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  1. Repair
  2. LG
  3. LG Washer
  4. Washer not draining

LG washer not draining

Common reasons your LG washer is not draining

The most common reasons your LG washer is not draining are a broken motor, malfunctioning electronic control board or a jammed door lock assembly.

  • 87%

    87% of the time it's the
    Motor

  • 3%

    3% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 3%

    3% of the time it's the
    Door Lock Assembly

  • 7%

    7% of the time it's the
    Something else

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    Most common repairs needed to fix a LG washer

    Motor Replacement

    A broken washer motor will prevent the spin basket from rotating or agitating, and can also cause a variety of other issues that affect the washer’s ability to function properly. Signs that the motor is wearing out include unusual noises during operation, such as grinding or squealing sounds. The washer may also exhibit erratic spinning or agitation, with clothes not being properly rinsed or still soaking wet after the spin cycle. Additionally, a worn-out motor may lead to the washer not completing its cycles, stopping abruptly, or not starting at all. Burnt smells or overheating around the motor area can be indicative of internal problems. In some cases, visible damage to the motor itself may be apparent.


    Electronic Control Board Replacement

    A malfunctioning electronic control board can lead to various failures in a washer. This is because the board serves as the brain of the washer, controlling crucial components such as the water valve, drive motor, drain pump, and cycles. If the electronic control board fails, the washer may not power up or display the cycle status. Additionally, it might fail to fill, agitate, spin, or drain. In some cases, a shorted board may emit a burning smell.

    Door Lock Assembly Replacement

    When a washer door lock assembly is jammed, you may encounter difficulty in opening or closing the washer door. The door may not latch properly, leading to issues in starting or completing a wash cycle. The washer might display an error code indicating a door lock problem. During operation, the door lock may make unusual clicking sounds or fail to engage, preventing the washer from starting. Additionally, if there is a malfunction, the door lock indicator light may not illuminate as expected. Users might notice water remaining in the drum even after the wash cycle has finished, indicating a potential problem with the door lock assembly preventing proper drainage.

    What to expect when you experience an LG washer not draining issue

    How is the not draining problem fixed?

    Correcting most not draining problems usually involves replacing the motor, electronic control board or door lock assembly. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

    Sears Home Services recommendations for a washer that is not draining

    When the washer is not draining it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts, we recommend scheduling LG washer repair with a local Sears Home Services professional who can perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of washer failures.

    What to look out for with a washer not draining diagnosis

    Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your washer problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

    LG Washer is not Draining Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting an LG washer that is not draining begins with looking at the house drain for your washer. Check to see if water flows smoothly through that drain. If not, use a plumber’s snake to clear the drain or have a plumber fix that problem.

    If the house drain is clear, continue with these basic troubleshooting steps when your LG washer is not draining.

    • Check the end of the drain hose for lint or debris clogging the hose opening. Clear out any clogs in that area of the hose.
    • Place a shallow pan or container on the floor beside the washer and place the end of the drain hose into that pan so see if water will gravity drain from the washer into the shallow container. If drain water doesn’t flow into that pan from the washer tub or it only trickles, use a wet/dry shop vacuum to suck water, lint and debris through the drain hose from the washer. This may clear a clog that is preventing your washer from draining.
    • If you have an front-load LG washer not draining, remove water from the tub through the drain hose using a shop vacuum and then follow the directions in your owner’s manual to remove the drain pump filter. You may find excessive debris and maybe even a small sock in that area that is restricting the drain path. Clear that filter and the drain pump housing of lint and debris.

    These basic troubleshooting tips may help you fix the drain problem in your washer. If not, a bad drain pump, failed electronic control board or wiring failure could be keeping your LG washer from draining.

    Schedule washer repair service if you’re unable to find and fix the problem yourself. We’ll send an experienced Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the problem when your LG washer is not draining.

    What to do When Your LG Washer Won’t Drain

    Dealing with an LG washer that won’t drain is bothersome, but you can use these simple and practical steps to help resolve the problem quickly.

