When you find clothes still wet after wash cycle ends, there’s a good chance a draining problem is impairing your washer. Why is my LG washer not draining? Drain hose issues, from kinks to clogs, are often the culprit. Get to the bottom of LG washer draining problems with these troubleshooting tips.
Why Is My LG Washer Not Draining?
While washer components do malfunction, clogs or the wrong use and care are often behind an LG washer not draining. Here’s how to determine what’s going on and find the right solution.
Drain Hose Issues
The drain hose is located behind the washer and transports used water out of the tub and into a sink or standpipe. One of several possible hose problems is often the reason when a washer won’t drain.
Possible drain hose issues include:
- Incorrect positioning: If the drain hose is too high or low, water won’t siphon correctly, leading to draining issues. Make sure the hose is 34″-96″ above the floor for proper draining.
- Kinks: The drain hose is made of flexible plastic that can kink if pushed against the wall, impeding water flow. Gently straighten any visible kinks and make sure the washer is at least one inch away from the wall.
- Clogs: Excess suds, small articles of clothing or debris can all leave an LG washer drain hose clogged, preventing water from draining. If you suspect a clog, disconnect the drain hose from the washer and carefully remove any obstructions. If the clog is unreachable at either end of the hose, it needs to be replaced.
Too Much or the Wrong Type of Detergent
Using too much detergent or the wrong type can result in an excess of suds that causes draining problems. When too many suds are in the wash tub, an LG washer tries to remove them with additional water and a longer spin cycle. If unsuccessful, the washer won’t spin out all the water and the cycle will stop, leaving water and wet clothes behind. You may also find your washer smells bad when lingering suds develop mold and mildew.
To avoid excess sudsing, always use HE detergent with front loading LG washers. These detergents are specially formulated to create less suds with a front loader’s reduced water usage. Regardless of your washer design, always refer to the package instructions when adding detergent and measure accurately to avoid using too much.
LG Washer Is Not Level
If your washer doesn’t rest evenly on the floor it can cause an imbalance during operation that leads to draining issues. If you notice your LG washer not draining and vibrating excessively, it likely isn’t leveled properly.
Fortunately, LG washer leveling feet can be easily adjusted so they rest evenly on the floor, preventing draining problems. With a wrench, rotate the bolts on the leveling feet, raising or lowering them until the washer is level. Use a carpenter’s level to make sure the washer sits evenly.
Obstructed Drain Pump Filter
Front load washers have a drain pump filter that screens out debris before it reaches the pump or drain hose. However, without regular cleanings, the filter can become clogged and impede draining. How do you fix an LG washer that won’t drain when the filter is blocked? It can easily be cleaned to restore proper draining.
Follow these steps to clean an LG washer drain filter:
- Open the panel door on the bottom left corner of the washer.
- Unclip the drain hose and remove its plug.
- Drain the hose’s water into a shallow bowl.
- Twist the pump filter counterclockwise and slowly remove it.
- Clean the filter with warm, soapy water and a soft brush.
- Cap the drain hose and reattach it.
- Replace the filter, turning it counterclockwise to lock in place.
- Close the panel door.
LG Washer Part Failure
If you still notice your LG washer not draining, a part failure may be responsible.
The following parts can cause draining problems when they fail, requiring a professional LG washer repair:
- Drain pump: The drain pump expels water out of the washer tub and into the drain hose. If it’s impellers are broken or obstructed or its motor fails, water won’t drain.
- Lid switch: As a safety precaution for top loading washers, the lid switch signals the washer to start only when the lid is closed. If it malfunctions, you’ll notice the washer isn’t spinning properly or draining even if the lid is shut.
- Water level switch: This switch monitors the water level inside the washer, signaling the timer and water inlet valve when more or less is needed. If the switch is faulty, you’ll notice the washing machine isn’t filling with water or is filling too much and can’t be drained.
Action Appliance Repair can help with all your LG washer repair needs. Schedule your service today!
