Contact LG Support or a Qualified Technician**: If the error code persists after trying the above steps, contact LG support or a qualified appliance repair technician for further assistance.
**When to Call a Professional**
While many draining problems can be resolved with these troubleshooting steps, there are times when it’s best to call a qualified appliance repair technician. Consider calling a professional if:
* You’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and the washer still won’t drain.
* You’re not comfortable working with electrical components.
* You suspect that the drain pump is faulty.
* You’re unable to access the drain pump or control panel.
* You’re experiencing frequent drain clogs despite regular maintenance.
## Preventing Future Drain Problems
To minimize the risk of future draining problems, follow these preventive maintenance tips:
* **Clean the Drain Pump Filter Regularly:** Clean the drain pump filter every month or two, depending on how frequently you use your washing machine.
* **Use the Correct Amount of Detergent:** Using too much detergent can lead to residue buildup, which can clog the drain hose and filter. Follow the detergent manufacturer’s recommendations for the appropriate amount.
* **Avoid Overloading the Washer:** Overloading the washer can put stress on the drain pump and increase the risk of clogs.
* **Check Pockets Before Washing:** Always check pockets for coins, keys, and other small objects before washing clothes. These items can easily clog the drain pump.
* **Use a Lingerie Bag:** Use a lingerie bag for delicate items like bras and underwear to prevent them from getting tangled in the drain pump.
* **Inspect the Drain Hose Regularly:** Check the drain hose regularly for kinks, cracks, or other damage. Replace the hose if necessary.
* **Run a Cleaning Cycle:** Run a washer cleaning cycle with a washing machine cleaner every few months to remove detergent residue and buildup.
By following these troubleshooting steps and preventive maintenance tips, you can keep your LG washing machine running smoothly and avoid costly repairs. Remember to always prioritize your safety and consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions and warnings related to your model.