Step by step
- Turn off power at the breaker or unplug.
- Remove standing water with a cup and towels.
- Clean the filter: twist the cylindrical filter at the bottom of the tub counterclockwise, lift out, and rinse both the fine mesh and the cylinder under hot water with a soft brush.
- Clear the sump: look into the opening for glass, bones, fruit pits and labels.
- Run the disposal if the dishwasher drains into it. A new disposal still has a knockout plug in the dishwasher inlet — it must be removed.
- Air gap: if there is a small chrome cap on the sink, pull it off and clean the inside.
- Drain hose: check under the sink for kinks; make sure it has a high loop or air gap.
- Restore power and run a Rinse or Drain cycle.
When the pump has failed
Clean filter, clear hose and still standing water — and the pump hums or makes no sound — means the drain pump is jammed or failed. See LG dishwasher repair.
Questions
How do I drain my LG dishwasher manually?
Cup out the water, then clean the filter and sump. If you have a wet-dry vacuum, use it to remove the last water from the sump.
Why does my LG dishwasher show OE?
The control did not detect the tub draining in time. A clogged filter, disposal or air gap, a kinked hose, or a failed drain pump are the usual reasons.