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LG washer OE code: drain error

Urgency
Medium
Who can fix it
Easy DIY
Time
About 30 min
Repair cost
$150–$350

The washer could not drain within the expected time. A clogged drain pump filter or a kinked drain hose causes most OE codes.

Likely causes

Listed from most to least common.

  1. Drain pump filter clogged with lint, coins or small items
  2. Drain hose kinked, crushed or pushed too far into the standpipe
  3. House drain or standpipe blocked
  4. Drain hose frozen in a cold room
  5. Drain pump failed

How to fix the OE code

Unplug the washer or switch it off at the breaker before removing any panel or filter.

  1. Step 1: Unplug and prepare

    Unplug the washer and put towels and a shallow pan in front of it. Expect water to come out.

  2. Step 2: Open the bottom-left panel

    On front-load models, open the small cover at the bottom left. Pull out the drain tube, remove its cap and drain the water into the pan.

  3. Step 3: Clean the pump filter

    Turn the filter counterclockwise to remove it. Clear lint and debris, rinse it and screw it back in firmly.

  4. Step 4: Check the drain hose

    Straighten any kinks. The hose end should sit no more than about 8 inches into the standpipe so water can flow freely.

  5. Step 5: Run Rinse + Spin

    Plug the washer in and run Rinse + Spin. If it drains, the OE code will clear.

You'll need: Towels, shallow pan, flashlight.

Parts that may need replacing

Check your model number on the label inside the door or on the back before ordering.

When to call a technician

If the filter and hose are clear and the pump is silent or only hums, the drain pump likely needs replacing.

A typical repair for this code costs $150–$350 in the US, including parts and labor. Prices vary by area and model.

Models this applies to

  • Front-load washers (WM series)
  • Top-load washers (WT series)
  • WashTower and washer-dryer combos

Codes can differ slightly between models. Your owner's manual is the final word and is available from LG support.

Common questions

›Does an LG top-load washer have a drain filter?

Most LG top-load washers do not have a filter you can reach. Check the drain hose and standpipe, then call a technician if the code continues.

›Why does OE come back after I clean the filter?

The blockage may be further along, in the hose or the house drain, or the pump itself may be failing.

Did this fix work?

All LG washer codes

OE on other washer brands