Drain error

Remove the bottom rack and clean the mesh filter assembly at the bottom of the tub — twist the cylindrical filter counterclockwise to remove it
Inspect and clean the flat fine-mesh filter underneath for food debris, broken glass, or grease accumulation
Check the drain hose connection at the garbage disposal or sink drain tailpiece — the knockout plug inside a new disposal must be removed for dishwasher drainage
Verify the drain hose has a high loop (mounted high under the counter) or an air gap fitting — without this, dirty water can siphon back into the dishwasher
If the drain pump hums but water does not drain, debris may be blocking the pump impeller — access from under the unit
Pro Diagnostic Tip
The most commonly overlooked cause of OE on newly installed LG dishwashers is the garbage disposal knockout plug. When a new disposal is installed, the dishwasher drain port has a plastic plug that must be knocked out with a screwdriver and hammer. Forgetting this creates a 100% blockage.
Repair Difficulty
Easy — DIY FriendlyEstimated Repair Cost
$80–$200
Parts + labor. Free diagnosis with repair.
Parts That May Need Replacement
Bearing puller set ($120), drum spider wrench ($85), multimeter ($85), and diagnostic software. Our technician arrives with $15K+ in professional tools — your diagnostic is free.
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Here's what a professional technician does to resolve this issue:
Clean filter and check drain hose
This repair requires bearing pullers, drum spider wrenches, and diagnostic software for control board calibration. Most homeowners find it safer and more cost-effective to have a licensed technician handle it.
High-voltage components and pressurized water lines create flood and shock risk. A single loose fitting can cause thousands in water damage. Our techs are licensed and insured — let them handle the risk.
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Don't let error code OE disrupt your day. A professional diagnosis takes about 30 minutes — and it's free when you proceed with the repair.
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LG error code OE indicates: Drain error. This is a medium-severity issue affecting your dishwasher.
Remove the bottom rack and clean the mesh filter assembly at the bottom of the tub — twist the cylindrical filter counterclockwise to remove it Then, Inspect and clean the flat fine-mesh filter underneath for food debris, broken glass, or grease accumulation Then, Check the drain hose connection at the garbage disposal or sink drain tailpiece — the knockout plug inside a new disposal must be removed for dishwasher drainage There are 2 more steps — see the full troubleshooting guide above. If these steps don't resolve the error, contact a professional.
Besides the error code on the display, common signs include: Standing water in bottom of tub after cycle; Cycle ending with dirty dishes; Gurgling sound during drain phase. If you notice any of these symptoms, check your dishwasher's display panel for error code OE.
Repair costs for LG OE typically range from $80 to $200 depending on the specific cause and parts needed. EasyBear offers free diagnosis when you proceed with the repair. Call (415) 795-7300 for a same-day appointment.