Code: AE🧺 LG Dishwasher

LG Dishwasher AE (E1) Error Code: Leak Detected, Water in the Base (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Based on 3 manufacturer & service sources

What the code means

LG's US support page says an AE or E1 code means a leak inside the dishwasher is activating the float switch, and that you have to find and fix the cause before the dishwasher will run again. LG's dishwasher error-code guide groups AE with FE (and RE on some models) and lists the triggers as too much water supplied, oversudsing from dishwashing liquid, a unit that isn't level or a door that isn't aligned, a detected leak, and, on Dynamic Heat Dry models, water poured into the Heat Dry blower by mistake. While the error is active the dishwasher keeps draining to protect the appliance and your floor. Older LG models show the same leak error as E1, and LG's international help pages describe AE/E1 as a leakage error that most often comes from a leak or from using the wrong detergent.

Likely causes

Safe DIY checks

⚠ Before you start

Unplug the appliance (or switch off its breaker) and shut off the water supply valves before removing panels or disconnecting hoses. Keep towels handy for residual water.

  1. Stop using the dishwasher and check the floor. If water is on the floor, turn off the power and the water supply to the dishwasher.
  2. Check your detergent. Use only dishwasher detergent, never hand dish soap, use one pod or tablet at most, and don't fill the dispenser past its marked levels, as LG directs.
  3. Clean any food or grease off the door gasket and the tub edge where it seals. If the gasket is torn, LG says it needs service.
  4. Take off the spray arms and clean them with a soft brush and warm soapy water, then reinstall them.
  5. Check that the dishwasher is level. LG suggests removing the bottom rack, pouring about a gallon of water into the tub and seeing whether it pools to one side.
  6. Dry the base pan: switch off the circuit breaker, remove the two screws holding the kick plate at the bottom front, take off the plate and soak up any water in the base behind it.
  7. Restore power and run an empty cycle. If AE or E1 shows again with the right detergent, a level unit and a dry base, unplug the dishwasher and request LG service.

🛠 When to call a pro

  • AE or E1 comes back after you've fixed the detergent, cleaned the gasket and spray arms and dried the base pan.
  • The code appears even when you use a single pod or tablet; LG says the unit then needs a technician.
  • The door gasket or a spray arm is torn or damaged, which LG treats as a service repair.
  • There's no water on the floor but the error stays on. LG says to unplug the dishwasher and request service.
  • You poured water into the Heat Dry blower on a built-in model. LG advises not pulling the unit out and requesting service instead.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

⚙

Dishwasher detergent pods or powder

Use real dishwasher detergent, one pod or tablet per load, never hand dish soap.

[affiliate link slot: AFFILIATE_SLOT_DW_CLEANER]
⚙

Appliance bubble level

For checking that the dishwasher sits level side to side and front to back.

[affiliate link slot: AFFILIATE_SLOT_APPLIANCE_LEVEL]
⚙

LG dishwasher door gasket (exact part for your model)

Only if the gasket is torn or won't seal. LG treats a damaged gasket as a service repair, so check warranty first.

[affiliate link slot: AFFILIATE_SLOT_DW_DOOR_GASKET]

Sources

  1. LG USA Support: AE & E1 Error Code, Dishwasher (float switch, leveling, gasket, spray arms, detergent, drying the drain pan)
  2. LG USA Support: LG Dishwasher Guide to Error Codes (FE/AE/RE causes, keeps draining, Heat Dry blower warning, request service)
  3. LG U.A.E. Help Library: LG Dish Washer AE or E1 (leakage error, wrong detergent causes oversudsing)

Last reviewed 2026-10-22. Always confirm against the manual for your exact model number.