    • Make sure water flows through the house drain for the washer. If not, clear a clog in the house drain using a plumber’s snake or have a plumber clear the drain.
    • Check the end of the drain hose for a buildup of lint or debris that could block draining. Clear the end of the hose and then run a Drain & Spin cycle to see if the washer drains.
    • Place a shallow pan on the floor beside the washer and lower the end of the drain hose into that shallow pan to see if water gravity drains from the washer into that pan. If not, an internal clog in the washer drain hose or elsewhere in the washer can be preventing drain water flow. Use a wet/dry shop vacuum to suck lint, debris and water from the drain hose and inside the washer tub. You may be able to completely drain the washer using the shop vac. Run a Drain & Spin cycle to see if the washer will drain and spin properly.
    • If you have a front-load LG washer that won’t drain, use a wet/dry shop vacuum to remove as much water as possible from the tub and pull out the wet laundry. Use the directions in your owner’s manual to remove the drain pump filter. You may find excessive lint and debris such as coins and even a small sock in that area that could be restricting drain water flow from the washer. Clear the drain pump filter and the drain pump housing of lint and debris. The washer may then drain properly.

    If these basic troubleshooting tips don’t help you resolve the problem when your LG washer won’t drain, schedule washer repair service. Our technician may find a faulty drain pump, defective electronic control board or wiring failure that is preventing the washer from draining.

    LG Front Load Washer Not Draining

    Common causes of an LG front load washer not draining are a clogged drain hose or debris clogging the drain pump filter.

    Before your check these common issues, make sure water flows through the house drain for your washer properly. If you find the house drain clogged, clear it using a plumber’s snake or have a plumber clear that drain and the washer will likely drain properly.

    If the house drain for the washer is clear, follow these troubleshooting steps to fix the problem with your LG front load washer not draining.

    1. Pull the drain hose out of the stand pipe and check the end of the drain hose for lint and debris. Clear any clogs in that area and the washer may drain and spin properly.
    2. Place a shallow pan on the floor beside the washer. Lower and hold the drain hose down into that pan and see if water will gravity drain from the washer tub. If not, an internal clog in the drain hose or the washer is preventing drain water flow. Use a wet/dry shop vacuum to suck lint, debris and water from the washer. The washer may drain and spin properly after sucking out lint and debris using the shop vac.
    3. Check the drain pump filter for a clog. Evacuate as much water as possible from the washer using a wet/dry shop vacuum as described in the previous step and pull the wet clothes out of the washer. Suck water out of the washer through the door if you’re unable to remove water through the drain hose. Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual to remove the drain pump filter. Have towels ready to catch water that may flow out from the washer. Clear debris and lint from the drain pump filter. You may find a small sock, coins and other debris blocking the drain water path in that area. Reinstall the drain pump filter and see if the washer drains and spins properly.

    These basic troubleshooting tips may help you fix the problem with your LG front load washer not draining. If not, a broken drain pump, electronic control board problem or wiring failure could be preventing the washer from draining.

    Schedule washer repair service if you’re unable to find and fix the cause of the drain failure yourself.

    Common Causes of an LG Washer Water Not Draining

    When water is not draining from your LG washer, look for these common causes for that issue:

    • House drain for the washer clogged. Use a plumber’s snake to clear the clog or have a plumber clear the drain.
    • Clogged washer drain hose. Use a wet/dry shop vacuum to suck lint and debris from the washer drain hose so the washer drains properly.
    • Clogged drain pump filter in a front load washer. Remove the wet clothes and use a wet/dry shop vacuum to suck water out of the washer tub. Place towels on the floor to catch water that will drain out when your remove the drain pump filter. Use the instructions in your owner’s manual to pull out the drain pump filter. Clear debris and lint from the drain pump filter and drain pump housing.
    • Broken drain pump, defective control board or wiring failure. Schedule washer repair service to have a service technician diagnose and repair these failures if the above troubleshooting steps didn’t help you resolve the problem of water not draining from your LG washer.

    LG Washer – Top Load Not Draining

    When you have a top load LG washer not draining, follow these steps to find and fix the issue.

