LG Dishwasher E1 Error Code — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

The E1 error on an LG dishwasher means the flood protection sensor has detected water in the drip tray at the bottom of the machine. This is a safety feature — when water leaks into the base of the dishwasher, E1 triggers and the machine stops to prevent floor damage. You may notice water on the floor under or around the dishwasher, or the machine stopping mid-cycle. The source of the leak must be found and fixed before the dishwasher will run again.

Affected Models

LG LDT5665V
LG LDP6797ST
LG LDFN4542S
LG LDT7808BD
Most LG built-in dishwashers

Common Causes

Damaged or worn door seal allowing water to leak out during the wash cycle
Loose or cracked water supply hose connection at the inlet valve
Leaking drain hose connection at the pump or drain outlet
Cracked dishwasher tub or sump area allowing water to reach the base
Overfilling caused by a faulty water inlet valve or float switch, causing overflow into the base

How to Fix It

Turn off the dishwasher and disconnect it from power at the circuit breaker. Shut off the water supply valve under the sink as well.

Working with water and electricity together is dangerous — always cut both before proceeding.
Carefully tilt the dishwasher forward slightly (if possible) or pull it out from under the counter. Look underneath for the drip tray — there will be water in it if a leak has occurred.

Use towels to soak up any water in the tray. The flood sensor (a small float switch) in the tray must dry out before the error will clear.
Inspect the door gasket (the rubber seal around the door edge) for cracks, tears, or areas where it is pulling away from the door frame.

A damaged door seal is one of the most common causes of dishwasher leaks and is inexpensive to replace — usually $20 to $50.
Check the water inlet hose and drain hose connections for looseness or cracks. Tighten any loose connections and replace any cracked hoses.

Drain hose clamps can loosen over time from vibration — a simple tightening sometimes stops the leak.
Allow the drip tray to dry completely (24 to 48 hours with a fan helps), then reset the error by restoring power. The E1 error will clear once the float sensor in the tray reads dry.

If the tray does not dry out, the error will return immediately even if the leak is fixed.

When to Call a Professional

Finding and fixing a dishwasher water leak can require pulling the machine out from under the counter. If you are not comfortable with appliance plumbing or moving a built-in appliance, an appliance technician can do this quickly. Always turn off the water supply and electricity before working inside the machine. A professional can also check whether the drip tray float switch needs resetting or replacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is E1 serious on an LG dishwasher?

Yes and no. E1 means the safety system worked correctly — it detected a leak and stopped. The leak itself needs attention because water under a dishwasher can damage flooring and cabinetry. But the dishwasher did its job. Fix the leak, dry the tray, and the machine should run normally again.

How do I reset the E1 error after fixing the leak?

Dry the drip tray completely, then restore power to the dishwasher. The error clears automatically once the float switch in the tray reads dry. If the error returns immediately after the leak is fixed, the tray may still have standing water in it.

Can too much detergent cause the E1 error?

Yes — excessive detergent creates foam that can overflow the tub and drip into the base tray. Using the correct amount of dishwasher detergent (not hand dish soap) prevents foam-related leaks. Never use hand dish soap in a dishwasher — it will foam massively and trigger E1.