If you have pressed start only to find your lg washing machine not filling with water, you are likely facing a disruption in the water inlet system or a communication failure within the appliance’s sensors. This issue can range from simple external blockages to complex internal component failures, preventing your laundry routine from proceeding. As a Senior SEO Specialist and appliance repair expert, I have compiled this comprehensive guide to help you diagnose and resolve the issue efficiently.
1. Initial Diagnostic Steps
Before dismantling your machine, it is essential to rule out external factors. Many “no fill” situations are caused by simple oversight rather than mechanical failure.
Read more LG washing machine CE error
Check Water Supply and Hoses
The most common reason for an LG washer not filling is a restriction in the water supply.
- Water Valves: Ensure that both the hot and cold water supply faucets behind the machine are fully open. If they are even partially closed, the machine may time out and display an error.
- Kinked Hoses: Inspect your water supply hoses for any visible kinks or sharp bends. If the machine was pushed back too tightly against the wall, the hoses might be pinched, cutting off flow.
- Water Pressure: Your LG washer requires a minimum water pressure (typically around 20 psi) to operate the water inlet valve correctly. If your home has low pressure, or if you are using flood-safe hoses (which can auto-trip and shut off flow), the valve may not open.
Inspect Inlet Filter Screens
Over time, sediment and mineral deposits from your home’s plumbing can accumulate in the inlet filter screens. These small mesh filters are located inside the connection ports of the water inlet valve.
- Turn off the water supply faucets.
- Unscrew the water supply hoses from the back of the washer.
- Use needle-nose pliers to gently pull out the mesh screens from the valve ports.
- Rinse them under warm water. If they are heavily calcified, replace them or soak them in white vinegar.
- Reinstall the screens and hoses, then test the machine.
2. Why Is My LG Washing Machine Not Filling With Water?
If the external water supply is functional, the issue likely lies with an internal component. This section covers the primary mechanical and electrical causes.
Faulty Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve is the gatekeeper of your washing machine. It has solenoids that open and close to let water in when the control board sends a signal.
- Symptoms: If you hear a humming or buzzing sound but no water enters, the solenoid valve coils may be energized but physically stuck. If there is no sound and no water, the coils may have failed electrically.
- Testing: You can test the valve using a multimeter. Disconnect the wire harness from the valve and measure the resistance of the solenoids. If the reading is infinite (open circuit), the valve is defective and must be replaced.
The “IE” Error Code
The LG washing machine IE error code stands for “Inlet Error.” This appears on the display when the washer fails to reach the target water level within a specific time limit (usually 8 minutes).
- Triggers: This code is a direct result of the issues mentioned above: closed taps, kinked hoses, clogged inlet filter screens, or a frozen water line in winter.
- Resolution: Clear any blockages and perform a reset by unplugging the washer for 60 seconds. If the code persists, proceed to check internal components.
Pressure Switch Issues
The pressure switch (or water level sensor) tells the control board how much water is in the drum. It operates using an air tube connected to the tub.
- Malfunction: If the pressure switch is faulty, it may falsely signal that the tub is already full, preventing the water inlet valve from opening. Conversely, if the air tube is clogged or disconnected, the machine might overfill or not fill at all.
- Diagnosis: Inspect the small tube connecting the drum to the pressure switch. Blow through it to ensure it is not clogged with lint or debris.
3. Electrical and Sensor Failures
Sometimes the problem isn’t that the water can’t get in, but that the machine refuses to start the cycle due to safety interlocks or brain failures.
Read more How to drain LG washing machine with no power
Door Latch Assembly
Modern LG front-load washers will not attempt to fill with water unless the door is securely locked. The door latch assembly is a safety mechanism that communicates with the electronic control board.
- The Link to Filling: If the door latch is broken or the sensor inside it is failing, the board will not send power to the water inlet valve. You might hear a clicking sound as it tries to lock, followed by a “dE” (Door Error) code, or simply silence.
- Testing: Check the continuity of the door switch with a multimeter. If the switch does not close the circuit when the lock is engaged, the assembly requires replacement.
Electronic Control Board
The electronic control board is the brain of the washer. It sends voltage to the inlet valves, motor, and drain pump.
- Diagnosis: If you have verified that the inlet valve, pressure switch, and door latch are working, the control board may be the culprit. Look for visual signs of damage, such as burnt marks or swollen capacitors on the board.
- Testing: A technician can check if the board is sending 120V (or 12V DC, depending on the model) to the water valves during the fill cycle. If no voltage is present despite a start command, the board is likely defective.
