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LG Washing Machine Error Code OE: Drain (water outlet) error
Applies to LG washing machines that show OE or E03 on the display.
The water cannot drain out of the machine in the time allowed. Most OE codes trace to a clogged pump filter or a kinked drain hose — both are owner fixes.
What this code means
The machine times the drain at the start of spin. If the level has not fallen after its drain window (about 13 minutes on many models), it stops with OE rather than spin a tub full of water.
The manufacturer's checks, in order
- Check the drain hose is installed correctly — not kinked, not crushed, and draining into an open standpipe or sink.
- Clean the drain pump filter: it clogs with lint, coins and hairpins and is the single most common cause of OE.
- In winter, check whether the drain hose has frozen.
- Check the sink drain or waste connection the hose feeds into is itself clear.
If the filter and hose are clear and OE returns, the drain pump itself is failing — a service job.
Parts involved in this fault
| Part | Why it is involved | Typical price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drain pump | The pump that pushes water out weakens or jams on debris. | $30-$90 | Check priceaffiliate slot |
| Drain hose | Replaces a hose that is crushed, split or permanently kinked. | $10-$20 | Check priceaffiliate slot |
| Pump filter / filter assembly | The filter that catches lint, coins and food soil before the pump. | $8-$35 | Check priceaffiliate slot |
Error codes are not shared between brands. On Samsung washing machines, OE is the “Overflow error” fault — see Samsung OE explained. Always read a code against your own brand's list.
Related LG washing machine codes
IE — Water inlet errorUE — Unbalanced load errorLE — Locked motor errordE — Door lock errortE — Temperature sensor (thermistor) errorPE — Water level (pressure) sensor error
Source & provenance. The meaning, the checks and their order, and the service line on this page are restated from LG official support — “[LG Top Load Washer] Error Code List”, “[LG WashTower] Error Code Resolution Guide” and “How to Troubleshoot Common LG Washing Machine Error Codes” (source), read on 2026-11-06. No forum content, no invented repair steps, and nothing involving gas, refrigerant or mains wiring. Where the manufacturer says to request service, this page stops too.