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LG Dishwasher Error Code bE

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 11, 2026
⚠ Medium Severity 🔧 Easy DIY

Bubble/leak error — excessive suds or air detected in the wash system

The most common cause of the bE error on a LG dishwasher is wrong detergent used (hand soap or laundry detergent) (~45% of cases); start with: clear the suds.

💰 DIY cost: $0–$10 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $120–$240 Save $120+ by doing it yourself
LG Dishwasher error code bE on the display panel
How the bE code appears on a LG dishwasher display

What Does Error Code bE Mean on a LG Dishwasher?

Bubble/leak error — excessive suds or air detected in the wash system.

bE indicates the dishwasher detected excessive foam or air bubbles in the circulation system — usually from the wrong detergent or far too much of it. Suds make the pump cavitate and can trick the leak sensor. On some models bE escalates to or accompanies the leak error if foam reaches the base pan.

What Causes Error Code bE?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

  1. 1
    Wrong detergent used (hand soap or laundry detergent) 45% of cases
  2. 2
    Detergent overdose or rinse-aid leak inside the tub 25% of cases
  3. 3
    Suds residue from a previous overdose 20% of cases
  4. 4
    Leak sensor tripped by foam in the base pan 10% of cases

How to Fix LG Dishwasher Error Code bE

🔧 Easy DIY Est. time: 10–20 min
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Clear the suds

    Cancel the cycle and run one or two rinse-only cycles with no detergent; a tablespoon of vegetable oil in the tub helps knock down stubborn foam.

  2. 2

    Use only dishwasher detergent

    Verify everyone in the household uses automatic dishwasher detergent and the correct dose for your water hardness.

  3. 3

    Dry the base pan

    If bE persists with no suds, disconnect power and check the base pan under the tub for foam or water on the leak sensor; dry it out and find any drip source.

    ⚠️ Disconnect power at the breaker before removing the toe-kick and reaching into the base.

How to Reset Error Code bE

Run a rinse-only cycle to flush suds, then power off at the breaker for 60 seconds and retry.

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

Full LG dishwasher reset guide → Enter diagnostic mode → Symptom guide: Dishwasher leaking →

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

If bE appears with proper detergent and a dry base pan, the leak/bubble sensor or board needs professional testing.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $120–$240

Related Error Codes

AE
Leakage detected — water found in base tray
⚠ High Severity
LE
Leakage detected — flood protection activated
⚠ High Severity
nE
Vario motor error — wash arm diverter motor not reaching position
⚠ Medium Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code bE appears on these other brands too. See every brand that shows bE →

Samsung logo
Samsung Washing Machine bE
Button error — key stuck or shorted
Samsung logo
Samsung Dryer bE2
Button error — a control-panel key is stuck
Samsung logo
Samsung Dishwasher bE
Button error — a control-panel key is stuck or shorted

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your LG Dishwasher:

🔩
Search PartSelect
LG Dishwasher repair parts
🔧
Search RepairClinic
Step-by-step video guides

External links — ApplianceErrors.com is not affiliated with these retailers.

More LG Dishwasher Error Codes

OE Drain error — dishwasher not draining IE Water inlet error — not filling with water FE Water overflow — overfill protection triggered HE Heater failure — water not heating tE Temperature sensor failure CE Motor/pump over-current error

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my LG Dishwasher when error bE appears? +
You often can for a cycle or two, but the leak issue behind bE will keep interrupting normal operation until it is fixed. Plan the repair rather than ignoring the code.
What most commonly causes bE on a LG Dishwasher? +
Across reported LG dishwasher repairs, the most frequent is wrong detergent used (hand soap or laundry detergent) (45% of cases), detergent overdose or rinse-aid leak inside the tub (25%), then suds residue from a previous overdose (20%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
bE keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored bE fault; if it returns, the leak problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — clear the suds, then use only dishwasher detergent — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a beginner-friendly job needing only basic hand tools.
How much does it cost to fix LG Dishwasher error bE? +
A DIY repair typically runs $0–$10 in parts, versus $120–$240 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $120. Expect the work to take about 10–20 minutes.

Sources & References

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 11, 2026.

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