Water Leak Detected

What it means

This code appears on LG dishwashers with a digital display and means the leak sensor in the base found water, so the dishwasher stops the cycle and may run the drain pump to protect the kitchen from flooding. The cause is usually heavy suds from an unsuitable detergent, or a leak from the door seal, an internal hose or connection, or a pump. Do not use the dishwasher until the water source is found; the same code on LG washing machines has its own page, and it can mean something else on other brands.

Models covered: LG dishwashers with a digital display; the code shows on the display.

Related codes: FEOEIELE

Symptoms4

• AE shows and the cycle stops; the drain pump may run continuously.
• Water on the floor in front of or under the unit.
• Suds coming out around the door.
• The code returns even after the floor is dried.

Possible causes6

• Heavy suds from hand dish soap or too much detergent.
• Damaged door seal, or the unit not level so water escapes at the door.
• A dish or pot deflecting spray toward the door or blocking a spray arm.
• Leak from an internal hose or connection, or from the inlet hose itself.
• Leak from the circulation pump, drain pump or heater.
• Water left in the base from an earlier leak keeping the sensor triggered.

How to diagnose5

1. Turn off the supply tap, unplug the dishwasher and dry the floor around it.
2. Make sure you use a dishwasher detergent in the right amount and that the rinse aid cap is closed.
3. Look at the door seal, make sure dishes do not block the spray arms, and check the unit is level.
4. Do not tilt the dishwasher to dry the base before the leak source is found, because the code will come back.
5. A technician unplugs the dishwasher before opening it, traces the leak in the hoses, pumps and heater, then dries the base and checks the leak sensor.

How to fix5

1. Use the right detergent, remove the suds and run a rinse with no detergent.
2. Level the dishwasher and replace the door seal if damaged.
3. Replace the leaking hose or connection.
4. Repair or replace the pump or other leaking part based on the source.
5. Once the source is fixed, the technician dries the base and a cycle is run under watch to confirm the code does not return.

Repair cost

In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.

The cost is low when the cause is suds, the door seal or a loose connection, and higher when the leak comes from the circulation pump or another internal part.

Prices are rough estimates including the part and the technician’s fee, and vary with brand, model and part source.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions