LG · Dishwasher Moderate

OE — Will Not Drain

OE (Outlet Error) means the dishwasher could not drain the water within the expected time. Water is left in the bottom of the tub.

Keep using it?
Yes, with caution
DIY difficulty
Easy
Typical cost
$40-90
Verified against
lg.com ↗

The fix

Drain pump

Drain error - water not draining

$40-90 moderate difficulty 60 min Tools: screwdriver, nut driver, towels

Diagnose first: Clogged filter/sump is most common; failed drain pump motor is next. Check the disposal knockout if recently installed.

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Didn't resolve it? Next suspect: Drain hose / check valve ($15-30)

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How to fix it

  1. Remove and clean the bottom filter and clear the sump of debris.
  2. Check the drain hose for kinks and clear the air gap (if equipped).
  3. If a garbage disposal was recently installed, confirm the knockout plug was removed.
  4. Test/replace the drain pump if it still will not drain.

Why it happens

Typical signs: Standing water in the tub bottom · Dishes not drying · OE on the display

  • Clogged filter or sump Food debris in the bottom filter basket and sump blocks the drain. Clean this first.
  • Clogged or kinked drain hose / air gap A blockage at the drain hose, air gap, or garbage-disposal inlet.
  • Failed drain pump A pump that will not move water.

Related repair guides

Dishwasher Beeping or Lights Flashing — What It Means →Dishwasher Not Draining — How to Fix Standing Water →How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter (And Why Your Dishes Aren't Clean) →How to Clean a Smelly Dishwasher →

More LG dishwasher codes

2H 2H — Delay-start indicator (2 hours remaining) AE AE — Leak Detected (Aqua Error) bE bE — Bubble / oversuds error CE CE — Motor / communication error CL CL — Child lock / control lock active CR CR — Test / calibration mode

All LG codes → All dishwasher codes →

Frequently asked questions

What does the OE code mean on a LG dishwasher?

OE (Outlet Error) means the dishwasher could not drain the water within the expected time. Water is left in the bottom of the tub.

What causes the OE code on a LG dishwasher?

Clogged filter or sump: Food debris in the bottom filter basket and sump blocks the drain. Clean this first. Clogged or kinked drain hose / air gap: A blockage at the drain hose, air gap, or garbage-disposal inlet. Failed drain pump: A pump that will not move water.

Is it safe to keep using a LG dishwasher with a OE error?

Yes, with caution. This is rated a moderate-severity fault.

How do I fix OE on a LG dishwasher?

Remove and clean the bottom filter and clear the sump of debris. Check the drain hose for kinks and clear the air gap (if equipped). If a garbage disposal was recently installed, confirm the knockout plug was removed.

Always unplug an appliance before servicing it. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a qualified technician. Verified against manufacturer documentation: lg.com.