LG Washer / Ventless Dryer WM3987HW Not Drying? This might help

LG Washer / Ventless Dryer, Model WM3987HW

There's a lot of reports that this unit does not dry effectively, and it's completely true. I purchased this in Dec. 2010, and while it washes beautifully, clothes come out totally wet, even after 3+ hours of drying.

The video shows a reason why this may be happening. The solution is working for me, and I hope it does the same for you.

Word of caution though. The bucket shown in the video holds about 3 gallons, and in a 90 minute dry cycle, I had to dump it out twice. So what's being suggested here is not a "set it and forget it" solution.

I'm planning to get a larger bucket, or container, and also purchase an electric water pump with a power actuator that triggers if the water level gets to a certain point in said bucket / container.

Feb 2012 EDIT:

Called LG for service, after a few attempts they diagnosed the problem. They mentioned there's a hose inside the machine that was putting water back into the tub. Service guy simply zip-tied the hose shut, and this problem's been completely fixed.

However, now I'm getting "DHE" error code, which is potentially a severe problem. Called LG for service again, apparently the power module in my machine has some known issues. Service guy showed me the circuit board, and a component had become warped due to excess heat. The entire power module's been replaced and machine's working great, despite still getting the occasional "DHE" errors. When this happens, I've just keep the machine turned off for a while to dissipate built-up heat, then re-run the dry cycle. No issues then.

Final verdict, it appears these LG ventless all-in-one units (at least mine) are not really ready for prime-time. I've been encountering one issue after another, and I suspect my machine will finally give up the ghost pretty soon.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• lg
• washer
• dryer
• venteless

[Meadowlawn]

I have one of these machines too and overall I'm quite pleased. It really does dry just fine. My question is whether it's normal for the top of the machine to be pretty hot to the touch during the drying cycle. Also, I've seen this described as "silent" by certain people on Amazon; mine isn't overly loud but it's about as loud as a normal dishwasher when it "pulses" during its drying cycle. Is that normal? Thanks so much igbatious for posting the video and creating this forum!

[igbatious]

@Meadowlawn Machine does get quite hot during drying. This is because there is a giant heating element on top of the machine, I took a peek while the service guy had the panels off. This heating element is what heats the air going into the tub.

So, I finally had this problem fixed permanently. Called LG for service and after a few visits, the service guy diagnosed the problem as some hose not being closed. It was a quick fix, he just cut it off with a zip tie and now it dries perfect.

[igbatious]

@Meadowlawn Also, the pulsing sound you hear during the dry cycle is cold water being pumped through the condenser to remove heat off the heatsink. It's totally normal, in fact you should be concerned if you don't hear that sound.

[ElmerCat]

From what I've read, here are a few things to check:

1) Make sure the machine is perfectly level.

2) Make sure cold water supply is left on and not mixed up with hot.

3) Don't overload the machine; try testing with a small or moderate sized load.

4) Don't use too much detergent; too much will cause suds lock and poor draining.

5) Make sure the machine runs a spin cycle before drying begins.

If you've tried all these things and still have trouble, I'd love to know what LG says next.

[igbatious]

@ElmerCat those are all great suggestions. i've pretty much tried all, except using too much detergent. i normally fill it up to the "normal" level (for a single load, i'm guessing).

i always run a high-speed dry cycle prior to drying, but next time i'll run it again, see if that makes any different.

tried calling LG today but got busy. if the above have no affect, will definitely be calling LG. will post results here shortly.

[ElmerCat]

It's important to know that this machine actually uses cold water to dry clothes. Therefore, make sure it's supply of cold water doesn't get turned off during the dry cycle and, especially, that you haven't accidentally mixed up the hot and cold hoses!

The washer should be able to pump water up to your standard height drain connector. That's probably not your problem or else you'd also have trouble with it draining during the wash cycles.

[igbatious]

@ElmerCat i see, well lowering hose seemed to help. so let's say the hose placement is not the problem, what do you think may be causing the dampness? looked all over for answers, but none found....

oh, and i cold water is hooked and flowing, so issued with that.

[bluetube61]

@igbatious

...I question your service guy, or the way he described it. Did you have water on your floor before he showed up?

[WFK2831]

looks like the drain pump is broken or the filter inside is clogged.

[Intellihome]

@turab4994, I'm in a townhouse and I have this machine stacked with a steam dryer in a laundry closet. I added a standard dryer on top of it so I get the equivalent of three machines in the space of two. Look up my Intellihome alias on YouTube; I have a couple of videos about the combo machine then in the other one I have the 220v dryer stacked on top.

[turab4994]

@Intellihome How do you have it install? by pro or by yourself and do you have hook up permanent or use tap and a sink? Do you put your machine higher on pedestal or on the floor? I just don't get it why there are a lot of people complaining.

[Meadowlawn]

@Meadowlawn Thanks so much -- I really appreciate it!

[AdamCanFly]

It's the hottest time of year here in Texas and the tap water is really warm. Would that cause my LG to take forever to dry clothes? Or should I be more worried?

[mieleguy1999]

Wht don't u just let the water go in to the reswaiour and then empty it out after evrey cycle