Nothing disrupts a kitchen routine quite like a dishwasher that refuses to run. If your LG dishwasher is flashing an AE or E1 error and endlessly pumping water, you’re not alone — and in most cases, you can fix it yourself in under an hour.
our home appliance repair technicians in Toronto have seen this error on dozens of LG units. This guide covers every cause and the correct fix — whether it’s a DIY job or time to call in a professional for appliance repair in Toronto.
What Does the AE Error Code Mean?
AE stands for Aqua Error — Latin for water. When your LG dishwasher detects water in the drip pan (overflow tray) at the base of the unit, it halts all operations and triggers this error to prevent flooding or electrical damage.
Inside the tray is an Aqua Switch (float switch) — a sensor that trips the moment it contacts water. Once tripped, the dishwasher locks into a drain-and-pump loop that won’t stop until the tray is completely dry.
| ⚠ Important Note The AE error won’t reset by unplugging the unit. The float switch remains triggered as long as any moisture remains in the drip pan — even a thin film of water will keep the error active. |
The 4 Most Common Causes
| 01 | Unit Is Not Level If the dishwasher tilts slightly, water collects near the door seal and overflows into the base during a wash cycle. |
| 02 | Damaged Water Jacket / Inlet Valve A cracked water jacket or loose solenoid valve — often from a previous repair attempt — allows water to drip into the tray. |
| 03 | Too Much or Wrong Detergent Regular dish soap or overfilling the dispenser creates excessive suds that overflow into the base. |
| 04 | Faulty Hall Sensor A clogged flow meter misreads water intake. Mineral scale buildup in hard water areas is a common cause. |
Step-by-Step Fix: Removing Water from the Drip Pan
In the majority of cases, clearing the AE error comes down to one thing: removing all water from the overflow tray.
- Cut the power. Unplug the dishwasher or switch off the circuit breaker. Never work near water with the unit powered on.
- Remove the kick plate. This is the panel at the very bottom front of the dishwasher. Two screws on the sides — remove them and pull the panel away.
- Locate the drip tray. Reach underneath the unit. You’ll feel a shallow plastic tray. In many models, water pools toward the back, so reach as far in as possible.
- Absorb the water. Fold paper towels into a point and push them into the tray. Repeat 6–8 times until towels come back dry. A shop vacuum with a narrow nozzle also works well.
- Tip the unit forward (if needed). Remove the two mounting screws attaching the unit to the underside of your counter. Carefully tilt forward so water rushes to the front where you can vacuum it out.
- Allow to dry fully. Leave the kick plate off and run a fan at the base for 24–48 hours to ensure no residual moisture remains.
- Restore power and test. Turn the breaker back on, plug in the unit, and run an empty cycle to confirm the error has cleared.
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Fix #2: Re-Levelling the Dishwasher
A unit that’s even slightly off-level can cause water to migrate toward the door seal during a heavy wash cycle. To check and correct the levelling:
- Open the door and place a spirit level against the ceiling of the tub.
- Run a short cycle and observe — does water pool to one side of the tub floor?
- Adjust the front and rear feet clockwise to raise, counterclockwise to lower.
- The gap between the door and the tub should be equal on both left and right sides.
Fix #3: Check Your Detergent
The AE error can be caused entirely by detergent choice or quantity — an easy and overlooked fix.
- Never use regular dish soap — even a small amount creates massive suds that overflow.
- Fill the dispenser to the 15 ml line for soft water or lightly soiled loads.
- Use the 25 ml line for hard water or heavily soiled loads.
- If using pods or tablets, use only one — two pods will almost always trigger the overflow sensor.
When to Call a Professional
Most AE errors can be resolved at home. However, contact a certified technician for appliance repair in Toronto if:
- The error returns within 48 hours of drying the tray (indicates an active leak source).
- You can see water pooling under the dishwasher on your kitchen floor.
- The inlet valve or water jacket is visibly cracked or broken.
- The unit is under warranty — DIY repairs can void coverage.
- You’ve repeated the drying process more than three times without a lasting fix.
Our appliance repair Toronto team specialises in LG, Samsung, Bosch, and Miele dishwashers. We also handle refrigerators — if you’ve been searching for fridge repair near me in the GTA, or need fridge repair Toronto, we offer same-day and next-day scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need to leave the dishwasher to dry before the AE error clears?
If you soak up most of the water manually, the error usually clears within a few hours. If the tray isn’t accessible, leave the kick plate off and run a fan — allow 24–48 hours. In cold or humid conditions, allow up to 72 hours.
Why does the AE error keep coming back every few weeks?
A recurring error points to an active leak source — most commonly a faulty water jacket, a loose inlet valve connection, a cracked door seal, or a drain line that allows backflow from the sink. Draining the pan treats the symptom; the underlying leak needs to be found and repaired.
Can I use a regular vacuum instead of a shop vac?
Standard household vacuums are not designed for water and can be damaged or create a shock hazard. Use a dedicated wet/dry shop vacuum, or use paper towels and sponges instead.
Will LG cover this under warranty?
LG’s standard warranty covers manufacturing defects. If the leak was caused by improper installation, hard water damage, or a prior unauthorised repair, coverage may not apply. Always check before attempting DIY repairs on a unit under warranty.
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