It can be pretty alarming if you are an LG washer owner and have never encountered an error code before. But don’t worry too much; it’s there to help point out that something has gone wrong and needs to be addressed.
One of the most common error codes users run into is the IE code, which indicates that the washer is unable to fill.
There are several potential causes behind this error code appearance, so in this article, we’re going to explore what causes this problem and cover all the methods you need to get it fixed.
Causes of LG Washer IE Code
A water level sensor inside the washer detects when water is entering the machine. If a wash cycle has begun, but the water level sensor cannot detect any water, it will throw up this error code to let you know something’s going wrong.
But error codes do not tell us exactly what’s causing the problem. So let’s first walk through these potential causes so you can accurately diagnose what’s going on with your washer.
1. The Water Lines are Frozen
This is particularly common in cold weather conditions. Depending on how the water supply lines are run to the washer, there’s usually a bit of water that stays in the line that cannot drain away.
Under normal conditions, this isn’t a problem. However, when the temperature gets too cold, this remaining water may freeze up and physically block the water from flowing through the water line.
You should inspect the hoses for blockages by squeezing them gently or pouring some water down and seeing if it comes out on the other side. If it’s clear that the hose is frozen over or blocked, then it will need to be manually defrosted.
2. The Water Supply Taps are not Fully Opened
While this might seem simple, it’s an easy thing to overlook. If you have recently had plumbing work done, the water taps may have been turned off, and it’s easy to forget to turn them back on.
You’ll need to inspect your home’s tap water to make sure they are fully opened (partially opened isn’t good enough as it might not let enough water through to operate the washer).
3. The Elbow Bracket is Too Long
If your elbow bracket isn’t set up correctly, it may take a long time before the problem manifests, so don’t rule this out as a potential cause. As the water drains away through the drain hose, it needs to pass through an elbow bracket which puts a 180-degree vertical turn in the hose.
This is there to prevent dirty water from backing into the machine and prevent mold and microorganisms from building up. There needs to be a 4-inch (10cm) or less distance between the end of the drain hose and the elbow bracket to function efficiently.
Any more than this, and it runs the risk of getting blocked up with mold and other dirty things. You must ensure the elbow bracket is installed close enough to the drain hose end for the water system to operate correctly.
4. The Water Inlet Hose is Kinked, Pinched, or Damaged
The water supply hoses will bend and adjust as you push your LG washing machine into place during installation. However, it’s possible to accidentally place a kink in the hose, or if you’ve pushed it too close to the wall, it may become pinched.
When this happens, water won’t be able to flow into the washer efficiently. You’ll need to inspect and unkink the water hose to ensure the water can flow into the washer.
You should also inspect the inlet hoses for any damage or leaks that may impede water flow. If any are located, then the entire hose will need to be replaced.
5. The Inlet Filters are Clogged Up
Water supplied by your home can sometimes carry small bits of particulate you don’t want to get into the washer and mix in with your clothes. So both the hot and cold water inlets have a filter installed at their connection points to catch any nasty stuff and prevent it from getting into the washer.
Inevitably, these filters can become so clogged up with debris and mineral deposits that they restrict the amount of water that can flow into the washer and cause the IE fault code.
To fix this, you’ll need to disconnect both hoses, remove the inlet valves and give them a good clean.
6. Floodsafe Hoses are Being Used
Floodsafe hoses are ideal for those who want a nice failsafe in case of a leak. They use special water supply hose connectors with an internal mechanism that shuts off the water flow should the hose burst.
While this is great in theory, the reality is LG washers are high-powered machines, and the water valve opens quite quickly. This quick supply of instant water pressure can often falsely trigger a Floodsafe hose causing it to shut the water supply off unnecessarily.
So if you’re using Floodsafe hoses, you’ll need to, unfortunately, remove it and swap it out for a regular hose.
How to Fix an LG Washer IE Code
Now that you’ve been able to properly diagnose what is causing this fault code to occur let’s take a look at how to fix each of these problems quickly and efficiently.
1. Unfreeze the Frozen Water Line
If your water lines have become frozen to the point that water can’t flow into the washer, short of waiting for spring to roll around, you will need to manually defrost it.
Fortunately, this is very easy to do. But first, you must turn off the water faucets to ensure pressure doesn’t build up in the pipe as you heat it.
Take a hairdryer and slowly apply heat up and down the water hose to warm it up. Keep the hairdryer moving, and don’t hold it too close to the hose, or you’ll risk melting the soft plastic.
If you don’t have a hairdryer, you can use anything that produces heat, such as a heat lamp or an electric blanket, or if all else fails, you can remove the hose entirely and submerge it in warm water.
2. Fully Open the Water Taps
For water to properly flow into the washer, both the hot and cold taps must be completely opened. Inspect the faucets and twist them so they are completely open.
If you are still unable to get any water from the faucets, it may indicate a bigger problem with your home’s water supply, and you should contact a plumber for further assistance.
3. Adjust the Elbow Bracket Correctly
An elbow bracket that extends further than 4 inches (10cm) above the standpipe runs the risk of growing mold and microorganisms, which might clog it up.
You will need to move the elbow bracket closer so it’s within 4 inches and then re-connect the hose to it. It’s also a good idea to use a cable tie to attach the bulk of the drain hose to the standpipe so it doesn’t move around.
4. Straighten Out the Supply Hose
If the water supply hose gets kinked or pinched, it may impede the amount of water that can flow into the washer. So you’ll need to get it smoothed out.
Start by pulling the washer carefully away from the wall and visually inspect the water supply hose. If any noticeable damages, such as cracks or holes, are found, the hose should be replaced with a new one.
If it looks fine, you should straighten the hose out so water can flow through it freely.
Then you should push the washer back into place, being mindful not to introduce a new kink into it and ensuring you don’t push the washer so far back against the wall it pinches the hose.
5. Clean Out the Water Filter
If the water inlet filters have become clogged up to the point where they restrict water flow into the washer, they will need to be manually removed and cleaned.
- Start by turning off your home’s hot and cold water faucets so nothing leaks out while you remove the supply hoses.
- A small amount of water already in the hoses will leak out when you remove them, so keep a bucket or bowl nearby to catch the water that will come out once the hose is disconnected.
- Disconnect both the hot and cold supply hoses, and let them drain away into the bucket/bowl.
- You can now pull the filters out by hand and wash them. Rinse them under warm running water, or use a soft brush and any all-purpose cleaner if there’s more stubborn build-up, such as mineral deposits.
- Once thoroughly cleaned, re-insert them into the washer, re-connect both hoses and turn the water supply back on.
6. Replace the Floodsafe Hoses with Regular Ones
Due to the fast and high-pressure LG washers use, they are not always compatible with Floodsafe hoses. You should turn off the household water supply, remove the Floodsafe drain hoses, and replace them with regular hoses.
Preventing an LG Washer IE Code
Now that you’ve fixed this code error, you’re probably wondering how you can stop it from coming back again in the future. Many of the solutions listed, such as replacing the Floodsafe hose or adjusting the elbow attachment, are one-time fixes.
So all you need to worry about from here on out is giving the filters a good clean every few months to ensure the mineral and debris deposits don’t build up too much.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
