HO
LG Dishwasher
Severity: MinorWhat Does This Error Mean?
The HO code on an LG dishwasher is not actually an error — it means the dishwasher is waiting for the water to heat up to the correct temperature before starting the main wash. HO stands for 'Heating Only' or 'Hold — Heating.' This is normal behavior, especially if your hot water supply is slow to warm up.
Affected Models
- LDP6797ST
- LDFN4542D
- LDT5678SS
- LDT7808ST
- All LG dishwashers with a heating element
Common Causes
- The incoming water from your pipes is too cold and needs time to reach wash temperature
- Your water heater is set below the recommended 120°F (49°C) minimum
- The dishwasher was started before hot water had reached the tap (common in winter)
- A long pipe run between the water heater and the dishwasher means cold water fills the machine first
- The water heater itself is undersized or struggling to keep up with household demand
How to Fix It
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Do nothing — the HO code means the dishwasher is simply waiting for water to heat up.
The cycle will start automatically once the water reaches the target temperature.
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Run your kitchen hot tap for 30–60 seconds before starting the dishwasher.
This flushes cold water out of the pipes so hot water reaches the dishwasher immediately.
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Check your water heater thermostat setting.
It should be set to at least 120°F (49°C). Many dishwashers prefer 120–140°F for best results.
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Wait up to 15 minutes — the HO code should disappear once the water is up to temperature.
The cycle will then continue automatically without any input from you.
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If HO shows for more than 30 minutes without any progress, cancel the cycle and contact a technician.
An unusually long HO phase suggests the heating element is not working and water is not warming up.
When to Call a Professional
The HO code is normal and usually clears on its own within a few minutes. If HO stays on screen for more than 30 minutes without the cycle starting, the heating element may be faulty. In that case, call a technician to test the heating element and thermostat. A faulty element is a straightforward repair — typically $100–$180 total.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the HO code a problem I need to fix on my LG dishwasher?
Usually not — HO just means the dishwasher is patiently waiting for hot water. The cycle will start automatically once the water heats up. If HO clears within 5–15 minutes and the cycle runs normally, there is nothing wrong.
How can I prevent the HO code from appearing every time?
The easiest fix is to run your kitchen hot tap for about a minute before starting the dishwasher. This warms up the water in your pipes so hot water arrives at the machine right away. You can also raise your water heater temperature slightly — but do not go above 140°F to avoid scalding risk.
Could a faulty heating element cause the HO code to stick permanently?
Yes — if the heating element inside the dishwasher has failed, the water will never reach the target temperature. The dishwasher will sit in HO mode indefinitely waiting for a temperature it can never reach. If HO lasts more than 30 minutes, stop the cycle and have a technician test the heating element.