    1. Check the house drain for the washer. If water doesn’t flow freely through the house drain for the washer, use a plumber’s snake to clear the drain or have a plumber clear the drain.
    2. Examine the end of the drain hose for a lint or debris clog. Clear media from the end of the drain hose if necessary.
    3. Use a wet/dry shop vacuum to suck lint and debris out of the drain hose. Place a shallow pan beside the washer and lower the end of the drain hose into the container to see if water will gravity drain through the hose. If it does, then you know that the drain path is clear. See if the washer will drain and spin properly.

    If the above troubleshooting steps don’t help you resolve the problem with your LG top load washer not draining, then a broken drain pump, bad electronic control board or wiring failure could be preventing the washer from draining water.

    Schedule washer repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician diagnose and repair these types of failures.

    LG Tromm Washer Not Draining

    A common problem with an LG Tromm washer not draining is a clogged drain pump filter.

    Eliminate other possible causes that are easier to check before you drain the washer and pull out the drain pump filter to check for a clog.

    • Check the house drain for the washer. If water doesn’t flow freely through the house drain for the washer, clear the clog using a plumber’s snake or have a plumber clear the washer drain.
    • Check the end of the drain hose for lint and debris that could prevent draining. Clear any lint and debris clogging the end of the drain hose so water will flow freely through that hose.
    • Use a wet/dry shop vacuum to suck lint and debris from the drain hose. Internal clogs in the drain hose can prevent the washer from draining. Using a wet/dry shop vac will likely clear the drain hose of any clogs. You may also be able to drain water out of the washer tub using the shop vac to suck the water out through the drain hose.

    Place a shallow container beside the washer and position the end of the drain hose in the shallow container to see if the water inside the Tromm washer will gravity drain into the shallow container. If it does, use the wet/dry shop vacuum to drain water completely from the washer tub.

    Position towels in front of the washer to catch water as you remove the drain pump filter. Follow the steps shown in your owner’s manual to remove the drain pump filter. You may find coins, lint and other debris such as a small sock in the drain pump filter or drain pump housing that is clogging the washer drain path. Remove all items and debris from that area.

    Reassemble the washer and run a Drain & Spin cycle to see if the water drains properly from the washer. If not, a broken drain pump, defective electronic control board or wiring failure could be causing the problem with your LG Tromm washer not draining.

    Schedule washer repair service if you’re unable to determine the cause of the draining failure on your own.

    Finding out Why Your LG Washer Doesn’t Drain

    When your LG washer doesn’t drain, you may want to try to find out what’s causing the problem on your own. Sometimes you can fix the problem without setting up a service call and sometimes you’ll need professional help.

    We’ll walk you through some simple steps that may help you find out why your LG washer doesn’t drain.

    1. Check the house drain for your LG washer. If water doesn’t flow freely through the washer drain, use a plumber’s snake to clear the clog or have a plumber clear the drain.
    2. Check the end of the drain hose for lint and debris that could be restricting drain water flow. Remove any lint and debris that you find clogging the end of the drain hose.
    3. An internal drain hose clog could be preventing the washer from draining. Use a wet/dry shop vacuum to suck water, lint and debris from the drain hose. If you eliminate an internal clog from the drain hose, the shop vac will also drain water out of the washer tub. The shop vac will also suck water out of the washer tub if the drain hose is clear.
    4. If you have a front load washer, a clog in the drain pump filter can cause the drain failure. Drain water from the washer tub using the wet/dry shop vacuum and pull the wet laundry out of the spin basket. Position towels around the drain filter opening to catch water that may drain out of the tub when you remove the drain filter from its housing. Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual to remove the drain pump filter. Remove debris and lint from the drain pump filter and drain pump housing. Reinstall the drain pump filter as described in the owner’s manual.

    The washer may drain after following these steps. If not, a bad drain pump, defective electronic control board or wiring failure could be the problem when your LG washer doesn’t drain.

    Schedule washer repair service if you’re unable to find and fix the cause of the washer drain problem on your own.

    How to Deal with an LG Front Load Washer that Won’t Drain

    When your LG front load washer won’t drain, you’ll want to fix it fast. Follow these basic troubleshooting tips to fix the problem.

