LG Dishwasher AE Error (Leaking Water): What to Do

What the AE Error Means

LG dishwashers have a float switch in the base pan (the bottom of the dishwasher cabinet). If water leaks from any internal component and pools in the base pan, this float rises and activates the AE (Aqua Error) code. The machine shuts down to prevent water damage.

Immediate Steps

1. Turn off the dishwasher and disconnect power at the breaker or unplug it.
2. Turn off the water supply to the dishwasher (valve under the sink).
3. Open the door and remove any standing water with a towel or wet vac.
4. Tilt the dishwasher slightly forward to help drain water from the base pan — put towels down first.
5. Leave the door open and allow the base to dry completely (12–24 hours). A fan directed at the base speeds this up.

Once the base is fully dry, the float drops and the AE code clears. If the code returns immediately after restarting, the leak is ongoing and must be identified.

Finding the Source of the Leak

Common leak points on LG dishwashers:

• Door gasket — inspect the full perimeter of the door seal for tears, cracks, or sections that have pulled away
• Spray arm connection — a loose lower spray arm allows water to spray toward the base instead of up
• Pump and motor seal — the seal between the pump housing and the tub deteriorates over years of use
• Water inlet valve — a dripping valve fills the base slowly between cycles
• Detergent oversudsing — using non-dishwasher detergent or too much detergent creates suds that overflow into the base

Do Not Ignore an AE Error

Even a slow leak, if left unaddressed, can damage flooring, subfloor, and cabinetry. Water damage repair often costs significantly more than the dishwasher repair that caused it. Schedule service promptly if you cannot identify and fix the leak source yourself.

Why Professional Service May Be the Right Choice

While many Dishwasher issues can be addressed with the steps in this guide, there are situations where attempting a DIY repair can make the problem worse or void your warranty. If you've followed the steps above and the issue persists, or if you're not comfortable working with electrical components or water connections, calling a factory-certified technician is the safest and most cost-effective path forward.

LG Appliance Experts technicians are trained directly to LG's service specifications. They arrive with the most common OEM replacement parts already on the vehicle, which means most repairs are completed in a single visit — no waiting for parts to be ordered.

Preventing the Problem from Recurring

Most Dishwasher issues that require repair are preventable with regular maintenance. Key habits that extend appliance life and reduce fault frequency:

• Clean filters regularly. Lint filters, drain pump filters, and water inlet screens accumulate debris over time. A clogged filter is one of the most common causes of performance issues and error codes.
• Don't overload. Consistently running your Dishwasher beyond its rated capacity puts extra stress on the motor, drum bearings, and suspension components.
• Use the correct detergent and amounts. Excess detergent — especially non-HE detergent in HE appliances — causes buildup, mold, and sensor errors over time.
• Check hoses and connections annually. Inspect inlet and drain hoses for cracks, kinks, or loose connections at least once a year, especially if your appliance is more than five years old.
• Level the appliance. An unlevel Dishwasher vibrates excessively during operation, accelerating wear on internal components and causing noise and balance errors.

LG Warranty and Service Coverage

LG offers a standard one-year parts and labor warranty on most appliances, with extended coverage on specific components — most notably the 10-year warranty on linear compressors in qualifying refrigerators. If your appliance is still within its manufacturer warranty period, contact LG directly before scheduling an independent repair, as unauthorized service may affect warranty coverage.

For appliances outside the warranty period, LG Appliance Experts provides a 90-day parts and labor warranty on every repair we complete. All replacement parts are genuine LG OEM components sourced directly from LG's authorized parts network.