The LG washing machine FE error is an overflow error: the machine has detected more water in the drum than the load needs, so it stops the programme. It can come from something simple, such as a clogged filter or too much foam, or from a fill valve or level sensor that needs an engineer.
Quick answer: FE on an LG washing machine means overflow: there is more water in the drum than the load needs. LG says a clogged drain pump filter and excess foam from the wrong detergent are common causes. Unplug, clean the filter and restart. If water keeps coming in, turn off the tap and call an engineer.
Safety: If the machine keeps filling while it shows FE, or water is coming out of the door or detergent drawer, switch it off at the wall, unplug it and turn off the cold water supply tap behind the machine straight away. Keep plugs and sockets away from any water on the floor.
What Does the LG FE Error Code Mean?
FE is LG’s overflow error, shown when the water in the tub is more than required for the load. LG’s UK help page on the FE error describes it this way and points to the drain pump filter as a common cause, because water that cannot drain smoothly can build up in the drum.
LG’s front load code list calls it a water overfilling problem and pairs FE with E04 and E12, which some older or regional models show for the same fault. A related code, PE (E33 on some models), means the water level sensor is not working properly. If your display shows one of these instead, check your model’s manual.
What Causes the FE Error?
The machine measures the water level with a pressure sensor and controls filling with an electric inlet valve. FE appears when the level reads too high. The causes, roughly from the most common:
- Too many suds. LG’s FE troubleshooting guide explains that front loaders use far less water than top loaders, and that the wrong detergent or too much of it creates foam that can trigger FE. Use a detergent made for front loading (high efficiency) machines, at the dose on the pack for your load and water hardness.
- A clogged drain pump filter. LG says laundry waste builds up in the filter if it is not cleaned regularly, so water does not drain smoothly.
- Frozen hoses in winter. In an unheated garage or outbuilding, ice in the supply or drain hose can upset filling and draining. LG recommends thawing the machine before use.
- A faulty water inlet valve. If the valve sticks open, water keeps entering even when the machine has asked it to stop. Independent repair guides list this as a leading cause of persistent FE errors.
- A faulty water level sensor or its air hose. If the pressure sensor or the small tube that feeds it is blocked or damaged, the machine misreads the level.
- A control board fault. Less common, and only diagnosable by an engineer.
How Do You Fix the LG FE Error Yourself?
These steps combine LG’s FE troubleshooting advice for front loaders. They apply to most LG front loaders; on washer dryers and top loaders the filter may sit elsewhere, so check your manual first.
- Switch off, unplug and leave it for 60 seconds. LG’s code list suggests unplugging for about a minute before restarting. If water is still entering, turn off the supply tap as well.
- Look in the detergent drawer. LG suggests checking the dispenser for extra water. Standing water or foam in the drawer points to overdosing, a blocked drawer or a filling problem.
- Get ready to drain. Lay towels down and place a shallow tray in front of the service cover at the bottom front of the machine, usually on the left and on the right on some models. LG warns that a lot of water may come out.
- Drain the remaining water. Open the cover with a coin or fingernail, pull out the small drain hose, remove its cap and let the water run into the tray in stages.
- Clean the filter. Turn the filter cap anticlockwise, pull it out, rinse it under running water and remove fluff, coins and hair grips. Refit it firmly and replace the hose cap.
- Check for frost. In freezing weather, thaw the machine and its hoses in a warm room before use, as LG advises.
- Run a short test. Plug back in, turn the tap on and run LG’s Quick 30 programme (or the nearest short wash on your model) with a small load and a reduced detergent dose. Watch it fill. If it overfills again or shows FE, stop and call an engineer.
Safety: Stop once you have cleaned the filter, checked the drawer and adjusted the detergent. Testing or replacing the inlet valve, pressure sensor, hoses inside the cabinet or the control board means opening the machine near mains electricity and water, and should be left to an LG engineer or a qualified appliance technician. Always unplug the machine before touching the filter or hoses.
When Should You Call an Engineer?
- Water keeps flowing into the drum when the machine is off or paused.
- FE returns on a short programme with a clean filter and a normal detergent dose.
- The machine alternates between FE and PE, which suggests a water level sensing fault.
- Water is leaking from underneath the machine, not just the filter area.
- You see scorch marks, smell burning or the machine trips the electrics.
Keep the tap off until the repair, and use LG’s service booking if the machine is under warranty. We do not list repair prices because we could not find a reliable published figure.
FE Error Causes: What to Check and Who Fixes It
| Cause | What you notice | Who fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| Too much or wrong detergent | Foam in the drawer or drum, Sud code on some washes | You |
| Clogged drain pump filter | Slow draining, fluff and debris in the filter | You (unplugged) |
| Frozen hoses | Cold weather, unheated room | You (thaw), engineer if hoses split |
| Inlet valve stuck open | Keeps filling when off or paused | Engineer |
| Water level sensor or air hose | FE or PE on a clean, correctly dosed machine | Engineer |
| Control board | Other faults or random codes as well | Engineer |
Draining problems and overfilling are linked: if your machine shows OE instead, our LG OE error guide covers the drain hose and pump checks in more detail.
How Can You Stop the FE Error Coming Back?
- Use front loader detergent and measure it, following the pack’s dosing guide for your load size and water hardness.
- Clean the drain pump filter regularly, and straight after washing anything that sheds, such as new towels or pet bedding.
- Clean the detergent drawer so it does not clog and hold water.
- Protect a machine in a garage or outbuilding from frost in winter.
- Turn the water tap off when you go away; a stuck inlet valve then cannot flood the room.
- Repeated aborted washes waste energy and water; our electricity cost calculator shows what each cycle costs at your tariff.
LG Washing Machine Fe Error FAQs
What does FE mean on an LG washing machine?
FE is an overflow error. The machine has detected more water in the drum than the load requires, so it stops the programme. LG lists a clogged drain pump filter and excess foam from the wrong detergent as common causes.
How do I reset an LG washing machine showing FE?
Switch off and unplug the machine for about 60 seconds, clean the drain pump filter, then plug it back in and run a short programme such as Quick 30. If FE comes back, turn off the water tap and book an engineer.
Can too much detergent cause an FE error?
Yes. LG says front loaders use little water, and too much detergent, or a type not made for front loaders, creates foam that can trigger FE. Use a high efficiency front loader detergent at the dose on the pack.
Why does my LG washing machine keep filling with water?
If water keeps entering while the machine is off or paused, the water inlet valve is probably stuck open. Turn off the supply tap and unplug the machine at once, then call an engineer. This is not a homeowner repair.
What is the difference between FE and PE on LG washers?
FE means the drum holds too much water. PE means the water level sensor is not working properly, so the machine cannot judge the level at all. Both can share a sensor cause, and a repeated PE needs an engineer.
Is it safe to use my LG washer after an FE error?
Only if a reset, a clean filter and a correct detergent dose clear it and a short test wash fills normally. If FE returns or the machine overfills, leave the tap off and do not use it until it is repaired.
Checked October 2026. Sources: LG UK: An FE error is displayed, LG: FE error troubleshooting for front load washing machines, LG Front Load Washer Error Code List.
