LG FF
Freeze Failure
Hard severityExpert Guide
SeverityHard
What Your Machine Is Actually Telling You
FF means the temperature sensor detected water or ambient conditions near or below freezing (0°C/32°F). LG prevents operation in freezing conditions because ice can damage the pump, hoses, and drum.
Why this is dangerous:
- Frozen water expands, cracking pump housings.
- Ice in valves prevents filling.
- Frozen drain lines prevent draining.
- Rubber hoses become brittle and crack.
FF is most common in:
- Unheated garages.
- Basements in winter.
- Laundry rooms near exterior walls.
- Newly moved machines in cold transport.
Common causes:
1. Unheated installation area (40%) — garage, shed, porch.
2. Frozen inlet/drain lines (25%) — pipes froze.
3. Very cold inlet water (15%) — well water in winter.
4. Machine moved in cold weather (10%) — internal water froze.
5. Sensor fault (10%) — temperature sensor misreading.
Why this is dangerous:
- Frozen water expands, cracking pump housings.
- Ice in valves prevents filling.
- Frozen drain lines prevent draining.
- Rubber hoses become brittle and crack.
FF is most common in:
- Unheated garages.
- Basements in winter.
- Laundry rooms near exterior walls.
- Newly moved machines in cold transport.
Common causes:
1. Unheated installation area (40%) — garage, shed, porch.
2. Frozen inlet/drain lines (25%) — pipes froze.
3. Very cold inlet water (15%) — well water in winter.
4. Machine moved in cold weather (10%) — internal water froze.
5. Sensor fault (10%) — temperature sensor misreading.
What You're Probably Seeing Right Now
- FF in winter — machine in unheated area.
- Machine just arrived via cold delivery.
- Water won't enter — inlet lines frozen.
- Water won't drain — drain line frozen.
DIY Fix — From Easiest to Hardest
1
Warm Up the Area (Primary Fix — 80%)
1. Use a space heater to warm the room to at least 60°F (15°C).
2. Wait 2-3 hours for machine to warm up.
3. DO NOT pour hot water on frozen parts — thermal shock cracks components.
4. Once warm: try a cycle.
2. Wait 2-3 hours for machine to warm up.
3. DO NOT pour hot water on frozen parts — thermal shock cracks components.
4. Once warm: try a cycle.
2
Thaw Water Lines (30 minutes)
1. Use a hair dryer on LOW heat.
2. Warm the inlet hoses and drain hose.
3. Feel for frozen sections.
4. Once thawed: let warm water run through.
5. Check for cracks after thawing.
2. Warm the inlet hoses and drain hose.
3. Feel for frozen sections.
4. Once thawed: let warm water run through.
5. Check for cracks after thawing.
3
Check for Damage (After Thawing)
Once everything is thawed:
1. Check ALL hoses for cracks or bulges.
2. Run a short cycle and watch for leaks.
3. Listen to the pump — any grinding?
4. Replace any damaged hoses ($10-30).
1. Check ALL hoses for cracks or bulges.
2. Run a short cycle and watch for leaks.
3. Listen to the pump — any grinding?
4. Replace any damaged hoses ($10-30).
4
Prevent Future Freezing
1. Insulate the room — keep above 40°F minimum.
2. Insulate exposed water lines.
3. Leave cabinet doors open to let heat reach pipes.
4. During extreme cold: let a faucet drip to prevent freezing.
5. If in an unheated area: winterize or relocate the washer.
2. Insulate exposed water lines.
3. Leave cabinet doors open to let heat reach pipes.
4. During extreme cold: let a faucet drip to prevent freezing.
5. If in an unheated area: winterize or relocate the washer.
5
Winterize Machine (If Storing in Cold)
If machine will be in freezing area:
1. Disconnect hoses.
2. Run Spin Only to expel all water.
3. Use the emergency drain hose to get remaining water.
4. Add 1 quart RV antifreeze to drum.
5. Run a brief spin to distribute.
6. Disconnect power.
1. Disconnect hoses.
2. Run Spin Only to expel all water.
3. Use the emergency drain hose to get remaining water.
4. Add 1 quart RV antifreeze to drum.
5. Run a brief spin to distribute.
6. Disconnect power.
When to Call a Pro
- •Frozen pump cracked — replacement: $100-$250.
- •Frozen valve damaged — $80-$200.
- •Burst internal hose — $80-$250.
- •Electrical damage from condensation — $150-$400.
What It'll Cost You
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