You’ve probably faced that sinking feeling when your LG dishwasher won’t drain and water’s still pooling. You don’t have to worry—I’ve been there, and I’ve got the full answer. In this article, you’ll learn how to fully drain your LG dishwasher using clear steps and simple fixes. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do to get that water out and make your dishwasher work like new again.
Check the Filter and Spray Arm
First, open the dishwasher and remove the lower rack. You’ll see a round or square filter basket at the bottom. That’s where food bits and small debris collect. If it gets clogged, water can’t drain. Carefully take out that filter. It might twist or lift out. Rinse it under warm water. Use a soft brush or cloth to scrub away gunk. Don’t use sharp tools because you could damage it.
Next, look at the spray arm above the filter. It has small holes for water jets. If food bits block those holes, water flow is slow and can cause drainage issues. Remove the spray arm if it snaps off or unscrews. Rinse it under warm water, and use a toothpick to clear each hole. Check for any cracks or damage. If it’s broken, you may need a replacement part from LG.
After cleaning, reassemble the spray arm and filter. Put the rack back in. Now run a short rinse cycle and see if the water drains properly. Often, this simple cleaning will fix the problem.
- Remove the lower rack to access filter and spray arm.
- Take out and clean the filter under warm water.
- Remove spray arm and clear holes with a toothpick.
- Inspect parts for damage before reassembly.
- Run a rinse cycle to check drainage.
Inspect the Drain Hose
Your dishwasher drains through a hose that leads to the sink or garbage disposal. If that hose is kinked, blocked, or too high, water can’t flow out. To check this, move the dishwasher away from the wall. Turn off the water and power. Find the drain hose connected to the garbage disposal or sink drain.
Look at the hose path. It should rise up in an “air gap” or loop before dropping to the main drain. This loop prevents dirty water from flowing back. If it’s missing or too low, you must fix it. Also check if the hose is pinched behind the dishwasher or bent sharply. Straighten any kinks so water can flow freely.
Disconnect the hose at both ends. Place a bucket under it and let any water drain out. Inspect the hose interior with a flashlight. If you see debris or buildup, flush the hose with warm water or use a long flexible brush. For stubborn clogs, a bit of baking soda and vinegar can help. Reattach the hose, make sure it loops correctly, and secure all clips.
Now run a short cycle to test drainage. If water flows out smoothly, you’ve solved the problem.
- Pull out dishwasher and power off.
- Check hose routing, ensuring there’s a high loop or air gap.
- Straighten any kinks or sharp bends.
- Disconnect and flush hose to remove blockages.
- Reattach and test with a rinse cycle.
Clean the Sink Air Gap or Garbage Disposal
Even if your dishwasher is fine, the sink side might be causing trouble. LG dishwashers often connect to a sink air gap or directly to the garbage disposal. If either is clogged, water backs up into your dishwasher.
Start with the air gap — that little dome beside your sink faucet. Unscrew the cap and remove any plastic cover. Peal out debris, rinse the parts, and reassemble. You should hear water flow clearly into the disposal when running the dishwasher.
If connected to a garbage disposal, check the knockout plug (a plastic plug inside the inlet). If the disposal is new and you haven’t cleared that plug, water won’t drain. Use a screwdriver to knock it out, then run the disposal for a few seconds to clear buildup. Also clean the disposal flange—remove gunk or sticky residue around the edge where hoses attach.
After these checks, run your dishwasher. If the problem’s gone, you’ve done it.
- Clean the sink air gap cap and inside thoroughly.
- Check for knockout plug in new garbage disposal.
- Knock out plug and clear disposal with a run.
- Remove residue around disposal inlet and hose connection.
- Run dishwasher to confirm flow is clear.
Test the Drain Pump and Filter Housing
When hoses and filters are fine but water still stays behind, the drain pump may be at fault. LG dishwashers have a small electric pump at the base. This pump pushes water out during the drain cycle. If it’s blocked or failed, you must check it.
First, turn off and unplug the dishwasher. Remove the toe kick panel at the bottom. Locate the pump housing, often near the filter area or bottom plate. Carefully open its cover. Inside you’ll see an impeller and small opening. Clean around it—remove gravel, broken glass, or items that fell from the rack.
Next, manually spin the impeller (it may look like a little wheel). It should rotate freely. If it’s stuck or grinding, it’s blocked. Clear the blockage. Reinstall the cover and panel, then test. If it still doesn’t drain, the pump motor itself may be failing. You can multimeter test the motor for continuity if you’re handy. If it’s burnt out, ordering a replacement from LG or a parts supplier is the next step.
After pump repairs or replacement, run a full cycle to check for complete drainage.
- Power off and remove toe kick panel at dishwasher base.
- Locate drain pump housing beneath filter.
- Remove cover and clean out debris.
- Manually spin impeller to ensure free movement.
- Replace pump if motor shows no continuity.
- Test by running a full wash cycle.
