OE Drain error - water not draining

moderate

The Lg OE error code on your dishwasher indicates: Drain error - water not draining. This typically requires troubleshooting the drain system.

LG Dishwasher Affects 3 models

What Causes Error OE

high likelihood #1

Clogged drain filter or hose

Food debris, grease, or mineral deposits are blocking the drain path.

medium likelihood #2

Drain pump failure

The pump that pushes water out has burned out or is jammed with debris.

medium likelihood #3

Kinked or pinched drain hose

The drain hose running to the sink or disposal is bent, preventing flow.

low likelihood #4

Garbage disposal knockout plug

If recently installed with a new disposal, the knockout plug inside the disposal inlet may not have been removed.

How to Fix Error OE

  1. Step 1: Cancel the cycle and drain manually

    Cancel the running cycle. If there's standing water, you may need to manually scoop or siphon it out.

  2. Step 2: Clean the drain filter

    Remove the filter at the bottom of the tub (usually twists out). Rinse it under running water and scrub away any buildup. This is the #1 fix for drain errors.

  3. Step 3: Check the drain hose

    Pull the appliance away from the wall. Follow the drain hose from the appliance to where it connects to your plumbing. Straighten any kinks. Disconnect and blow through it to check for clogs.

  4. Step 4: Check the garbage disposal connection

    If your drain hose connects to a garbage disposal, run the disposal with water flowing to clear any blockage. If it's a new disposal, make sure the knockout plug was removed.

    ⚠️ Never put your hand in a garbage disposal.

  5. Step 5: Test the drain pump

    Listen during a drain cycle — you should hear humming. If silent, the pump may be dead. If humming but not pumping, it may be jammed with glass or debris.

  6. Step 6: Replace the drain pump

    If the pump has failed, order a replacement. It's usually held by 2-3 screws at the bottom of the unit.

Parts You Might Need

If troubleshooting doesn't resolve error OE, you may need to replace one of these parts:

Drain Pump

pump $25-$70
Find on Amazon PartSelect

Drain Hose

hose $10-$25
Find on Amazon PartSelect

Drain Filter/Sump Assembly

filter $15-$40
Find on Amazon PartSelect

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When to Call a Professional

If you cannot access the drain pump, if there are signs of a leak under the unit, or if the problem involves plumbing beyond the appliance

  • Plumbing issues beyond the appliance require different expertise
  • Leaks can cause water damage to floors and cabinets
  • Some drain pumps are difficult to access without disassembly

Video Repair Guides

Watch a repair walkthrough for this error code on YouTube:

▶ Search YouTube for "LG dishwasher error OE fix"

Models Affected

This error code has been reported on the following LG dishwasher models:

LDP6810SSLDTS5552SLDT7808SS