What IE (Inlet Error) Means
IE means the tub isn't receiving the expected amount of water within the time the control board allows, per LG's dishwasher Help Library article, which names a water outage, a closed inlet valve, or a bent inlet hose as the likely causes.
Common Causes of IE (Inlet Error)
- General household water outage
- Water inlet valve closed (often left closed by the installer to prevent leaks during installation)
- Inlet hose pressed, kinked, or bent
- Water inlet valve itself malfunctioning
🔧 One Safe Check You Can Try
Check whether other taps in your kitchen and bathroom are working normally to rule out a general water outage, then check that the inlet hose behind the dishwasher isn't pressed or kinked; if the unit was recently installed or moved, open the sink cabinet door below the kitchen taps and confirm both the dishwasher's inlet valve and the shutoff valve above it are fully open (turning counterclockwise to open).
⚠ Why You Shouldn't Go Further Than That
- If you've confirmed water is flowing to the rest of the house and both valves under the sink are open but IE persists, the water inlet valve inside the dishwasher itself likely needs replacement - that's technician work, not a valve you should force or disassemble.
- If your installer closed the valve during setup and it's still closed weeks later, contact them directly rather than assuming the appliance itself is faulted.
Opening a panel to inspect or repair something yourself doesn't automatically cancel your manufacturer's warranty — but it can risk accidental damage, and some manufacturers do have specific service conditions. Check your product's warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.