LG Washer Won’t Drain but Makes Noise: Quick Fixes and Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction: Why this problem matters and what you will learn
If your LG washer won’t drain but makes noise, I get it, this is maddening and messy. You end up with a tub full of water, a strange grinding or humming, and the worst part, no clue where to start. Fixing this quickly can save you a service fee and a laundry pile that grows by the hour.
Those noises are clues. A high pitched hum usually means the drain pump is trying to turn but is jammed by a coin or sock. A gurgle points to a clogged drain hose. A loud clank could be a broken pump blade or a foreign object hitting the drum. Real world example, I once pulled a safety pin from the pump filter and the washer drained instantly.
This guide gives step by step troubleshooting you can do with basic tools, and safety first, always unplug the machine and shut off water. You will learn how to check error codes, clear the pump filter, inspect the drain hose and test the drain pump, so you can decide whether to repair or call a pro.
Safety first: Before you open the washer
Unplug the machine and turn off the water supply at the shutoff valves before opening the cabinet. Have a bucket, towels, screwdriver, and pliers ready. Wear gloves and safety glasses for sharp edges or dirty water. If the LG washer won’t drain but makes noise, or you see sparking from drain pump, call a pro and avoid working alone.
How an LG washer drains and why noise points to specific problems
Inside an LG washer the drain pump pulls water out of the tub, pushes it through a small filter or coin trap, then forces it out the drain hose into the standpipe. The impeller on the pump does the pushing, and the pump motor spins the impeller. If anything blocks that flow, the machine will try to drain and make noise instead of moving water.
Different noises point to different problems. A steady hum with no water usually means the pump motor is running but the impeller is jammed or stripped. A grinding or rattling noise often means a foreign object caught the impeller. Gurgling or slow draining points to a clogged hose or household drain.
To diagnose, run a drain or spin cycle with the tub empty, open the access panel if safe, and listen near the pump. Remove the coin trap and inspect for coins, hair, or debris. If you hear a metallic clank, check for coins. If the pump hums but nothing comes out, replace the drain pump.
Quick diagnostic checklist to run in under 15 minutes
If your LG washer won’t drain but makes noise, run this fast checklist in order. You should be able to finish it in under 15 minutes.
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Check the display, note any error codes. OE means drain error, UE means unbalanced load, dE means door issue. Write the code down.
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Run a Spin Drain cycle. Does the drum spin and water try to exit, or do you only hear humming or grinding? Humming usually points to a blocked pump; grinding suggests a damaged pump or motor bearing.
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Inspect water level and suds. Too many suds can prevent draining. If so, add a cup of water and let another spin cycle run to flush suds.
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Look at the drain hose. No kinks, no clogs, and not pushed too far into the standpipe. Remove and blow through it if you suspect blockage.
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Open the pump access or coin trap if your model has one. Remove visible debris, coins, socks, or hair that can jam the pump.
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Check the door latch. If the washer thinks the door is open it will not drain; a faulty latch shows as dE on the display.
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Do a power reset. Unplug or flip the breaker for 60 seconds, then restart. If the problem persists, record symptoms and error codes before calling service.
Top 5 causes an LG washer makes noise but will not drain
If your LG washer won’t drain but makes noise, these five culprits cover almost every real world case. Quick checks will point you to the fix.
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Clogged pump filter. A sock, coin, or lint ball often blocks the mesh filter behind the lower front access panel. Example: take out the cap, catch water with a towel, and pull debris free. If water pours slowly, the filter is the problem.
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Jammed pump impeller. Small objects can jam the impeller so the pump hums or grinds while trying to spin. Tip: remove the filter, shine a flashlight into the pump housing, and rotate the impeller with pliers to feel resistance.
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Blocked drain hose. Kinks, crushed sections, or a clog near the standpipe cause gurgling and slow draining. Inspect the hose behind the machine for bends and disconnect it to blow air through it if needed.