4. Advanced Troubleshooting: Siphoning and Draining
A confusing scenario occurs when the machine appears to be filling, but the water level never rises.
Read more LG washing machine dE2 error
Siphoning (Fills and Drains Simultaneously)
If you hear water rushing into the machine but the drum remains empty, your washer might be siphoning. This happens when the drain hose is installed incorrectly.
- Cause: If the drain hose is pushed too far down into the standpipe or is taped internally to create an airtight seal, gravity will pull the water out as fast as it flows in.
- Fix: Ensure the drain hose has an air gap around it where it enters the standpipe. Secure the hose so it does not sit too low; it should generally be at least 30 inches above the floor.
Drain Pump Interference
While the drain pump is responsible for removing water, a malfunction here can indirectly stop the fill cycle.
- Scenario: If the washer detects that the tub still has water (due to a bad pressure switch) or if the drain pump is running continuously due to a stuck relay, the machine will not fill. Additionally, if the previous cycle did not complete and the door remains locked due to water in the drum, a new fill cycle cannot begin.
5. Using LG Smart Diagnosis
LG washers are equipped with a feature called LG Smart Diagnosis (often branded as SmartThinQ). This technology allows the machine to communicate directly with a smartphone app or a call center.
- How to Use:
- Download the LG ThinQ app on your smartphone.
- Press the “Power” button on the washer.
- Hold your phone’s microphone near the “Smart Diagnosis” logo on the panel.
- Press and hold the “Temp” button (or specific diagnosis button for your model) for 3 seconds.
- The machine will emit a series of tones similar to a fax machine.
- Result: The app will analyze the tones and provide a specific error code or status report, pinpointing if the issue is with the water inlet valve, pressure switch, or door latch assembly.
Summary of Fixes
| Component | Symptom | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Water Supply Hoses | No water, humming sound | Check for kinks; open taps fully. |
| Inlet Filter Screens | Slow fill, IE Error | Remove and clean with water/vinegar. |
| Water Inlet Valve | No fill, silent or humming | Test solenoids for continuity; replace valve. |
| Door Latch | Won’t start, door won’t lock | Replace door latch assembly. |
| Pressure Switch | No fill or Overfilling | Check air tube for clogs; replace switch. |
| Drain Hose | Fills but water level stays low | Fix siphoning by adjusting hose height. |
Conclusion
Resolving an lg washing machine not filling with water requires a systematic approach, starting from the water source and moving inward to the mechanical and electronic components. Most cases are resolved by cleaning inlet filter screens or replacing a faulty water inlet valve. However, do not overlook the importance of the door latch assembly and pressure switch, as these sensors effectively control the filling logic.
If you have performed these checks and the issue persists, the fault may lie with the electronic control board, which typically requires professional replacement. Utilizing LG Smart Diagnosis can save significant time by confirming the specific part failure before you order replacements. Always ensure the machine is unplugged and the water supply is turned off before attempting any repairs to ensure your safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the “IE” error code mean on my LG washing machine?
The “IE” code stands for Inlet Error. It appears when the washing machine is unable to fill with enough water to reach the required level within a specific timeframe, usually around 8 minutes. This is often caused by closed water faucets, kinked supply hoses, or clogged inlet filter screens.
Why is my washing machine making a humming sound but no water is entering?
A humming or buzzing sound typically indicates that the water inlet valve’s solenoids are receiving electricity and trying to open, but the water cannot pass through. This can happen if the water supply is turned off, the hoses are severely kinked, or the internal components of the valve are physically stuck or blocked by sediment.
Can a faulty door latch prevent the washer from filling with water?
Yes. For safety reasons, modern LG front-load washers will not initiate the fill cycle until the door latch assembly confirms the door is securely locked. If the latch is broken or the sensor fails to send a signal to the control board, the machine will not allow the water inlet valve to open.
Why is my LG washer filling and draining at the same time?
If water is entering the drum but the level never rises, your machine is likely experiencing “siphoning.” This occurs when the drain hose is installed incorrectly—usually by being pushed too far down into the standpipe or being positioned lower than 30 inches from the floor—causing gravity to pull water out as fast as it flows in.
How can I tell if my water inlet valve is actually broken?
You can test the water inlet valve using a multimeter to check for electrical continuity. With the washer unplugged, disconnect the wire harness from the valve and measure the resistance of the solenoids. If the multimeter shows an infinite reading (open circuit), the valve is electrically dead and needs to be replaced.
