How to Drain LG Washer: Step-by-Step Guide

 

 

 

Draining your LG washer is a critical part of both regular maintenance and troubleshooting common issues. Whether you’re dealing with a drainage error or performing routine cleaning, understanding how to manually drain your washer can save you time and prevent potential water damage. This guide will walk you through the process of safely and efficiently draining your LG washer, whether it’s a front-load or top-load model.

Introduction to Draining an LG Washer

Draining your washer might seem like a rare task, but it’s essential when the machine malfunctions, displays an error code, or needs maintenance. Knowing how to manually drain your LG washer can help avoid problems like water overflow, stagnant water, or further complications due to blockages.

Understanding When and Why to Drain Your LG Washer

There are several situations when draining your washer becomes necessary:

• Error Codes: If your LG washer displays an error code like OE (drainage error) or DE (door error), this often indicates that water isn’t draining properly.
• Washer Maintenance: Draining is also required during maintenance tasks like cleaning the drain pump filter or inspecting hoses for blockages.
• Power Outage: If your washer stops mid-cycle due to a power outage, you may need to drain it before resuming or resetting the cycle.

Preparing to Drain Your LG Washer

Before you start draining your washer, make sure you have everything you need:

• Tools and Supplies: A shallow pan or bucket, towels or rags, and a small bowl for collecting water from the drain hose.
• Safety Precautions: Always unplug the washer from the power source before beginning any maintenance or repairs to avoid electric shock. If the washer is heavy, ensure it’s properly secured and avoid moving it alone.

How to Manually Drain an LG Washer

Manually draining your LG washer involves accessing the drain pump filter and using the emergency drain hose. This process is slightly different depending on whether you have a front-load or top-load washer.

Front-Load Washers

1. Locate the Drain Pump Filter: The drain pump filter is typically located behind a small door on the lower front panel of your washer.
2. Open the Filter Door: Place a shallow pan or towel under the door to catch any water that spills out. Open the door and pull out the emergency drain hose.
3. Drain Using the Emergency Hose: Slowly remove the cap from the emergency hose and allow the water to drain into the pan or bowl.
4. Clean the Drain Pump Filter: Once the water has drained, twist off the drain pump filter and clean it out. Make sure to remove any debris or lint that could be blocking water flow.
5. Replace the Filter and Cap: After cleaning, replace the filter and screw the cap back onto the emergency hose.

Top-Load Washers

For top-load washers, you may not have an emergency drain hose. Instead, you’ll need to:

1. Turn Off the Power: Unplug the washer.
2. Manually Drain the Tub: Use a cup or small bowl to scoop water from the tub until it’s empty, or disconnect the drain hose at the back of the machine and allow the water to drain into a bucket.

Steps to Drain Water from the Washer Tub

If your washer is still full of water, follow these steps:

1. Pause or Cancel the Cycle: If your washer is stuck mid-cycle, press the cancel or pause button. This might allow the machine to drain automatically.
2. Check for Blockages: If the washer isn’t draining, check the drain hose and pump filter for blockages.
3. Use the Drain Hose: If necessary, follow the instructions for manually draining the washer using the emergency drain hose or manually scooping the water out.

How to Clear a Blocked Drain Hose

One of the most common reasons for poor drainage is a clogged drain hose. To clear the blockage:

1. Disconnect the Hose: Unplug the washer and disconnect the drain hose from the back.
2. Inspect for Blockages: Look inside the hose for any clogs. You can use a flexible wire or a brush to clear it out.
3. Reconnect the Hose: After clearing the hose, reconnect it and run a test cycle to ensure the washer drains properly.

Troubleshooting Common Drainage Issues

If your washer still isn’t draining properly, there could be an underlying issue. Common problems include:

• OE Error Code: This indicates a drainage issue. Follow the steps above to manually drain the washer and check for blockages.
• Slow Drainage: If water drains slowly, the pump filter or drain hose might be partially blocked. Clean both to resolve the problem.
• Incomplete Drainage: If the washer stops before draining completely, you may need to reset the machine or check for motor issues.

How to Clean and Maintain the Drain Pump Filter

Cleaning the drain pump filter is crucial to ensure proper drainage and avoid foul odors.

1. Turn Off the Washer: Always unplug the washer before cleaning.
2. Access the Pump Filter: Locate the pump filter behind the front panel (for front-load models).
3. Remove and Clean the Filter: Twist off the filter, clean out any debris, and rinse it under running water.
4. Reinstall the Filter: Once clean, replace the filter securely.

When to Replace the Drain Pump

If your washer still won’t drain after clearing the hose and filter, the drain pump itself might be faulty. Signs that the pump needs replacing include:

• Loud Noises: A faulty pump may make loud or unusual noises during the drain cycle.
• No Drainage: If the pump has completely failed, the washer will not drain at all.

To replace the drain pump:

1. Unplug the Washer: Ensure the machine is powered off.
2. Access the Pump: Remove the front or back panel to locate the drain pump.
3. Disconnect and Replace the Pump: Disconnect the old pump and install a new one. Follow your washer’s manual for detailed instructions.

Understanding Drainage in Different LG Washer Models

Different LG washer models may have slight variations in the drainage system:

• Front-Load Models: Typically have an emergency drain hose and easily accessible pump filters.
• Top-Load Models: May not have an emergency drain hose, so manual draining is necessary.

Always consult your model’s manual for the most accurate instructions on draining and maintenance.

Regular Maintenance to Prevent Drainage Problems

Regular maintenance is key to avoiding future drainage issues:

• Clean the Pump Filter: Make it a habit to clean the drain pump filter every 6-8 weeks to prevent blockages.
• Inspect Hoses: Regularly check the drain hose for signs of wear, blockages, or kinks.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve tried all troubleshooting steps and your washer still won’t drain, it might be time to call an LG technician. Some issues, like electrical malfunctions or severe blockages, require professional repair.

FAQ Section

Q1: Why is my LG washer not draining?
A1: This could be due to a clogged drain hose, a blocked pump filter, or a faulty drain pump.

Q2: Can I manually drain my LG washer?
A2: Yes, you can manually drain it using the emergency drain hose on front-load models or by scooping water from the tub on top-load models.

Q3: How often should I clean the drain pump filter?
A3: It’s recommended to clean the filter every 6-8 weeks to prevent blockages.

Q4: What does the OE error code mean?
A4: The OE error code indicates a drainage problem, usually caused by a clogged hose or pump filter.

Q5: How do I clear a blocked drain hose?
A5: Disconnect the hose, inspect it for blockages, and clear it with a flexible wire or brush.

Q6: When should I replace the drain pump?
A6: If the washer makes loud noises or fails to drain even after clearing blockages, the pump may need replacement.

Conclusion
Draining your LG washer doesn’t have to be a complicated process. By following this guide, you can safely and efficiently drain your washer, troubleshoot common drainage issues, and keep it running smoothly. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent drainage problems and extend the life of your washer.