Your washer may have been previously working completely fine up to this wash cycle. And now you found your LG washer not draining. If this is your first time encountering a problem like this, you shouldn’t worry. There are easy ways to determine exactly what caused the problem and fix it. Here are some of the most common reasons why your washing machine won’t drain.
6 Reasons Your LG Washer Won’t Drain
1. Drain Hose Kinked Or Clogged
Do you clean the drain hose in your washer at least once a month? If you don’t, the reason why the machine might not be draining could be due to a debris buildup in the hose. Both lint and debris from your clothes will build up in the drain hose gradually until the point they prevent the flow of water.
How to Clean a Drain Hose
Before you clean the drain hose, make sure that it’s not kinked or twisted in any spot. If it is, you should straighten the hose. Once you’re done with that, you should grab a drain snake and slowly start removing the lint and debris from the hose. Note that you’ll most likely need to grab a screwdriver and remove the rear panel of the machine to disconnect the drain hose.
2. Clean The Drain Pump Filter
Debris doesn’t only build up in the drain hose, but in the drain pump filter as well. As long as the filter is not damaged, you’ll be able to ensure your washer keeps working simply by cleaning this component.
Cleaning a Drain Pump Filter
You will have to remove the drain pump filter from the washer to clean it properly. This component is located either in the front or the back of the washer, depending on the model. In most cases, you’ll find it in the bottom right corner of the machine. Grab a cloth and use it to wipe the filter. You can also soak the component in soapy water before returning it to its original position.
3. Door Lock Failed on Front-Loading Washer
The door lock on your front-loading washer can fail at any time. You might start to panic when you see your clothes submerged in water with no way to get them out. Nevertheless, there are ways to bypass the door lock and access your clothes.
How to Open a Locked Door on Your LG Washer
The easiest method for bypassing a door lock in your washer is to simply unplug the appliance and let it sit for five minutes. Depending on the model of your washing machine, this could automatically undo the latch and allow you to open the door. If this doesn’t work, I suggest that you try gently striking the door handle with your hand. Keep doing that until you loosen the latch and are able to open the door.
4. Lid Switch Failed on Top-Loading Washer
In case you have a top-loading washer, you most likely noticed that you can’t start a wash cycle if the lid is open. The reason behind this is the lid switch, which is a safety component present in washing machines to prevent potential injuries. However, the lid switch may become defective over time and prevent your washer from draining.
How to Replace a Defective Lid Switch
It doesn’t take much time or expertise to replace a defective lid switch on a top-loading washing machine. Here is a short guide on how to replace this component.
- You should begin by shutting off the power to your LG washing machine.
- Remove any screws and bolts that secure the top lid of the machine. After you’ve finished that, remove the top lid.
- Search for a small plastic box, which represents the lid switch. Disconnect it from the wires it’s connected to and unscrew the screws that hold it in place.
- Install the replacement lid switch and reassemble the machine.
If you’re looking for more information on how to replace a lid switch, you should check out the video below.
5. Drain Pump Failed
The drain pump might be causing your problem. To determine whether that’s the case, you should check whether there is any noticeable damage to the pump.
Inspecting a Faulty Drain Pump
To check whether the drain pump is in good condition, you will have to touch its impellers with your hands. They are located in the drain outlet. To reach them, you’ll have to remove certain parts of the washer. In case you have a front-loading washer, remove the back panel. If you have a top-loading machine, remove the front panel. You will need to remove the drain hose and the belt connecting the motor to the pump. After you do this, you’ll be able to reach the drain outlet and inspect the impellers. If you notice they’re broken, it means that the drain pump is defective.
6. Defective Motor
Do you notice a burning smell when your washing machine is running? If you do, there’s a good chance that the motor inside the machine is defective. Another sign that there are issues with the motor is if you hear a screeching sound coming from the machine.
How to Test a Defective Motor
You will need to test the motor for continuity to check whether it’s in good shape or not. Put on a pair of insulated work gloves and grab a screwdriver to begin the process.
- Your first step should be to shut the power off to the washer.
- Now grab your screwdriver and unscrew the screws that secure the rear panel.
- Remove the rear panel and you’ll instantly see the motor. Unscrew the screws that secure it and disconnect it from the wires it’s attached to.
- You’ll now need to get a multimeter and set it to the resistance setting.
- Connect the leads of the multimeter to the terminals of the motor.
- If you get a reading of 0, your motor is working properly. If you get a reading of infinity or a high number, you’ll have to replace the motor.
Are you looking for a visual guide on how to test a defective washer motor with a multimeter? If so, you should check out the video below.
How to Drain An LG Washer Manually
There are two different methods you can use to drain your washing machine manually. The first method should be used only for top-loading washers, while the second approach is for front-loading models.
How to Drain a Top-Loading LG Washer
You will need to grab a bucket before you start draining your washer. The bigger the bucket the better. All you’ll have to do to get the water out of the machine is disconnect the drain hose and lower it into the bucket. Once the bucket is full empty it and repeats the process until you’ve drained the washer.
Draining a Front-Loading LG Washing Machine
Most front-loading washers do not feature a drain hose. Instead, they have only a drain pump filter. In case you have a washing machine like this, you’ll have to turn the knob on the filter slowly until the water begins to come out. Catch the water in a bucket and repeat the process until the washer is drained.
LG Washer Not Draining – FIXED
If you realize that your LG washer is not draining, it’s important to remember that you can drain it manually. After you do that, you can start inspecting different components to find out what’s causing the problem. In most cases, your washing machine is not draining due to a clogged drain hose or pump filter. However, a defective motor or door lock can also be causing the issue.
Andy has over 8 years of experience working on residential household appliances, performing diagnostics, and repairs across most major brands. He graduated from the Denver Institute of Technology, is NASTeC certified, and has worked for Mr. Appliance. Andy has contributed to features on major publications including Better Home & Gardens, Family Handyman, and Yahoo.com.