Clear the Check Valve and Air Gap
Dishwashers have small internal check valves and air gaps. These valves stop water from flowing back into the machine after draining. But if they jam or stick, they can block drainage.
Unplug the dishwasher and pull out the bottom rack. Remove the filter and spray arm. Look for a round disc or small ball valve inside the base. This is the check valve. It may twist or pop out. Clean it with warm water and check for wear. Make sure it moves freely, then reinsert.
Air gaps can be inside cleaners or built into the filter housing. Clean these too. Rinse with warm water or pump water through to clear muck. Reassemble all parts carefully.
Now, run a test cycle. Water should flow out and not pool inside. If it still sits, the valve may be warped or broken. Contact LG support for a replacement or call a repair service.
- Turn off power and remove racks.
- Locate check valve (disc or ball) in base.
- Clean valve and test freedom of movement.
- Check internal air gaps and rinse clean.
- Replace valve if warped or broken.
- Run test to confirm successful drainage.
Use a Diagnostic Mode and Call for Service
LG dishwashers have a hidden diagnostic mode to check functions. This mode tests drainage pump, valves, sensors, and electronics. Use it to see where the issue lies.
To enter, turn the dishwasher on but not running. Press and hold the “Heated Dry” and “Delay Start” buttons together for 5 seconds. The display shows “tESt” or similar code. Use “Start/Pause” to cycle through different tests until you find the drain test. It’ll buzz and run the pump—listen for the water hum or motor noise.
If the pump hums and water drains, then your pump is fine. If there’s no sound, or it stops early, the drain pump or control board may be failing. Make a note of any error codes shown (like “OE” for overflow or “LE” for leak).
At this point, you can order parts—pump, board, sensors—and install them yourself if you’re handy. But if you’re unsure, call an LG service tech. They’ll use their own diagnostic tools and parts to fix it.
- Enter diagnostic mode by holding “Heated Dry” + “Delay Start.”
- Cycle through tests until drainage test appears.
- Listen for pump motor sound during test.
- Note any error codes like “OE” or “LE.”
- Order parts or contact LG service for repair.
The Summary
- Clean filter and spray arm to restore water flow.
- Inspect and fix drain hose routing and kinks.
- Clear sink air gap and garbage disposal connection.
- Check and clean drain pump impeller and housing.
- Clean internal check valve and air gap passages.
- Use diagnostic mode and order parts or call service.
Final Thoughts
You’ve now got a full guide to draining your LG dishwasher. From clearing simple clogs in the filter to testing its motor in diagnostic mode, you’ve learned every fix step by step. With patient care and following this guide, you can banish standing water for good and restore your dishwasher’s performance. If a part fails, ordering matches from LG or calling a pro will wrap things up so your kitchen works perfectly again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it normal for an LG dishwasher to have some water left after a cycle?
Yes. A bit of water may remain in the sump area to protect the pump seal. This is normal. If more than an inch of water stays, then cleaning the filter or drain hose usually fixes it. If it’s much more, check the drain pump or call service. That small bit of water isn’t a sign of a problem—it keeps parts lubricated between cycles.
Can I use a wire to clear the drain hose myself?
You can, but be careful. Use a flexible drain brush or soft wires only. Harsh tools or strong force can puncture the hose. Instead, detach the hose and flush it with water. Use baking soda and vinegar to clear light clogs. Wire can be risky if it pushes debris into the pump or scratches inside.
Do I need to turn off water supply when cleaning filter?
You don’t have to turn off water supply to clean the filter and spray arm. You just remove and rinse them under your sink’s faucet. Only turn water off if you disconnect hoses or move the dishwasher. Always unplug power before any big work.
Is it safe to run dishwashers without the spray arm?
No. You need the spray arm installed. Running without it means water won’t be sprayed correctly, which could damage the pump. Always reattach the spray arm after cleaning. It’s critical for washing and drainage.
Can I use vinegar in my LG dishwasher to help drainage?
Yes, using white vinegar can help clean buildup in hoses, spray arms, and pump. Pour a cup into the bottom and run a rinse cycle. The mild acid helps dissolve grease and limescale. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals—they can damage plastic and seals.
Do I need professional service if the pump spins but doesn’t drain?
Maybe not. If you hear the pump spin but no water goes out, the issue may be a blocked hose or faulty check valve. Clean those parts first. But if you don’t hear it spin, or error codes show, then it’s time for professional repair. They can replace pumps or boards safely.
Is disconnecting hoses on my own going to void warranty?
If your LG dishwasher is under warranty, self-repair may void it. LG warranty terms vary by region. Check your manual or warranty card. Doing simple cleaning like filters and spray arms is usually fine, but opening the case or replacing parts could void coverage.
Can draining problems lead to mold in dishwasher?
Yes. Standing water encourages mold and odor. That’s why you want to clear it quickly. Clean filters and run a vinegar rinse to disinfect. Leave the door slightly open after cycles so moisture dries and mold can’t grow. Routine cleaning prevents health issues.