    • Check the house drain for the washer. Clear that drain if it’s clogged by using a plumber’s snake. You can also have a plumber clear that drain if necessary.
    • Clear lint and debris from the end of the drain hose if necessary.
    • Check to see if the washer will gravity drain. Place a shallow container beside the washer and place the end of the drain hose in that shallow container. If water drains freely out of the drain hose, the internal drain path is clear. A problem with the drain pump, electronic control board or a wiring failure is likely causing the drain failure in this situation. Schedule washer repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician fix the washer.

    If water doesn’t flow through end of the drain hose in the gravity drain test described above, a clog in the drain hose or lint and debris in the drain pump filter could be restricting the drain path. Use a wet/dry shop vacuum to try to clear an internal clog from the drain hose.

    Remove the wet laundry from the washer and suck all water out of the tub using the wet/dry shop vacuum. Place towels around the opening for the drain pump filter. Follow the steps shown in the owner’s manual to carefully remove the drain pump filter from the drain pump housing. Clear lint and debris from the drain pump filter and drain pump housing. Reinstall the drain pump filter according to the guidelines in the owner’s manual.

    If the washer doesn’t drain and spin properly after taking these steps, schedule service to have a Sears Home Services fix the washer.

    Determining Why Your LG Washer Will Not Drain

    Finding out why your LG washer will not drain will help you fix the problem.

    Follow these steps to find the cause of the draining failure.

    1. Check to see whether water flows freely through your washer drain. Use a plumber’s snake to clear the clog or have a plumber fix that problem.
    2. Check the end of the drain hose for lint and debris that can restrict drain water flow. Clear out any lint and debris that you find in that area.
    3. Use a wet/dry shop vacuum to suck an internal clog out of the washer through the end of the drain hose. If you clear an internal clog, the shop vac will draw all of the water out of the washer tub.

    If you’re not able to suck the water out of the washer through the drain hose using a shop vacuum, then an internal clog in the drain hose or the drain pump is likely causing the drain failure. If you have a front load washer, a clog in the drain pump filter could be restricting the drain path.

    To check the drain pump filter in a front load washer, remove the wet clothes and drain all water out of the washer using the shop vac. Place towels in front of the washer to catch water that will likely drain out of the drain pump filter housing when your remove it. Follow the instructions in the owner’s manual to remove the drain pump filter. Remove any lint and debris from the drain pump filter and reinstall it in the washer.

    These tips may help you find and fix the cause of the problem when your LG washer will not drain. If you’re unable to fix the problem yourself, schedule washer repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the machine.

    LG ThinQ Washer Not Draining

    When your get a notification on your smart app that your LG ThinQ washer is not draining, pull the drain hose out and see if water drains properly through the house drain. If not, clear the house drain for your washer using a plumber’s snake or have a plumber clear that drain.

    Follow these additional troubleshooting tips if the house drain is clear.

    • Position a shallow container on the floor beside the washer and place the end of the drain hose in the shallow container to see if water will gravity drain from the washer tub. If water flows freely through the end of the drain hose, schedule washer repair service because a bad drain pump, defective control board or wiring failure is likely causing the drain failure.
    • If water doesn’t gravity drain from the washer, use a wet/dry shop vacuum to suck a clog out of the drain hose so the washer will drain properly.
    • If you have a front-load washer, check the drain filter for a clog. Remove the wet laundry from the spin basket and suck as much water as possible out of the washer tub using the wet/dry shop vacuum. Place towels in front of the washer to catch water that may flow out of the filter housing as you remove the drain pump filter. Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual to remove the drain pump filter and clear lint and foreign items out of the filter. You may find an item such as a small sock clogging the filter. Clear any lint and debris from the drain pump housing and then reinstall the drain pump filter.

    These expert tips may help your find and fix the problem with your LG ThinQ washer not draining. If you’re still having drain problems after following these troubleshooting steps, schedule washer repair service and we’ll send a technician to fix the washer.

    LG Washer Not Draining All the Way

    An LG washer not draining all the way may have a problem with the water level detector or the electronic control board. Excessive suds in the washer can also cause the problem of your LG washer not draining all the way.

