The IE code on an LG washer means the washer could not fill the tub with enough water in the time allowed. LG calls it a water inlet error. The usual causes are a closed or partly closed tap, a kinked or frozen inlet hose, or clogged inlet filters. You can fix most IE codes yourself in under 30 minutes by opening the taps fully, straightening the hoses and cleaning the small filters where the hoses connect.
Quick facts
| Code | IE (some LG models show E02 or E10 for the same fault) |
|---|---|
| Appliance | LG front-load and top-load washers |
| What it means | Water inlet error; the tub did not fill to the right level in time |
| Time needed | 10 to 30 minutes |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Most likely cause | A closed or partly closed water tap, or a kinked inlet hose |
Seeing the IE code on LG washer models usually means a supply problem outside the machine, not a broken part. On LG washers (made by LG Electronics), the checks start at the taps behind the washer. For other codes, see our complete list of LG washer error codes.
What does the LG washer IE code mean?
IE stands for “Water Inlet Error.” LG says it appears when water fails to fill the tub to an adequate level within a set period. Some displays also show “No Water Supply.”
The washer measures how long filling takes. If water comes in too slowly or not at all, it stops and shows IE. LG’s error list groups IE with the codes E02 and E10, which some models show instead.
What causes the IE code on an LG washer?
LG lists the taps, the inlet hoses, the inlet filters and cold weather as the main causes. On top-loaders, LG adds a drain hose pushed too far into the drain pipe.
| Cause | How to check | Fix | DIY difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tap closed or only partly open | Look at the hot and cold taps behind the washer | Turn both taps fully open (counterclockwise) | Easy |
| Inlet hose kinked, bent or disconnected | Pull the washer out and trace each hose | Straighten or reconnect; replace damaged hoses | Easy |
| Clogged inlet filters | Unscrew a hose at the washer and look at the screen inside | Clean the screen with a toothbrush under running water | Easy |
| Frozen hose or tap | Cold weather; no water comes out of the tap | Thaw with warm towels; wait for above-freezing temps | Easy |
| Drain hose too deep in the drain pipe (top-load) | Check if more than 4 inches of hose is inside the pipe | Pull it back and secure it | Easy |
| Faulty water inlet valve | All of the above are fine and IE persists | Valve repair by a technician | Pro only |
How do you fix the IE code on an LG washer? (step by step)
Start with the taps and hoses, since they are the quickest checks. Test a cycle after each fix.
Total time: 30 minutes
Open both water taps fully
Find the hot and cold taps behind the washer and turn them counterclockwise until fully open. LG notes that partly closed taps slow the fill so much that the washer shows IE.
Check that the hoses are connected
Make sure each inlet hose is screwed firmly onto both the tap and the back of the washer. A hose that has come loose cannot supply water.
Straighten kinked hoses
LG says vibration during washing and spinning can bend the hoses. Pull the washer out a little and unfold any kinks; if a hose is badly bent, turn off the tap and disconnect it to straighten it fully.
Clean the inlet filters
Turn off the taps and unplug the washer, then unscrew the hoses from the washer. Pull the small filter screens out with your fingers or pliers, scrub off rust, sand or grit with a toothbrush under running water, and push them back in.
Thaw a frozen supply in cold weather
If nothing comes out of the open tap, wrap a towel soaked in hot water around it for about 5 minutes, as LG suggests. Warm a disconnected hose with water no hotter than 50°C (122°F), and reconnect it only when all ice is gone.
Check the drain hose on top-loaders
LG says a drain hose pushed more than 4 inches (10 cm) into the drain pipe can siphon water out while the washer fills. Pull it back, secure it, and make sure it is not bent or blocked.
Reset and run a test cycle
Turn the taps back on, check the connections for leaks, plug the washer in and start a short cycle. If IE comes back, LG says the water supply valve may be faulty and the washer needs service.
LG recommends cleaning the inlet filters periodically, not just when IE appears. If you find rust, sand or small stones on the screens, check them again a few weeks later.
Is it different on top-load vs front-load models?
The meaning is the same, but LG’s guides add one extra check for top-loaders.
Front-load washers
- LG’s front-load guide covers the taps, hose connections, kinks, freezing and inlet filter cleaning.
- If those checks fail, LG points to a water supply valve fault.
Top-load washers
- LG adds a drain hose check. A hose pushed more than 4 inches into the drain pipe can siphon water out during filling, so the tub never reaches the right level.
- LG also says damaged inlet hoses should be replaced, not just straightened.
How do you reset an LG washer after the IE code?
There is no special IE reset. Once water flows normally, the code clears when you start a new cycle.
- Press Power to turn the washer off.
- Fix the tap, hose or filter problem.
- Press Power again, choose a cycle and press Start/Pause.
If the display still acts oddly, unplug the washer for about a minute before trying again. For other codes, use the reset steps in our LG washer error codes guide.
⚠️ Safety first
- Turn off both water taps before unscrewing any inlet hose. Have a bucket and towels ready for water left in the hose.
- Unplug the washer before cleaning the inlet filters or pulling it away from the wall.
- Disconnect power at the breaker before removing panels.
- Use only warm water and towels to thaw frozen hoses or taps. Never use an open flame.
When should you call a technician?
Call for service once the taps, hoses and filters all check out. LG says that if IE continues after these steps, the water supply valve may be faulty and a repair is needed. Clear signs include:
- Water flows strongly from the tap with the hose removed, but the washer still shows IE.
- You hear the washer click or hum when filling but no water enters.
- Water keeps trickling in when the washer is off.
- The code returns on every cycle after cleaning the filters.
The water inlet valve sits behind the washer’s panels. Most homeowners should leave valve testing and replacement to a technician.
How can you prevent the IE code from coming back?
A few quick habits keep water flowing freely.
- Leave both taps fully open when using the washer.
- Clean the inlet filters periodically, as LG recommends.
- Keep a few inches of space behind the washer so the hoses do not kink.
- Replace cracked, bulging or damaged inlet hoses.
- Keep the laundry area above freezing in winter. If it cannot be heated, LG’s error list advises draining water from the unit before cold weather.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my LG washer saying IE when the water is on?
The water may be on but flowing too slowly. A partly open tap, a kinked hose or clogged inlet filters can all slow the fill enough to trigger IE. Check each one, starting with the filters.
Where are the inlet filters on an LG washer?
They sit inside the water inlet ports on the back of the washer, where the hoses screw on. Turn off the taps, unscrew the hoses, and pull the screens out with your fingers or pliers.
Can low water pressure cause the IE code?
Yes. LG says IE appears when the tub does not fill in a set time, so anything that slows water flow can cause it. Partly closed taps and clogged filters are the most common reasons for weak flow.
Can cold weather cause an IE error on my LG washer?
Yes. LG says frozen hoses or taps can stop water from reaching the washer. Thaw them with hot, wet towels and warm water, or wait until temperatures rise above freezing.
Can I still use my LG washer with an IE code?
Not until it can fill. The washer will not wash without enough water, so fix the supply problem and start a new cycle. If IE keeps returning, book service.
Is the IE code the same on Samsung washers?
Samsung uses its own water supply codes, such as 4C. See our Samsung washer 4C code guide for Samsung-specific steps.
Related error codes
- LG washer error codes: full list with meanings and fixes
- LG washer 1E code: water inlet problem
- LG washer OE code: washer won’t drain
- LG washer FE code: overfilling
- LG washer PE code: pressure sensor error
- LG washer UE code: unbalanced load
- Samsung washer 4C code: water supply error
