How to Fix a LG Washer Drain Pump, fastest method from below

Your LG or Kenmore clothes washer has shown the OE error code which tells you the washing machine is having issues draining itself. While it can be clogged or a kink is in the line the more common problem is the drain pump is likely going bad. This inexpensive part wears out over time but luckily can be replaced easily from the bottom of the machine.

Don’t follow guides that suggest you take a number of panels, gaskets, seals, and other parts. This takes more time and opens up the possibility of more problems. Instead tilt the washing machine back and gain access to the bad LG drain pump from the main access hole under the machine.

In the following video we detail the steps needed to replace the LG washer drain pump quickly and for as little as $25 by purchasing a LG drain pump from Amazon. Below the video we will also detail the steps to perform this work from below the machine for the quickest and easiest way to replace the bad pump.

Items Used in Replacing a LG or Kenmore Drain Pump

1. LG drain pump: https://amzn.to/3LPFJO8 (part number 4681EA2001T)
2. 10 mm ratcheting wrench: https://amzn.to/4oZs2KY
3. Channel locks: https://amzn.to/4hPKfIx
4. Flashlight for this type of work: https://amzn.to/4hTcZA8
5. Tape: https://amzn.to/47Lp4ml
6. String: https://amzn.to/47H7OP6
7. Socket set: https://amzn.to/3LRB4Ly
8. Phillips screwdriver: https://amzn.to/4oPxGjj
9. Pliers: https://amzn.to/4r59Ph0
10. Dremel: https://amzn.to/4qXHsBl

Steps to Replace the LG Drain Pump

1. Clean the area around the LG or Kenmore Washing machine and unplug the power to the washing machine and turn off the cold and hot water to the machine
2. Tilt back the machine 30-40 degrees until it balances against the wall. Be careful to get it just right so it doesnt easily fall forward or back more. Gather all tools and lay them on the ground.Turn on the flashlight so you can see under the machine
3. Open the LG drain cover door and remove
4. Twist the coin trap couter clockwise until it comes out. Set aside.
5. Release the small drain hose from the holding clips so it dangles loosely. Remove screws holding the washer case and set aside.
6. Under the machine in the same area is a small access hole with a screw. Remove the screw and set aside.
7. Lay down with your head to the right side of the machine looking back towards the left where the drain pumps resides. You will see the drain pump on a metal bracket. There are 3 bolts sized 10 mm. Two are seen from this vantage point.
8. The 3rd bolt is seen from the front of the machine though a small access hole near the small drain hose.Remove the 2 bolts with a 10mm socket or wrench.
9. Move to the 3rd bolt and widen the access hole with a dremel. See the 2:36 to 2:54 part of the video above for visuals). Remove the 3rd bolt.
10. Next remove the 2 drain hoses, one is green and grey while the other is black.
11. Take drain pump assembley out of the machine and write black and red on the housing next to the corresponding 2 wires. After doing this disconnect the wires.
12. Remove the 1 screw at the bottom of the drain pump assembly.
13. Remove the 3 screws attaching the drain pump to the housing, take a picture of where the 3 screws are before removing them so you dont get confused where they go when putting the new drain pump back on.
14. Take the old and faulty drain pump out of the housing and replace with the new pump.
15. Place new pump in similar orientation as the old pump and fasten the 3 screws back on. Plug in the 2 wires.
16. Next reaattach the screw removed in step #14.
17. Tape string to the end of the small drain hose. See 4:32 mark of the video above.
18. Move the assmbly back into the final resting spot and attach the 3 bolts. Two of the bolts are easy and in plain sight whiile the 3rd bolt is tightened through the small access hole that was widened earlier in step #11.
19. Next, reattach the two hoses to the drain pump.
20. Pull the string connecting to the small drain hose and pull it through the widened access hole.
21. Tighten the screw found in the small access hole below the machine.
22. Return the washer case and tighten screws. Pull small drain hose through the hole in the washer case. Twist coin trap clockwise until tight.
23. Return panel cover and plug machine back into power, also turn water back on.
24. Run a 15 minute cold and 15 minute hot speed wash load to look for leaks and ensure the drain pumps works as it should. Clean up area and push machines into their final space.