LG Dishwasher IE Error? (here’s what & what to do)

If you own a LG dishwasher and it’s displaying the IE error code it can be worrying. You’re probably thinking it’s going to be expensive to repair and that you’ll not be able to use your dishwasher for a while.

If this is where you find yourself, keep reading, because in this article we explain what the LG dishwasher IE error code signifies and the best ways to fix this problem.

What Does LG Dishwasher IE Error Code Mean?

The first step in solving the problem is understanding exactly what that problem is. The IE error code on LG dishwashers indicates that the water level inside the appliance isn’t sufficient after a set amount of time.

Obviously, a dishwasher that doesn’t have enough water is not going to function properly. But before you reach for the plumber’s phone number, many of the causes for this are relatively easy to fix.

What Could Cause A LG Dishwasher To Display Error Code IE?

The reason for the LG dishwasher to display the IE error code is insufficient water after a set fill time. This limits the causes to just a few. Which include;

Probable Cause	Solution
Water inlet tap shut off or not opened fully	Open the water inlet tap
Inlet hose twisted	Inspect and straighten the inlet hose
Blocked water inlet screen	Remove any blockages from the screen
Defective water inlet valve	Replace the water inlet valve
Low water pressure	Increase the water pressure
Drain hose installed incorrectly	Ensure the drain hose is at least 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) above the base of the dishwasher
Unlevel appliance	Level the appliance
Frozen pipes	Ensure the area the dishwasher is in is always at least 5 C (41 F)

Water Inlet Tap Shut Off Or Not Fully Open

All of the water entering the dishwasher enters via the inlet hose which is controlled by a tap or valve. You can find this tap by tracing the water line running from the kitchen water mains to the dishwasher. If there is a valve, turn it in an anti-clockwise direction to allow more water to flow.

If the appliance has just been installed, it is easy to forget to open the tap fully to allow sufficient water to fill the dishwasher.

Inlet Hose Twisted

If the tap is fully open, you should check the water inlet hose for any twists or kinks. Even a slight kink in the hose could be enough to prevent enough water from entering the dishwasher in the set time limit.

Of course if the inlet hose is damaged or leaking, this could also prevent enough water from filling the tub.

Blocked Water Inlet Screen

The water inlet hose connects to the back of the appliance and has a small screen or filter inside to prevent any grit or other debris from the water supply entering the dishwasher.

If this screen becomes blocked or clogged, it could be enough to prevent enough water from entering the appliance in the allotted time span.

To check the inlet screen, you will first need to turn off the water supply to the dishwasher. Then unscrew the inlet hose and remove it. In the lug where the inlet hose attaches to the dishwasher, you will see a small mesh screen. 

This can be carefully removed using long nosed pliers, take care as this screen is relatively fragile. Once removed, you can wash the screen under running water and remove any particles blocking the mesh.

In hard water areas, there could be a limescale build up on the screen which can be removed by soaking the screen in white vinegar and then gently rubbing using a toothbrush or soft cloth.

Once the filter is clean, replace it and reconnect the water inlet hose, turn the water supply back on and run a short wash cycle.

Defective Water Inlet Valve

To enter the dishwasher, the water flows through the inlet hose and into the water inlet valve or solenoid as it’s sometimes called. Over time, these solenoids can become damaged or wear out.

In areas of hard water it’s also possible that the inlet valve could become clogged with limescale. Unfortunately, a defective inlet valve cannot be repaired and will need to be replaced.

This can be done by a confident DIYer but as it involves dismantling panels on the dishwasher, we recommend getting a technician to do this task for you.

Low Water Pressure

If the water entering your dishwasher is not of sufficient pressure, it won’t fill the tub fast enough. This could simply be the stopcock in your home isn’t opened far enough.

To solve this you should locate the stopcock and turn it anti-clockwise to open it further. However, it could be caused by the water entering your home not having sufficient pressure.

Dishwashers need a water pressure of at least 20 psi (pounds per square inch) to function correctly. You can check if the water in your home has adequate pressure by filling a 1 gallon (4.5 litres) bucket with water from the cold tap in your kitchen.

If it takes 30 seconds or less, the water pressure is OK. Any longer than 30 seconds could indicate there’s a problem with the water pressure. You will need to contact your water authority to get this sorted.

In some cases, you might need to install a water pressure booster to increase the pressure to your dishwasher.

Drain Hose Installed Incorrectly

If the drain hose is lower than the base of the appliance, it can cause the water to drain too early. As the water is running into the dishwasher, it starts running out almost immediately.

Check that the drain hose is at least 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) above the base of the dishwasher. Otherwise it’s possible for the water to be syphoned from the appliance as soon as it enters.

Unlevel Appliance

To work properly, your dishwasher needs to be set level. If not the water could pool on one side This can cause syphoning which would then trigger the IE error code.

Plus if the dishwasher isn’t level, it could also affect the water pressure. This is an easy one to solve, all you need is a spirit level.

LG dishwashers have adjustable feet which allow you to level the appliance properly.

Frozen Pipes

If your dishwasher is installed in an area where temperatures could drop below freezing in winter, the IE error code could be caused due to a frozen pipe. This could be a pipe inside the dishwasher or the inlet hose.

To solve this, try wrapping warm towels around the affected area until the ice melts. This should then allow you to use the appliance again.

To prevent this from recurring, always ensure the temperature of the room the appliance is installed never drops below 5 C (41 F).

SEE ALSO: LG Dishwasher Troubleshooting Guide: Problems, Solutions & Error Codes

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