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LG E13 — Drain hose kinked or sump frozen on an LG condensing dryer.

Complete diagnostics and troubleshooting guide for LG dryer error code E13. Learn what it means, what causes it, and whether you need professional repair.

Severity Medium Repair Needs technician Components Condensate drain hose, drain pump, sump, water container

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E13 at a glance.

Error code E13
Appliance type Dryer
Severity Medium
Repairability Needs technician
Affected components Condensate drain hose, drain pump, sump, water container

Understanding error code E13.

Drain hose kinked or sump frozen on an LG condensing dryer.

What E13 means (lg e13 error)

An lg e13 error on an LG condensing (ventless) dryer indicates a condensate drain problem — typically a kinked drain hose or a frozen or blocked sump so the water the dryer collects cannot drain away. The control raises E13 to stop water backing up inside the unit.

Symptoms to look for

The signs below help confirm you are dealing with this condition rather than a different fault on your LG Dryer. You may see one of them or several together, and they can build up gradually or appear suddenly after a power event, a long door opening, or recent service.

  • The display shows “E13”
  • Drying stops or the water container fills quickly
  • Water is not draining from the condenser sump
  • The fault is worse in a cold installation

Common causes

Several different faults can produce these symptoms. Working through the most likely causes in order helps separate a quick, owner-level check from a problem that needs trained service and the correct LG parts.

  • Kinked drain hose — the condensate hose is pinched
  • Frozen or blocked sump — ice or debris blocks the drain path
  • Clogged drain pump or filter — buildup restricts draining
  • Improper drain installation — the hose runs too high or is not secured

Troubleshooting steps you can try

Work through these checks in order before calling for service. Stop wherever you are unsure, or where high-voltage parts, gas, the sealed refrigeration system, or a heat-pump compressor are involved, and hand the rest to a qualified technician.

  1. Check the condensate drain hose is not kinked, pinched, or run too high.
  2. If the dryer is in a cold space, thaw any frozen sump or hose.
  3. Clean the pump filter or sump area per the model guide.
  4. If E13 persists with a clear hose, leave it for service.

Parts a technician may replace

Depending on what the diagnosis shows, a technician may inspect, test, or replace the condensate drain hose, drain pump, sump, and water container. The correct part for your LG Dryer is matched from the model and serial number, and genuine LG components are fitted rather than generic substitutes so that performance, safety, and the appliance’s long working life are all protected. Confirming the failed part before ordering avoids replacing more than the fault actually requires.

When to call a technician

E13 that stays with a clear, correctly routed hose needs a technician to check the drain pump and sump on the condensing dryer. When the fix calls for trained service, book a visit through our scheduling page and an experienced, qualified technician will diagnose and repair it. For manufacturer documentation and model lookup, see the manufacturer at lg.com/us.

Prevention and care

Regular care keeps this condition from returning on your LG Dryer. Keep filters, vents, and the condenser or exhaust path clean, avoid overloading or blocking airflow, check that doors and seals close cleanly, and follow the LG maintenance guidance for your model. Because this unit relies on electronic control, protect it with a stable, correctly rated power supply and have any built-in or laundry installation done to LG specification so the control never sees an out-of-range condition. If a code appears, note exactly what was shown before you reset the appliance — that record helps the technician reach an accurate diagnosis and avoid replacing parts unnecessarily.

Browse other LG Dryer diagnostics, read about professional LG Dryer repair, look up your unit in the LG models reference, or the related d90 duct restriction, or schedule a service visit. For LG manufacturer documentation and model lookup, visit the manufacturer at lg.com/us.

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