How To Fix E1 Error Code On LG Dishwasher?

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The lg dishwasher error code e1 is an indication that the running pump is not getting enough back pressure from the dishwasher while operating.

Or for some LG dishwasher models also, E1 error code means, there is water leaking into the dishwasher drain pan. And a flood sensor has been triggered.

Along with that, you will have a drain pump runs constantly.

A drain hose leak is the most likely cause of this error. Some solutions are detailed here.

Reasons for the LG dishwasher error code E1

Several issues can be causing this error code on your dishwasher. Some of the common reasons behind the code are

  • The dishwasher wasn’t properly installed
  • Too much detergent or the wrong detergent is overloading the dispenser unit
  • Dishes aren’t properly placed in the dishwasher during a wash cycle
  • There’s a leak in the drain pan
  • The float motor is bad
  • There’s a leak in the sump assembly or the sump motor is bad

Solutions to Eliminate the LG Dishwasher Error Code E1

You can attempt a few different steps in attempting to get rid of the error code on your dishwasher.

Installing the Drain Hose Properly

If the drain hose is positioned below the base this might cause the hose to drain too early.

In turn, you’ll get the LG dishwasher error code e1. To prevent this

  • Make sure the end of the hose is located a minimum of 10 inches (12 inches or more if possible) from the base
  • This prevents premature siphoning flow from the water to the tub in the dishwasher while it’s operating

If there is enough distance between the base and hose, check the drain hose itself.

Check for kinks, possible damage, breaks, or leaks.

If there is damage, you’ll have to replace the drain hose to resolve the errors you’ve been receiving.

Check Door and Drain Pan For Leaks

You’ll want to perform this check while the dishwasher is operating.

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Check the perimeters of the door for any droplets of water or leaks.

Even a small leak might be causing the error code to pop up on your LG dishwasher.

Check the door seal for damage. This will have to be done while the machine is off.

Check to make sure the rubber seal isn’t broken or there aren’t any gaps between the surfaces.

Even the slightest spacing issue or gap can cause a leak through the doors while the dishwasher is operating.

If there is damage to the door seal, you’ll have to replace it in order to stop the leaking from the dishwasher door.

Loading Dishes Properly

This might seem like something obvious, but many owners don’t properly align plates and larger objects in the dishwasher.

Not only can this cause the LG dishwasher error code e1, but can also prompt other errors you’ve seen if you own an LG.

Check the dishwasher after loading.

  • Look for large pots or pans which can get in the way of the spinning arms while operating
  • Position large items around the perimeter, as this can influence water spray and flow direction; if the position around the tub isn’t correct, this can lead to excess water buildup
  • Make sure large items (containers, bowls, etc.) do not hold water while the dishwasher is operating

Refer to your user manual, as this will show you how to properly distribute weight and where to place larger items in the dishwasher during a run cycle.

Checking Detergent (Using the Right Detergent & the Right Amounts)

If you’re using the wrong detergent, or too much/little, this can also cause the LG dishwasher error code e1 to appear.

Using the wrong detergent can produce too much suds, which will clog motor and dishwasher assembly lines.

Only use detergents specified in your user manual. Excess suds will prevent the dishwasher from cleaning your plates properly as well.

Check to ensure your detergent is intended for automatic dishwashers.

Depending on the level of suds, this can immediately prompt the e1 code the moment the spin cycle begins in your dishwasher.

Sump Motor, Sump Assembly, and the Float Sensor

If you’ve exhausted all of these alternatives, check the sump pump, float sensor, and sump assemblies.

If there is damage, leaks, or other faulty parts, they need to be replaced. In most cases, to fix these issues, your best alternative is to contact an LG licensed repair technician for the job.

Especially if you are unfamiliar with repairs, replacing parts, disconnecting water lines, and plumbing lines.

You can get drain pump here

Reader Comments (16)

  1. Hi – our dishwasher has been working fine, until just now. It just won’t stop running (dishes are clean, there’s no water in the tray). It will not allow me to turn the power off, and just shows the E1 error and blinking lights. Any ideas?

    Reply
      • Hi all, I had the same issues and checked the drain hose coming out of the drain pump and noticed there was a small pinhole leak. just enough for air to seep out and hardly noticeable. When I went to pull it off the whole thing just fell apart and crumbled, I guess it had grown brittle over the past couple of years. Only had the washer about 5 years. Purchased and aftermarket drain hose assembly and replaced. Error was gone immediately. Unfortunately you can’t just replace the hose itself because it is attached to the assembly with the glue so you have to buy the whole assembly which is about 50 bucks. Took about 15 minutes to install. Pretty simple. Looks like this era was mostly caused by a lack of pressure coming out of the pump and into the sink/drain. good luck.
        Nick C

    • Dishwasher got a leak. Pull it out and remove the left cover to see if you have water in the base. Then you need to figure out where was water coming from.

      Reply
  2. We turned off the main water supply in the house to do a Reno in the bathroom and I forgot that I had the dishwasher running. Obviously it stopped working and showed E1. We’ve now turned our water back on and there is always some sputtering when we turn the taps on after doing this. Anyway, our dishwasher is now not getting enough water pressure fast enough and faults out to E1 again. How can we remedy this? This is the second time I’ve done this and we fixed it last time but I forgot how haha

    Reply
    • Seems like the dishwasher got a leak. Pull the dishwasher out and tilt a little bit, but be prepared to catch water.

      Reply
  3. I am getting an E1 code the machine is working but I can smell something burning / like plastic . Cannot see any water leaks anywhere. The motor is very hot .

    Reply
    • Which motor is hot? Drain motor or wash motor? If the motor is hot: 1. Motor is running for a long time 2. Something jammed motor impeller and motor not spinning just humming

      Reply
  4. I have LG LDF7551ST dishwasher. E1 code power light stays on pump keeps running. Turned breaker off held power button for 20 sec, same problem. Disconnected drain hose blew air through no clogs, or leaks that I can see. Poured water in bottom and it pumped out. What am I missing?

    Reply
    • If your pump keeps running, means you have water in the drain pan of your dishwasher. Pull dishwasher out, lay dishwasher on its back, be prepared to catch water. remove the bottom panel and check every hose connection, maybe some of them slipped off causing leak

      Reply
  5. I found that my water softener had gone through a cleaning cycle which reduced my pressure drastically so don’t panic but somethings broke I just shut it down and restarted it and it ran great ever since Joe

    Reply
  6. we did and unplugged it but before we did the dishwasher wouldn’t stop running and had an E 1 code on the panel why wouldn’t it stop even after we pushed the power button /

    Reply
  7. we did and unplugged it but before we did the dishwasher wouldn’t stop running and had an E 1 code on the panel why wouldn’t it stop even after we pushed the power button /

    Reply
    • We had the same issue. After finding the dishwasher drain pump running continually and noticing some water on the floor in front of the dishwasher, I shut off the breaker and cleaned up. There was no water under the unit when I inspected behind the kickplate, but there was evidence that the insulation had been a bit wet near the door seam (although it wasn’t really wet). After I turned the breaker back on, the pump kept running. How do I reset the unit and clear the error?

      Reply

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