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LG Washing Machine Error Code AE

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 11, 2026
🛑 Critical — Stop Using 🔧🔧🔧 Advanced DIY

Leak detected (Aqua error) — water sensed in the base pan

The most common cause of the AE error on a LG washing machine is loose internal hose clamp or split hose (~35% of cases); start with: dry the base pan.

💰 DIY cost: $5–$95 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $180–$380 Save $175+ by doing it yourself
LG Washing Machine error code AE on the display panel
How the AE code appears on a LG washing machine display

What Does Error Code AE Mean on a LG Washing Machine?

Leak detected (Aqua error) — water sensed in the base pan.

LG washers with leak detection have a sensor in the base pan; AE means water reached it. The washer stops and may drain as a safeguard. The leak can be anywhere — hose clamps, the boot gasket, the dispenser, or a cracked tub — and gravity carries it to the pan.

What Causes Error Code AE?

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

  1. 1
    Loose internal hose clamp or split hose 35% of cases
  2. 2
    Door boot gasket torn or folded 25% of cases
  3. 3
    Dispenser overflow from excess/wrong detergent 20% of cases
  4. 4
    Drain pump housing or tub seal leaking 20% of cases

How to Fix LG Washing Machine Error Code AE

🔧🔧🔧 Advanced DIY Est. time: 1–3 hours
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Dry the base pan

    Unplug the washer, tip it back carefully or remove the lower panel, and dry the base pan so the sensor resets — then find the source before running it again.

    ⚠️ Unplug the washer before reaching into the base.
  2. 2

    Run a test cycle and watch

    With panels off and power restored, run a short cycle and watch with a flashlight for the drip source during fill, wash, and drain phases.

    ⚠️ Observe only — keep hands clear of moving and live parts.
  3. 3

    Repair the source

    Reseat hose clamps, replace a torn boot gasket, or replace the leaking pump housing as found.

    🔩 LG door boot gasket ($45–$95) 🔩 LG drain pump ($35–$80) 🔩 Hose clamps ($5–$10)

How to Reset Error Code AE

Dry the base pan completely, fix the leak source, then unplug for 5 minutes before restarting.

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

Full LG washer reset guide → Enter diagnostic mode → Symptom guide: Washer leaking water →

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

If you can't locate the leak source after observing a full cycle, call a technician — running a leaking washer risks floor damage and electrical faults.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $180–$380

Related Error Codes

OE
Drainage error — water not draining within expected time
⚠ High Severity
IE
Water inlet error — water not filling within expected time
⚠ Medium Severity
LE
Motor locked — hall sensor or stator fault
⚠ High Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

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

Samsung logo
Samsung Washing Machine AE
Communication error — main and sub control boards not talking
Samsung logo
Samsung Dryer AE
Communication error — internal signal failure

Find Replacement Parts

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

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

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

More LG Washing Machine Error Codes

UE Unbalanced load — cannot complete spin cycle dE Door open or door lock failure tCL Tub clean reminder — drum needs cleaning FE Water overflow error — drum overfilling HE Heater error — water heater circuit fault UB Unbalanced load — washer cannot distribute the load for spin

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my LG Washing Machine when error AE appears? +
No — stop using the washing machine right away. AE is a critical leak fault, and continuing to run it risks further damage or a safety hazard. Unplug it and resolve the fault before the next cycle.
What most commonly causes AE on a LG Washing Machine? +
Across reported LG washing machine repairs, the most frequent is loose internal hose clamp or split hose (35% of cases), door boot gasket torn or folded (25%), then dispenser overflow from excess/wrong detergent (20%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
AE keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored AE fault; if it returns, the leak problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — dry the base pan, then run a test cycle and watch — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is an advanced repair involving deeper disassembly or electrical testing.
How much does it cost to fix LG Washing Machine error AE? +
A DIY repair typically runs $5–$95 in parts, versus $180–$380 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $175. Expect the work to take 1–3 hours.

Sources & References

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

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