Soaking wet clothes and lingering water in the washer tub are frustrating signs of washing machine draining problems. Wondering why is my LG washer not draining? The wrong detergent or too much of the right one can create excessive suds that hamper draining. Here’s how to troubleshoot quickly and effectively when your washer won’t drain.
Is Your LG Washer Not Draining? Here’s What To Do
While troubleshooting may specify the source of draining problems, how do you fix an LG washer that won’t drain? Though some issues require a professional repair, others can be fixed with a simple adjustment or change to your washer use and practice. Our tips include the right fix for each potential problem.
1. LG Washer Drain Hose is Clogged or Positioned Incorrectly
Drain hose issues are a common reason for an LG washer not draining. These hoses transport used water to your home’s drain pipe or sink but can become clogged by small articles of clothing or debris. Disconnect the hose from the washer and inspect it for blockages. If you find your LG washer drain hose clogged, remove the blockage with a straightened wire hanger. Depending on the location of the clog, the hose may need to be disconnected from the drain pipe or sink as well.
If there are no visible clogs, make sure the hose is properly positioned in the drain pipe or laundry sink, without any kinks. To drain properly, the hose must be 34-96 inches above the floor. Gently straighten any kinks that can block the flow of water or replace the hose if it’s permanently damaged.
2. Wrong Detergent Type or Amount
If you have an HE washer, it’s essential that you use HE detergent. Since these washers use less water, HE detergent is specially formulated to create fewer suds that are more easily drained. Using a non-HE detergent can create an excess of suds that won’t drain as easily and could cause blockages.
Using too much detergent, even if it’s the right type, can also cause an excess of suds that hampers draining. When this happens, you’ll find clothes still wet after wash cycle completes. Refer to your user manual to determine how much detergent is recommended for your particular load. Most washers require only 2 Tbsps of detergent for optimal cleaning.
3. Washer is Not Level
In many cases, a washer won’t spin out all the water if it’s not level. In addition to draining problems, you may also find your washing machine makes noise or vibrates excessively if it’s not leveled properly.
You can use a wrench to raise the legs of your washer up or down, as needed. Place a leveling tool on top of the washer to make sure it’s leveled accurately.
4. Clogged Drain Pump Filter
On front load washers, the drain pump filter screens out debris to prevent it from blocking the drain pump. An LG washer not draining may have a filter that’s clogged with debris, leaving water unable to drain. Fortunately, the filter can be easily cleaned to resolve the problem. Most are located behind a panel on the front right corner of the washer. Twist the filter counterclockwise to remove it, rinse under running water, and replace by turning it clockwise.
5. Clothing Caught in Drain Pump
Like the drain hose, the drain pump is also susceptible to clogs from small clothing items or debris. To facilitate draining, the pump siphons used water from the washer tub through the drain hose. A clogged pump can result in an LG washer not draining completely or at all. This can happen more easily if the drain pump filter is also clogged.
Refer to your user manual to determine how to access the drain pump and inspect it for clogs. Most are located on the bottom of the washer behind a rear panel. If the pump has no visible obstructions but is excessively noisy, it may have malfunctioned and requires professional replacement.
Whether you find your washer not filling with water or not draining properly, D&T Appliance Service Company can help. Call us for a fast and professional repair of any washer issue.
