LG OE Error Code: Dishwasher Won't Drain

Medium severity

OE is LG's way of flagging that water isn't leaving the tub fast enough during the drain step of a cycle, and it usually points to a clog somewhere between the filter and the sink.

Applies to: Most LG dishwasher models with digital control panels, including the LDF, LDP, and LDT series and similar models sold over the last decade or so.

What it means

LG's outlet/drain error means the dishwasher has detected that water isn't draining out of the tub the way it should — the drain pump ran, but the level sensor still reads standing water where the tub ought to be empty by that point in the cycle.

LG's own support documentation describes OE as a drain issue "most often resulting from food clogs or an installation issue," which lines up with how often the fix turns out to be nothing more than a dirty filter or a pinched hose rather than a failed part.

Common causes

• Clogged filter with trapped food residue
• Kinked or blocked drain hose under the sink or behind the unit
• Obstructed air gap or garbage disposal knockout plug never removed
• Drain hose routed incorrectly on a new installation (too long or not high enough to prevent siphoning)

What you can check yourself

1. Remove and clean the dishwasher's filter of food residue
2. Check the drain hose under the sink for kinks or pinches
3. Clear any debris from the air gap or in-sink disposal inlet with a toothpick or small brush
4. On a new install, confirm the drain hose is under about 12 feet long and its high point is at least 12 inches above the dishwasher's base
5. Try LG's Cancel & Drain function, or run a cycle for about 45 seconds then power off and check for movement

Related

• LG IE — the opposite problem: not enough water reaching the tub during fill
• LG AE — a leak detected inside the tub, a different water-system fault
• Dishwasher Not Draining — the same symptom across every brand

Sources

• LG USA Support – OE Error Code (Dishwasher)