LG dishwashers (LDF, LDP, LDT, LDS) report drain failures as OE error code. The five causes cover virtually every OE we see in the Twin Cities — filter, pump, hose, check valve, control board.
Reviewed by Mike Larson, Master Appliance Technician · 18+ yrs in-field · Last reviewed
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Quick answer
LG dishwashers fail to drain (OE code) in this order: (1) clogged filter — LG's two-stage filter clogs faster than most because the mesh is finer, (2) drain pump impeller jammed or pump failed, (3) drain hose kinked or installed without a proper high loop, (4) check valve stuck causing back-siphon from disposer, (5) main control board drain relay failed. Most repairs land $185–$385 all-in. Flat $149 trip fee waived on approval. 1-year warranty.
Root causes, ranked by what we find
What it is: LG's two-stage filter (cylindrical + flat) clogs faster than Whirlpool/GE filters. OE within months on heavy-use homes that skip filter cleaning.
Fix: Pull both filter stages, scrub under hot water, vacuum sump, verify drain.
Typical all-in: $185–$245 all-in
What it is: Glass, label, or olive pit in the impeller. Pump hums without flow, or motor open on ohms.
Fix: Clear debris, replace OEM pump if impeller cracked, verify drain rate.
Typical all-in: $285–$385 all-in
What it is: Hose pinched behind cabinet or installed without an 18"+ high loop under the counter — drain water siphons back.
Fix: Re-route with proper high loop or air gap, verify drain.
Typical all-in: $185–$285 all-in
What it is: Disposer water back-siphons into the dishwasher.
Fix: Replace OEM check valve, verify no back-siphon.
Typical all-in: $245–$345 all-in
What it is: Less common — board issues drain command but relay won't close. Confirmed after pump and hose test clean.
Fix: Replace OEM main board, verify drain cycle.
Typical all-in: $385–$485 all-in
Diagnostic order
OE = drain time exceeded. 90% of OE is filter, pump, or hose.
Pull cylindrical + flat filter, scrub mesh, vacuum sump.
Run cancel + drain. Hum without flow = jam or failed pump.
Verify 18-inch high loop, no kinks behind cabinet.
Only after filter / pump / hose tested clean.
FAQs
OE = drain time exceeded. The dishwasher tried to drain for the full window and failed. Most common cause is a clogged filter (5-minute clean) — then a jammed pump, kinked hose, or stuck check valve. Repair $185–$385 all-in.
LG's two-stage filter mesh is finer than most — clean every 4–6 weeks for heavy use, quarterly minimum. Skipping it is the #1 reason for OE codes.
Check valve stuck open lets disposer side water back-siphon into the dishwasher, or no high loop on the drain hose. Both are fixable in one visit.
Yes — LDF, LDP, LDT, LDS, and Signature SDWB units. Same diagnostic; OEM parts on the truck.
$185–$485 all-in. Filter $185–$245, pump $285–$385, hose $185–$285, check valve $245–$345, control board $385–$485. The $149 trip fee credits to repair.
Yes — drain pumps, check valves, filter assemblies, hoses, and main control boards for LDF, LDP, LDT, LDS, and Signature LG dishwashers.
Related coverage
See all LG repair services.
What will this cost?
Trying to decide repair vs. replace? These pages break down real all-in pricing by brand, model class, and failure mode — so you know the number before we knock.
