If your LG Washer is showing error code AE, the machine has detected water leaking into the base of the cabinet. Error AE is triggered by LG’s AquaShield leak detection system, which uses a float switch or moisture sensor mounted in the bottom of the machine to detect any water that should not be there. Here is how to diagnose and fix LG Washer error AE.

⚡ Quick Fix – Top 3 Steps

1. Stop the cycle and look for visible water under or around the machine. Press Power to halt the cycle immediately. Pull the washer away from the wall and check underneath and behind it for water pooling on the floor. Identifying where the water is coming from (front seal, rear hose, or bottom of cabinet) tells you which component to inspect first.
2. Check the door seal and all external hoses for leaks. The door gasket (door seal) on front-load LG Washers is the most common source of leaks triggering AE. Check the gasket carefully for tears, holes, or debris caught in the lip that prevents a proper seal. Also inspect the inlet hoses and drain hose connections at the back of the machine for drips or weeping joints.
3. Tilt the washer forward to drain water from the base, then dry the base thoroughly. Even after the leak source is fixed, if water remains pooled in the base, the float switch or moisture sensor will keep triggering AE. Carefully tilt the machine forward 10–15 degrees (get assistance — washers are heavy) to allow water in the base to drain out. Dry the base with towels and allow it to air dry completely before restarting.

What Does LG Washer Error AE Mean?

Error AE stands for AquaShield Error (also referred to as Leak Error). LG’s AquaShield system is a flood prevention feature built into most LG front-load washers. A small float switch or moisture sensor is positioned in the base of the machine. If water leaks from any internal component and accumulates in the base pan, the switch or sensor is triggered and the control board displays error AE, immediately stopping the cycle to prevent floor damage and electrical hazards.

AE is a safety error. The machine will not run again until the leak source is repaired AND the water is cleared from the base of the machine.

Common Causes of LG Washer Error AE

• Torn or damaged door gasket: The rubber door seal develops cracks or tears over time, particularly at the bottom where water pools. Water escapes during the cycle and drips into the base.
• Loose or damaged inlet hose connections: The hot and cold water inlet hoses can drip at their threaded connections if washers are worn or fittings are not tightened correctly.
• Cracked or loose drain hose: The drain hose connection at the pump or at the standpipe may drip during pumping if the clamp is loose or the hose is cracked.
• Faulty drain pump: The drain pump can develop cracks in its housing or a worn seal, causing it to drip water into the base during drain cycles.
• Damaged outer tub: In rare cases, the outer tub itself develops a crack, typically from a foreign object strike, causing a persistent slow leak.
• Loose internal hose clamps: Internal hoses (between the pump, tub, and drain assembly) can develop loose clamps over time, causing drips during operation.
• Faulty float switch or moisture sensor (false trigger): In some cases, humidity or condensation rather than a true leak triggers the float switch. This is rare but possible in very humid environments.

Step-by-Step Fix for LG Washer Error AE

Step 1: Inspect the Door Gasket

Open the washer door and fold back the rubber door gasket to inspect all sides, paying close attention to the bottom of the gasket where water sits during the cycle. Look for cracks, tears, or holes. Also check that no foreign objects (coins, buttons, underwire) are caught in the gasket lip, as these prevent a full seal. If the gasket is damaged, replace it — this is the most common cause of AE and the repair requires pulling the gasket away from the cabinet lip, disconnecting a retaining spring wire, and fitting the replacement in reverse order.

Step 2: Check Inlet and Drain Hose Connections

Unplug the washer and pull it away from the wall. Check the hot and cold inlet hoses at both ends — where they connect to the tap and where they screw onto the back of the machine. Look for moisture, white mineral deposits (indicating a slow drip), or loose connections. Tighten fittings by hand and then one-quarter turn with pliers. Replace any hose that shows cracking, bulging, or weeping. Check the drain hose for a secure connection at the pump outlet, and verify the hose clamp is seated and tightened.

Step 3: Inspect the Drain Pump

The drain pump on front-load LG Washers is accessible from the front by removing the lower access panel (usually a pop-off panel or secured by screws). Place towels on the floor and open the pump filter cap to drain residual water. With the machine unplugged, inspect the pump housing for visible cracks and check the hose connections at the pump inlet and outlet for loose clamps. If the pump housing is cracked or its seal is weeping, the pump will need to be replaced.

Step 4: Dry the Machine Base Thoroughly

After finding and fixing the leak source, the water that has already accumulated in the machine base must be removed before the AE error will clear. Tilt the machine forward carefully (with assistance) to allow pooled water to drain out of the front lower area. Alternatively, remove the lower front panel and use towels or a sponge to dry the base. Allow the machine to sit unplugged for several hours so any residual moisture can evaporate.

Step 5: Test for Further Leaks

After the base is dry, plug the machine back in and run a short wash cycle. Observe the machine carefully throughout the cycle, checking for any new drips from the repaired area. If no leak is present and the base stays dry, error AE should not return. If AE reappears, the leak source has not been fully resolved or there is a second leak point.

How to Reset LG Washer Error AE

Error AE cannot be reset while water remains in the base. After the base is dried, unplug the machine for 10 minutes, then reconnect power. Press Power to start the machine. If the base is dry and the leak has been fixed, AE will not reappear and the washer will operate normally.

Related LG Washer Errors

• LG Washer Error OE — Drain error, often checked during AE diagnosis
• LG Washer Error FE — Overfill error, can contribute to leaks
• LG Washer Error IE — Inlet water error
• LG Washer Error Codes – Complete Guide