FixByModel
FE

LG FE: Overfill: too much water in tub

FE (Fill/Overflow Error) means the washer detected more water in the tub than it should have — a safety trip to prevent flooding. Unlike a fill failure, this indicates water kept entering when it should have stopped.

May need a technician

By the FixByModel editorial team · Verified 2026-09 · Researched against manufacturer support & repair references (below)

Most likely causes

  1. Water inlet valve stuck open, letting water seep in continuously
  2. Faulty water level pressure switch or sensor misreading the level
  3. Clogged or leaking pressure switch hose reporting a false high level
  4. Excessive suds from too much detergent tricking the sensor
  5. Control board not closing the inlet valve
Where water escapes
1Door gasket
2Hoses & clamps
3Base tray
4Leak sensor

Schematic illustration of a typical washing machine — not your exact model.

Before you start — unplug the appliance and turn off the water supply. You'll be working near water and electrical parts, and drained water can be hot. If a step involves the pump, wiring, or opening the cabinet and you're unsure, stop and call a qualified technician.

Step-by-step fix

1Stop the waterImmediately turn off the hot and cold supply taps and unplug the machine to stop any overflow.
2Reset the washerLeave it unplugged for a minute or two, then restore power and restart to see if FE was a one-time glitch.
3Reduce detergentUse less detergent (HE-only in front-load machines) to rule out oversudsing as the cause.
4Clean the pressure hoseLocate the thin clear hose to the pressure switch, detach it, and blow through it to clear soap scum or sediment blocking the reading.
5Check the inlet valveIf water enters even when the machine is off, the inlet valve is stuck open and should be replaced.
6Call a technicianIf the valve, pressure switch/sensor, or control board is at fault, have the part tested and replaced by a professional.

Still showing FE?

If you’ve worked through every step and FE keeps returning, an internal part likely needs testing and replacement. That’s a job for a qualified appliance technician, who can measure the suspect part against the service-manual spec before replacing it.

Which models this applies to

LG washing machines. Both LG front-load and top-load washers.

FAQ

What does LG FE mean?

Overfill: too much water in tub. FE (Fill/Overflow Error) means the washer detected more water in the tub than it should have — a safety trip to prevent flooding. Unlike a fill failure, this indicates water kept entering when it should have stopped.

What causes LG FE?

The most likely cause is water inlet valve stuck open, letting water seep in continuously. Other causes include Faulty water level pressure switch or sensor misreading the level; Clogged or leaking pressure switch hose reporting a false high level; Excessive suds from too much detergent tricking the sensor; Control board not closing the inlet valve.

Can I fix LG FE myself?

Some checks are DIY, but this code often points to an internal component, so it may need a qualified technician.