Common LG Top Load Washer Problems

LG top load washers can last you at least 10-15 years. Problems are more likely to happen towards the end of that lifespan. However, some could also occur while the machine is still new.

Some common LG top load washer problems you might face include a washer that won’t start or one that won’t fill or fills too slowly. Besides that, your washer could shake and knock excessively or drains slowly or not at all. These issues are pretty easy to troubleshoot yourself. However, some repairs might require a qualified technician instead.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything there is to know about problems facing LG top load washers. You’ll discover the affected parts that cause those problems, how to check them, and how to fix them quickly.

What Are The Common Problems With Top-Loading LG Washing Machines?

Top-load LG washing machines last a long time, and you might experience no problems with them whatsoever.

However, it’s also normal to experience minor issues from time to time. Here are a few of the most common problems with LG top-load washers, which parts get affected, and how you can fix them quickly.

Washer Won’t Start

What’s happening: Typically, an LG top load washer should begin a new wash cycle as soon as you select one.

However, a common problem that you might experience is that the washer won’t start your chosen cleaning cycle. This problem might happen even after you’ve successfully turned on the washing machine, loaded it, and closed the lid.

What to troubleshoot: When your top-load LG washer won’t start, you must troubleshoot the lid and its lid lock. Here’s what those components do:

• Lid: The lid is closed to prevent water from splashing out of the appliance. Besides that, a closed lid is also needed to protect you and other people from injury and to stop items from falling into the drum.
• Lid lock: The lid lock senses whether the washer lid is open or closed. It will also lock a closed lid to prevent anyone from opening it mid-cycle. When the lid lock senses a closed and locked lid, it will signal the washer that it’s safe to start the wash cycle.

How to fix it: Firstly, check that you’ve fully closed the lid on your LG washer. When the lid doesn’t close, there’s likely a foreign object stuck underneath it. Remove the object and try to close the lid again.

If you successfully close the lid fully, but the washer still won’t start, that means the lid lock is faulty. You’ll have to inspect it for damage and replace it with a new one.

Read: LG Washer Code IE – Troubleshooting Guide

Water Doesn’t Fill or Fills Slowly

What’s happening: Top-load LG washers will take several minutes to fill up with enough water to begin the wash cycle. But, of course, the exact duration of that process will depend on how much laundry you’ve loaded into the washer.

However, if 15 minutes pass and the washer is still trying to fill, that means you have a fill problem.

What to troubleshoot: When your LG washer takes too long to fill or doesn’t fill at all, you must troubleshoot the incoming water supply and water inlet valve.

Here’s why:

• Incoming water supply: The incoming water supply is the top and hose that connect to your top-load LG washer. That tap must be opened fully to ensure that the water pressure is high enough for the washer to fill efficiently.
• Water inlet valve: The water inlet valve controls when water fills your washer drum and how fast it does so. This valve is the connecting point between the incoming water supply and your LG washing machine. So, you’ll find it towards the back of the appliance.

How to fix it: Firstly, check that there is an incoming supply of water and that the tap is open all the way. Assuming there are no problems on that side of things, that means the root cause is the water inlet valve.

The valve either won’t open all the way or doesn’t open at all. That’s why water won’t fill the washing machine as it should.

Unfortunately, the water inlet valve is not serviceable. That means you’ll have to replace it with a new one when it stops working correctly.

Read: LG Washer Code FE – Troubleshooting Guide

Excessive Shaking and Knocking

What’s happening: It’s normal for all washing machines to shake slightly. That’s especially true during the spin cycle when the drum is spinning at the highest speeds possible.

All washers, including your LG unit, have components to absorb vibrations and minimize noise.

So, if there is excessive shaking and knocking, that means you have a problem with those components.

What to troubleshoot: Top-load LG washers rely on several suspension rods to absorb vibrations and minimize noise. Also known as ‘support rods’, your LG unit will have at least 4 rods supporting the washer drum.

When you experience excessive shaking or knocking, that means one or more of the suspension rods have worn out. As a result, the affected rods cannot absorb enough vibrations, causing the washer to become too noisy.

How to fix it: You must replace a worn-out or damaged suspension rod with a new one. Typically, replacement rods come in a set with several pieces in them. 

You should use this as an opportunity to replace all the suspension rods in your LG washer, even if they’re not yet damaged. 

When one suspension rod wears out, it’s safe to assume that the others will wear out soon, too. Changing them before that happens is a form of preventive maintenance that’ll save you time and effort later.

Slow or No Draining

What’s happening: Your LG washer must drain its greywater several times throughout a wash cycle. That way, the machine can fill itself with clean water and continue washing your laundry.

However, you might find that the washer drains too slowly or doesn’t drain at all. This problem can cause the washer to stop mid-cycle.

What to troubleshoot: When you experience a drain problem like this, you must check the drain pump, drain filter, and drain hose. 

Your LG washer will send dirty water through those three components during a drain cycle. So, the root cause is likely one of those parts.

Here’s why:

• Drain pump: The drain pump is responsible for driving water from the washer drum out of the appliance. Your washer might still drain even if the pump stops working. However, that drain will be slow or incomplete.
• Drain filter: The filter removes dirt and debris from that outgoing water. However, a clogged filter will prevent any water from passing through, preventing your washer from draining.
• Drain hose: The drain hose can suffer from clogs that gradually worsen. Like with the filter, a clog here will slow or stop your washer from draining.

How to fix it: Solving this problem is pretty straightforward. If the drain pump no longer works, you’ll have to find a replacement. 

However, you can remove the drain filter and hose to wash away any clogs and restore smooth water flow through those parts.

Read: LG Washer Code TE – Troubleshooting Guide

Bonus Tips

Here are some helpful questions and answers to keep in mind as you troubleshoot your LG top-load washer and its problems:

How Long Do LG Top Load Washers Last?

With proper maintenance and care, LG washing machines typically last 10-15 years. Problems can still happen even if your washer is still new. However, they’ll likely become more common as the washer gets older.

How Do I Reset My LG Top Load Washer?

Power cycling is the best way to reset your LG top load washer. First, disconnect the washer from its power source for 5 minutes before reconnecting it. That will reset the appliance.

Read: LG Washer Code SE – Troubleshooting Guide

Which Is Better Washer With Agitator Or Without?

LG washing machine models with impellers tend to produce better results than agitators. Still, both types of LG washers are well-engineered to wash your clothes.

Do LG Washers Come With A Drain Hose?

Yes, LG washers come with a drain hose as a standard feature. However, you can purchase replacement drain hoses separately if you need to.

Do Top Loading Washing Machines Need To Be Cleaned?

Yes, you should clean your LG top load washer once every six months. Doing so will prevent buildups of detergent, lint, or other debris. That will prevent clogs from forming in your washer in the long run.

Read: Why LG Washer Isn’t Spinning Properly? All Possible Issues