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Faulty drain pump motor. A loud continuous hum or complete failure to spin often means the motor is failing. If the pump gets power but does not turn, plan to replace the pump assembly.
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Trapped debris in the tub. Coins, hair pins, and detergent pods can lodge between the tub and drum, causing rattles and preventing proper drainage. Run a slow spin and listen, then check under the drum if accessible.
Always unplug the washer before opening panels, and use these sound clues to diagnose faster.
Step-by-step: How to check and clear the drain pump filter
If your LG washer won’t drain but makes noise, start with the drain pump filter. Do this first, it fixes more clogs than anything else.
- Unplug the washer and shut off the water. Place towels and a shallow pan under the lower access panel.
- Open the small door at the front lower right. Pull out the emergency drain tube, open its cap, and drain water into the pan.
- Unscrew the filter cap by turning it counterclockwise. Pull the filter straight out. Expect hair, coins, lint, and small garments.
- Clean the filter with warm water and an old toothbrush. Inspect the impeller behind the filter, remove trapped objects, check for plastic or bra wires.
- Reinsert the filter, hand tighten the cap, close the panel, plug in the washer. Run a drain and spin cycle and listen for noise.
Troubleshooting: if the cap is stuck use channel lock pliers carefully, if the impeller is damaged the pump likely needs replacement, and if drains slowly check the drain hose for kinks or a clogged standpipe.
Inspecting and replacing the drain pump and hose
Start by cutting power to the machine, then set a drain and spin cycle while you listen. If the LG washer won’t drain but makes noise, note the sound: a high pitched whine suggests a blocked impeller, a grinding rattle suggests bearings inside the pump are failing, and a loud hum with no water movement suggests an electrical fault.
Access the pump by removing the back panel or front access panel depending on your model. Visually inspect the pump inlet and the drain hose connection for lint, coins, or fabric pieces. Disconnect the hose from the pump and run water through it with a garden hose or sink tap; if flow is weak, clear the obstruction and un kink the hose.
Test the pump electrically with a multimeter for continuity, and try rotating the impeller by hand to feel resistance. Replace the pump if you smell burning, the impeller is seized, or the multimeter shows no continuity. Basic replacement steps: unplug, drain remaining water, remove hoses and mounting screws, swap in an OEM pump in the same orientation, reconnect everything, restore power, and run a short drain cycle to confirm the fix. Take photos during disassembly to ensure correct reassembly.
When to stop and call a professional or LG support
If you see smoke, smell burning, or water flooding the floor, stop and call a pro immediately. Other red flags include persistent loud grinding, a dead drum while the pump runs, repeated error codes you cannot clear, or a motor that hums but does not spin. Pump repairs often run $100 to $300, motor or control board faults $300 to $700, plus labor. Check your warranty, have model and serial numbers, purchase date, photos or a short video of the noise, error codes, and a list of troubleshooting steps ready for the service call.
Preventive maintenance tips to avoid future drain problems
If your LG washer won’t drain but makes noise, adopt a few simple maintenance habits to prevent repeat problems. Clean the pump filter every month, remove lint and coins. Use HE detergent and measure detergent by the cup, excess suds accelerate pump wear. Do full, balanced loads, avoid stuffing bulky items alone. Run a monthly hot cycle with a cup vinegar to dissolve residues. Inspect and straighten the drain hose and check for kinks. Use a mesh laundry bag for small items. Keep the unit level to reduce vibration and pump failure.
Conclusion and quick action plan
Start with the fastest fixes: unplug the machine, open the coin trap, clear lint and coins, then check the drain hose for kinks. If your lg washer won’t drain but makes noise, removing debris often restores proper draining and stops grinding sounds.
One day action plan:
- Power off and remove water.
- Clean coin trap and pump filter.
- Inspect and straighten the drain hose.
- Run a drain and spin test, listen for the pump motor.
If problems persist, you likely have a faulty pump motor or internal issue, call an LG technician. DIY up to cleaning and swapping a pump if you have basic tools.
