How to Drain Water from an LG Washing Machine: A Pro’s Guide
Draining your LG washing machine might seem like a mundane task, until you’re staring down a tub full of stubbornly stagnant water. Whether it’s due to a power outage, a clogged drain, or a simple machine malfunction, knowing how to manually drain your LG washer is crucial for preventing damage and getting your laundry routine back on track. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough, equipping you with the knowledge to tackle this common household hurdle like a seasoned professional.
Step-by-Step Guide to Draining Your LG Washer
The primary method for draining your LG washing machine involves accessing the drain pump filter and utilizing the drain hose. This process might vary slightly depending on your specific model, but the core principles remain consistent.
Safety First: Always unplug your washing machine from the power outlet before attempting any maintenance. This is paramount to avoid electrical shock.
Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need a few essential items:
- A shallow pan or towels to catch any spilled water. Expect some leakage.
- A flathead screwdriver or a coin to open the drain pump filter access panel.
- A bucket large enough to hold a significant amount of water.
- Gloves (optional, but recommended for hygiene).
Locate the Drain Pump Filter Access Panel: This is usually located at the bottom front of your washing machine, often behind a small access door. Consult your owner’s manual if you’re unsure of its exact location.
Prepare for the Flood: Position the shallow pan or towels directly in front of the access panel to catch any initial spillage. Remember, gravity is not your friend in this situation.
Open the Access Panel: Use the flathead screwdriver or coin to gently pry open the access panel. Be cautious not to damage the surrounding plastic.
Locate the Drain Hose (If Applicable): Some LG models have a separate, small emergency drain hose alongside the drain pump filter. If your model has this, carefully pull it out.
Drain Using the Emergency Hose (If Available): If you find an emergency drain hose, remove the stopper from the end of the hose. Direct the hose into your bucket and let the water drain. Be prepared to periodically empty the bucket as it fills. This method is generally slower but cleaner.
Access the Drain Pump Filter: If there’s no separate hose, or after draining the hose, slowly unscrew the drain pump filter counterclockwise. Be prepared for a rush of water as you loosen it. Control the flow by tightening and loosening the filter, allowing the water to drain gradually into your pan or bucket.
Inspect and Clean the Drain Pump Filter: Once most of the water is drained, completely remove the filter. Inspect it for any obstructions like lint, hair, small objects (coins, buttons), or debris. Clean the filter thoroughly under running water. A clogged filter is a common cause of drainage problems.
Reinstall the Drain Pump Filter: After cleaning, securely reinstall the drain pump filter by screwing it in clockwise until it’s snug. Do not overtighten.
Replace the Emergency Drain Hose Stopper (If Applicable): If you used the emergency drain hose, replace the stopper securely.
Close the Access Panel: Replace the access panel and ensure it’s properly secured.
Plug the Washing Machine Back In: Once everything is back in place and dry, plug your washing machine back into the power outlet.
Run a Test Cycle: Run a short rinse and spin cycle to ensure the washer is draining correctly. Keep an eye out for any leaks around the drain pump filter.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully drain your LG washing machine and address common drainage issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 12 frequently asked questions regarding draining your LG washing machine, designed to provide further clarification and troubleshooting tips.
1. Why is my LG washing machine not draining?
Several factors can cause drainage problems. The most common include a clogged drain pump filter, a kinked or blocked drain hose, a faulty drain pump, or an issue with the pressure switch. Check these components systematically to identify the culprit.
2. How often should I clean the drain pump filter?
It’s generally recommended to clean the drain pump filter every 1-3 months, depending on your washing frequency and the type of laundry you typically wash. If you notice drainage problems, clean it immediately.
3. Can I use a wet/dry vacuum to drain the water?
While tempting, using a wet/dry vacuum directly inside the washing machine drum is not recommended. This could damage the vacuum or the washing machine’s internal components. Stick to the manual draining methods described above.
4. What if I can’t find the drain pump filter access panel?
Consult your owner’s manual. It contains a diagram and detailed instructions specific to your LG washing machine model. The location can vary slightly between models.
5. What if the drain pump filter is stuck and won’t unscrew?
Try applying gentle, even pressure. You can use a rubber glove to improve your grip. If it’s still stuck, try gently tapping around the filter with a rubber mallet to loosen any debris. As a last resort, you can try using a wrench, but be extremely careful not to damage the filter or the surrounding plastic.
6. How do I check for a clogged drain hose?
Disconnect the drain hose from the drainpipe (where it empties). Inspect the hose for any kinks, bends, or blockages. You can try flushing it with water from a garden hose to dislodge any debris.
7. What if the water is hot and I can’t wait for it to cool down?
Exercise extreme caution when draining hot water. Allow the water to cool down as much as possible before attempting to drain it. Wear gloves and use a container that can withstand high temperatures. Consider adding cold water to the drum to speed up the cooling process.
8. How do I know if the drain pump is faulty?
If you’ve checked the filter and the hose and the washer still won’t drain, the drain pump may be faulty. You might hear a humming noise from the pump area, but the pump isn’t actually moving water. A multimeter can be used to test the pump’s continuity, but this requires some electrical knowledge. Replacement might be necessary.
9. What is the pressure switch, and how does it affect draining?
The pressure switch senses the water level in the washing machine. If it malfunctions, it may not signal the machine to drain. Diagnosing a faulty pressure switch typically requires a professional.
10. What if the washing machine starts beeping or displaying an error code during the draining process?
Consult your owner’s manual to identify the meaning of the error code. Common error codes related to drainage include “OE,” “dE,” or similar variations. The manual will provide troubleshooting steps specific to that error code.
11. Can I damage my washing machine by manually draining it?
If done carefully and according to the manufacturer’s instructions, manually draining your washing machine should not cause any damage. However, forcing components or using excessive force can lead to damage. Always proceed with caution.
12. When should I call a professional appliance repair technician?
If you’ve tried the troubleshooting steps outlined above and your washing machine still won’t drain, it’s time to call a professional. Complex issues like a faulty drain pump, a malfunctioning pressure switch, or internal wiring problems require specialized knowledge and tools to diagnose and repair.
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