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LG Dishwasher OE Error: Causes & Fixes

On an LG dishwasher, OE means the appliance detected that water is not draining out of the tub. LG's first checks are the internal filter and the drain hose.

Before you work on your dishwasher

  • Power: Unplug the dishwasher or switch off its circuit breaker before removing panels or touching wiring.
  • Water: Turn off the water supply valve before disconnecting hoses or the inlet valve.
  • Heat: Water and the heating element can be hot right after a cycle; let the dishwasher cool first.
  • Sharp debris: Wear gloves when reaching into the filter or sump; broken glass often collects there.
  • Stop: If you smell burning, see smoke or sparks, or find water near wiring, switch off the breaker and call a technician.
  • Hot water and steam scald risk: Open the dishwasher door carefully during or right after a cycle. Hot water or steam can escape and cause burns; wait until water noises stop and steam subsides before fully opening the door.
  • Sharp debris near the filter and drain pump: Wear gloves and use caution when removing the filter, pump cover, or other parts for cleaning; broken glass or other sharp debris can collect near the drain pump impeller.

What causes LG OE

  1. Filter, tub, or sump blocked by food debris: Food debris or foreign objects caught in the tub, the filter, or the sink air gap can stop an LG dishwasher from draining and produce OE. Difficulty 1/5.
  2. Drain hose crushed or kinked under the sink: A drain hose crushed or kinked by objects stored under the sink prevents the dishwasher from draining; LG describes the hose as usually white or gray. Difficulty 1/5.
  3. Sink air gap or garbage disposal clogged: A clogged sink air gap or in-sink garbage disposal blocks the dishwasher's drain path and is one of LG's listed checks for OE. Difficulty 1/5.
  4. Knockout plug still in the garbage disposal inlet: When a garbage disposal is new, or a dishwasher is connected to one for the first time, the knockout plug can still be closing the disposal's drain-hose opening; LG says the plug must be removed by an installer or plumber. Difficulty 1/5.
  5. Drain hose too long, extended, or at the wrong height: A drain hose that is longer than LG's 12-foot limit, extended, or routed outside the 12-to-40-inch height window can leave water in the tub and produce OE, which is why LG lists it as an installation check when OE appears on the first cycles. Difficulty 2/5.
  6. Drain pump failing or blocked: A failing drain pump leaves standing water or empties the tub slowly, and can hum or squeal while it runs; a healthy pump clears the water in a few minutes. Difficulty 1/5.

Find the cause of OE on your dishwasher

Step-by-step checks for LG OE

Check the air gap and disposal connection

About 15 minutes

  1. Lift the air gap cover off the sink deck and remove the plastic cap underneath it.
  2. Look down into the air gap and clear any debris out with a toothpick or brush.
  3. If the dishwasher drains into a garbage disposal, run the disposal with cold water to clear it.
  4. Refit the cap and cover.

Check the drain hose under the sink

About 10 minutes

  1. Open the cabinet under the sink and find the dishwasher drain hose, usually white or gray.
  2. Move stored objects off the hose.
  3. Follow the hose and look for crushed sections, tight bends, or kinks.
  4. Straighten any bends so water can flow freely.

Clean the filter and clear the tub

About 20 minutes

  1. Open the door and let the water and interior cool before reaching in.
  2. Scoop out standing water with a cup and sponge, and remove larger food debris from the tub.
  3. Turn the mesh filter counterclockwise and lift it out.
  4. Rinse the filter under running water with a soft brush until the mesh is clear.
  5. Look into the sump opening for broken glass or hard debris; lift debris out with tongs rather than bare fingers.
  6. Refit the filter, turn it clockwise to lock, and run a cycle to see whether OE returns.

Force a drain and watch the water

About 10 minutes

  1. Check the control panel for a CANCEL & DRAIN option; on LG dishwashers it is activated by pressing and holding two buttons at once.
  2. If the model has no CANCEL & DRAIN option, start a cycle, let it run for 45 seconds, then power the unit off.
  3. Watch the water in the tub and listen to the pump while it runs.

How to fix LG OE

Clean the air gap and disposal

About 20 minutes · Difficulty 1/5

  1. Remove the air gap cover and the cap under it.
  2. Clear debris out of the air gap with a toothpick or brush.
  3. Run the garbage disposal with cold water if the dishwasher drains into it.
  4. Refit the cap and cover, then run a cycle.

Clear the filter, tub, and sump

About 25 minutes · Difficulty 1/5

  1. Let the interior cool, then scoop out standing water.
  2. Remove the mesh filter counterclockwise and clean it under running water with a soft brush.
  3. Lift out food debris and any broken glass from the sump with tongs.
  4. Refit and lock the filter, then run a cycle to confirm OE is gone.

Free the drain hose

About 15 minutes · Difficulty 1/5

  1. Clear stored objects off the drain hose under the sink.
  2. Straighten any bends or kinks so water can flow freely.
  3. Run a cycle and confirm the tub empties.

Bring the drain hose back within LG's limits

About 45 minutes · Difficulty 2/5

  1. Measure the drain hose: LG limits it to 12 feet and allows no extensions.
  2. Check where the hose end sits: it must be at least 12 inches and no more than 40 inches above the base of the appliance.
  3. Re-route or secure the hose so it meets both limits, following the installation guide.
  4. Run a cycle and confirm the tub empties.

When to call a technician about LG OE

  • Request repair service for OE
  • Have the disposal knockout plug removed

Sources

  1. Dishwasher SP.. Instruction Manual, Bosch Home Appliances US (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  2. Dishwasher SHSM63****, SHS863****, SHS843****, SHVM63****, SHV863**** Operating Instructions, Bosch Home Appliances US (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  3. Dishwasher SMS6HAI01A User Manual, Bosch Home Appliances US (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  4. Dishwasher Not Draining - iFixit Troubleshooting, iFixit (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  5. How to Fix an LG Dishwasher That Is Not Draining (OE Error), LG Electronics USA (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  6. LG Dishwashers - Troubleshooting an OE Error Code, LG Electronics USA Support (retrieved 2026-09-19)

Last updated September 29, 2026 · facts last verified September 19, 2026 · How we source and verify

Guidance only; follow your appliance manual and local codes. If anything looks unsafe, stop and call a qualified technician. Safety disclaimer