Written by
Maya Chen Editorial TeamPublished September 5, 2026Updated October 20, 2026
Error codeOE, E03, E21
ApplianceWasher
Quick answer
OE (E03, E21) is the LG drain failure code: kinked hose, clogged drain pump filter, excess suds or a frozen hose.
Model compatibility: LG reuses codes across series and model years, so OE, E03, E21 may mean something different on another appliance or generation. Confirm this against your model’s documentation and record your full model number before acting.
Plain language
What this code means
Drain failure: the washer cannot drain its wash water.
OE, E03 and E21 tell you the washer cannot drain the water from the wash cycle. Common causes are a kinked drain hose, a clogged drain pump filter, excess suds and a frozen hose. The steps cover front-load washers, WashTower units and top-load washers.
Work through it in this order
Drain hose. Check behind the washer that it is not kinked or clogged. After straightening it, run a spin cycle.
Drain pump test. Press POWER, press SPIN SPEED until HIGH is selected, then press START/PAUSE for a SPIN ONLY cycle. A humming sound in the first 15 seconds shows the pump motor started.
Drain pump filter. If the pump hums, the filter may be clogged. Open the lower access cover, drain the residual water into a container (it may be hot), turn the pump cap and clean the filter. Keep the drain tube out of the unit while draining, and screw its cap back on to prevent leaks.
Tub Clean. After clearing debris, run a tub clean cycle. If the filter was clean, excess suds can create air pockets the pump cannot remove, so run Tub Clean and use less detergent.
Top-load washers
Lift the drain hose from the drain hole and run a spin-only cycle. If water drains freely, the drain hole may be blocked and needs cleaning. A coin lodged in a disconnected hose can be pulled out with tweezers. For a frozen hose, thaw the hose and the inside of the washer.
SideKick pedestal washer
Check the drain hose for clogs, kinks or pinches, and make sure the drain is no more than 53 in. above the floor.
If OE returns after the hose and filter are clear, the manual says the unit may need service. Call (310) 742-8008 about LG washer repair in Los Angeles, with the code, model number and the checks you finished.
Important safety warning. Do not attempt repairs involving electrical components, gas, water lines, refrigerant or sealed systems. Unplug the appliance if it is safe to reach the outlet, and leave internal diagnostics to a qualified technician.
Seeing this code on your LG appliance?
Book a specialist visit for a clear estimate and approval before any repair.
