nF
LG Washing Machine
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
LG washer error nF means 'no fill' — the washer started a cycle but could not get enough water into the drum within the expected time. The machine waited and waited, but the water level never reached the required point, so it stopped. This is almost always a water supply issue and is usually easy to fix yourself.
Affected Models
- LG WM3900HBA
- LG WM3500CW
- LG WM4000HBA
- LG WM8000HVA
- LG WT7305CW
Common Causes
- The hot or cold water supply tap behind the washer is turned off or only partially open
- The inlet hose filter screens are blocked with mineral deposits or debris, restricting water flow
- The household water pressure is too low — LG washers require a minimum of 14.5 psi (1 bar) to fill properly
- One or both of the water inlet hoses is kinked or bent sharply, blocking flow
- The water inlet valve inside the washer has failed and is not opening to allow water to enter
How to Fix It
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Go behind the washer and locate the two water supply taps — usually on the wall. Make sure both the hot and cold taps are turned fully counter-clockwise (fully open).
It is very easy to accidentally bump these taps partially closed when moving the machine. This is the first and most common cause of nF.
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Turn off both taps. Disconnect both inlet hoses from the back of the washer. Look into the hose connector on the washer — there are small mesh filter screens inside. Remove any visible debris with tweezers or a toothpick.
These screens are tiny but important. A blocked screen reduces water flow to a trickle. Rinse the screens under the tap to clear mineral buildup.
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Check both inlet hoses for kinks. Straighten any sharp bends and ensure the hoses are not pinched behind the washer. Reattach the hoses firmly — finger tight plus a quarter turn.
Flexible rubber hoses can kink easily when the washer is pushed back against the wall. Leave a few inches of space.
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Turn both supply taps back on fully. Start a new wash cycle and watch to see if water enters the drum within the first few minutes.
You should hear water flowing into the drum within 30–60 seconds of starting a cycle. If you hear nothing at all, the inlet valve is likely the problem.
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If water still does not enter after checking all of the above, test the household water pressure. You can buy a simple pressure gauge from a hardware store and attach it to a tap. LG requires a minimum of 14.5 psi.
If household pressure is fine and water still will not enter the washer, a technician needs to test and replace the water inlet valve.
When to Call a Professional
If the water supply taps are fully open, the hoses are clear, and the water pressure is adequate, the inlet valve inside the washer has likely failed. Replacing the water inlet valve requires disassembling part of the washer cabinet — contact an LG-certified technician for this repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
My washer filled fine yesterday — why is nF showing today?
The most common reason for a sudden nF is a tap that got accidentally bumped closed or a filter screen that has just reached the point of being too blocked. Check the supply taps first — this fixes the issue the majority of the time.
Does nF mean the washer is broken?
Not usually. nF most often means there is a problem with the water supply, not the machine itself. In the majority of cases, opening a tap or cleaning a filter screen resolves the error completely.
Can I prevent nF from coming back?
Yes. Clean the inlet hose filter screens every six to twelve months, especially if you live in an area with hard water. Also avoid pushing the washer hard against the wall — leaving a few inches of clearance prevents hose kinking.