    Check for foam or excessive suds inside the washer. The drain pump can’t pump out excessively sudsy water. Add a half cup of white vinegar and some water to the washer tub and move the clothes around to mix the vinegar and water with the sudsy water to dissipate the excessive suds. Wait 15 minutes then run a Drain & Spin cycle to drain out the water. Run a new cycle with no detergent added to rinse out detergent residue and vinegar from the clothes.

    Use less detergent and make sure that you’re using HE detergent to avoid excessive suds problem when your LG washer is not draining all the way.

    If excessive suds is not causing the partial drain problem, have a service technician diagnose and repair the washer.

    LG Top Load Washer Won’t Drain

    An LG top load washer that won’t drain could have a clogged drain hose, broken drain pump, faulty electronic control board or an internal wiring failure. Excessive suds could also keep an LG top load washer from draining.

    You may be able to fix the problem yourself if the drain failure is caused by a clog in the drain hose. Pull the drain hose out of the stand pipe behind the washer and check for lint or debris clogging the end of the drain hose. Remove media from that area if you find any.

    An internal drain hose clog is more difficult to verify and reach. Use a wet/dry shop vacuum to suck a potential clog of lint and debris out of the drain hose. If the shop vac removes the clog and evacuates the water from the washer tub, then your drain problem is likely fixed. Run a Rinse & Drain cycle on your LG top load washer.

    If the washer still doesn’t drain after performing these troubleshooting steps, schedule repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the problem when your LG top load washer won’t drain.

    LG Washer Drain Pump Not Working

    When your LG washer drain pump is not working, one of these failures may be evident:

    • Bad drain pump motor.
    • Jammed drain pump motor.
    • Defective electronic control board.
    • Wiring failure.

    If you have an LG front load washer, you can pull the drain pump filter out and see if you can free up a jammed drain pump motor.

    Drain all of the water out of the washer by using a wet/dry shop vacuum and remove the wet clothes from the spin basket. Position some towels around the drain pump filter opening in front of the washer to catch water that will likely flow out of the drain pump filter opening when you pull out that filter. Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual to remove the drain pump filter. Clear lint and debris from the drain pump filter and drain pump impeller housing. You may find a small sock or other item jamming up the drain pump impeller.

    If you’re unable to solve the problem of the LG washer drain pump not working, schedule washer repair service to have a service technician fix the washer.

    Steps to Take When Your LG Front Loader is Not Draining

    Taking certain steps when you find your LGE front loader not draining can quickly correct the failure. Follow these steps when your LG front loader washer is not draining:

    1. Check the house drain for the washer to see if it’s clogged. If water won’t flow freely through the washer drain, clear the clog using a plumber’s snake. Have a plumber clear the clog if you’re unable to fix the washer drain yourself.
    2. Clear lint and debris from the end of the drain hose if you find any media blocking the hose.
    3. Use a wet/dry shop vacuum to suck potential lint and debris from the internal parts of the drain hose. If water flows freely through the drain hose into the shop vacuum and you see evidence of a clog inside the shop vac, then you may have solved the drain problem. Run a Drain & Spin cycle to see if the washer drains properly.
    4. Check the drain pump filter for a clog. Remove wet clothes from the washer spin basket and evacuate as much water as possible from the washer tub using the shop vac. Position towels in front of the washer around the drain pump filter opening. Follow the instructions in the owner’s manual to remove the drain pump filter and check for lint and debris in that filter. Clear all debris from that filter and the drain pump housing. Reinstall the drain pump filter and test the washer to see if it drains properly.

    Following these basic troubleshooting steps may help you fix an LG front loader not draining. If not, schedule washer repair service and we’ll send a technician to your home to resolve the draining issue.

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    Glossary Terms

    Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.

    A washing machine pedestal is a platform that raises the washer off the ground, providing easier access to the appliances and often includes additional storage space such as drawers.

    A washer tub is the interior part of a washing machine where clothes are placed for washing, typically made of stainless steel, plastic, or porcelain-coated metal, designed to hold water and withstand the agitation or spinning during the wash cycle.

    Fabric softener is a laundry additive used to soften and freshen clothing, reduce static cling, and make fabrics feel smoother.

    Additional possible LG washer symptoms you may experience