How to Drain an LG Washer
An LG washer holds water after a cycle for a reason: the drain pump or hose is blocked, the pump filter is clogged, or a sensor thinks the tub is still full. Start with the simplest fixes and work up to a full service flush so the machine runs clean and the clothes come out dry.
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Drain an LG Top-Load Washer
Unplug the machine. Pull the drain hose from the standpipe or wall and place it in a floor drain or bucket. If water does not flow out by gravity, lower the hot and cold taps, then tilt the unit back gently to drain the hose. Check the drain pump filter behind the front access panel for lint, coins, or small items, and clean it out. Run a rinse cycle with the drain hose lowered to confirm water leaves freely.
Drain an LG Front-Load Washer
Start the machine and run only the spin cycle. If it fails to drain, pause it and open the door to check for trapped items around the inner lip or in the drain pump. Many LG front-loaders have a drain-and-spin option on the dial or menu; run that cycle first. If water remains, locate the drain pump filter, usually at the bottom front behind a panel, and remove debris before running another drain cycle.
Use the Emergency Drain
If the machine will not start a drain cycle, use the emergency drain hose to manually remove water. Unplug the washer, pull out the small drain tube at the bottom front, place a shallow pan or towel beneath it, and let the water flow out slowly. Replace the hose and run a test cycle.
Preventive Maintenance
Clean the drain pump filter after every few loads and wipe the door seal on front-loaders to prevent mold. Check the drain hose for kinks or clogs, especially after draining standing water, and run a maintenance wash monthly.
| Where the water is | How to access it | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Lower front panel | Remove bottom panel or turn drain hose | Let water flow into a pan or bucket |
| Drain pump filter | Open front or rear access panel | Remove filter, clear debris, and run a drain cycle |
| Emergency drain tube | Unplug washer and pull tube out | Place pan under and allow water to drain |
When the Washer Still Will Not Drain
If water remains after clearing the filter and hose, the pump motor or control board may be faulty. Contact LG service or a technician to inspect the unit, especially if it is under warranty or showing error codes.
- Check for error codes on the display and refer to the user manual
- Do not use the washer until standing water is removed to prevent mold and odors
- Inspect the drain hose for kinks or blockages before calling a technician
- Run a maintenance wash after clearing debris to confirm the drain works