Kenmore Dishwasher E13 Error Code — What It Means
E13 is not a universal Kenmore code. Kenmore is a private-label brand, so the exact meaning depends on which manufacturer built your particular model. On LG-built Kenmore dishwashers, E13 typically indicates a drain-side fault: the machine cannot empty water properly. This usually points to a kinked, frozen, or clogged drain hose, a blocked sump area, or a drain pump performance issue.
Before you start repairs, locate your full Kenmore model number on the door jamb or inside frame. That number will tell you the actual OEM platform and confirm whether the LG interpretation applies to your unit. If you cannot find a tech sheet or service bulletin for your exact model, start with the drain hose and sink connection, since those are the most common culprits on LG-family units.
Common Causes
- Kinked or pinched drain hose The drain hose is crushed, bent sharply, or routed incorrectly under the dishwasher or cabinet, blocking water flow.
- Clogged drain hose or path Food debris, grease buildup, or foreign objects inside the hose or at the sink connection restrict draining.
- Frozen hose section If the dishwasher is near an exterior wall or unheated space, a portion of the drain hose may freeze and block flow.
- Blocked sink or disposer connection The dishwasher drain connects to a garbage disposer or sink tailpiece that is clogged or backed up, preventing the dishwasher from emptying.
- Sump or drain pump restriction Debris, broken glass, or hard-water scale in the sump area or pump impeller prevents the pump from moving water out.
- Drain pump failure The drain pump itself has failed electrically or mechanically and can no longer expel water, even when the path is clear.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Disconnect power at the circuit breaker or unplug the dishwasher before any inspection or repair work.
- Inspect the drain hose routing from the dishwasher to the sink or disposer connection, looking for kinks, sharp bends, pinch points, or any crushing under the cabinet.
- Check the sink and disposer connection by running the sink to verify it drains freely, and if you have a disposer, remove the knockout plug if this is a new installation or confirm the connection is not clogged.
- Remove and flush the drain hose if you find debris or suspect a clog, or replace it if it is frozen, cracked, or permanently kinked.
- Access the sump area by removing the lower dish rack and spray arm, then the filter assembly, and clear any debris, broken items, or buildup around the sump and pump inlet.
- Test the drain pump by restoring power and running a drain or rinse cycle, listening for pump operation and watching for steady water flow out the hose, or consult your model’s tech sheet for resistance specs if you suspect pump failure.
- Restore full power and run a complete test cycle to confirm the dishwasher drains normally at each stage and the E13 code does not reappear.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Drain hose | Amazon | Replace if kinked, cracked, frozen, or collapsed. Match length and diameter to your model. |
| Drain pump | Amazon | Order by full Kenmore model number if the pump is electrically or mechanically failed and the hose path is clear. |
| Sump assembly | Amazon | Needed if the sump housing is cracked or the internal filter screen and passages are damaged beyond cleaning. |
When to Call a Pro
Call a professional if you have cleared all hose obstructions and sump debris but the E13 code persists, if you are not comfortable removing the lower access panel or testing the drain pump electrically, or if you cannot identify your dishwasher’s OEM platform from the model number. A technician can pull the service diagnostics, measure pump performance against factory specs, and trace any wiring or control-board faults that might falsely trigger a drain error. Also call if the drain hose is routed through walls or floors you cannot safely access, or if you suspect a main control board issue rather than a mechanical blockage.