Prepare the washer for an extended absence
LG WM4000HWA
Region: US | Content version: 2.0.0

Leave an empty, dry washer with water and power isolated, and keep a separate return-to-use checklist.

MODEL AND MANUAL
Exact model: WM4000HWA
Rinse+Spin button with Control Lock marking; Tub Clean cycle. Compare your supplied manual with MFL71728908 Rev.02_051022.
Manual: MFL71728908 Rev.02_051022
Excludes: WM3400CW; WM4000HBA; WM4080HWA; WM4000HWA with a different control panel or manual instructions

PREPARATION
[ ] Use this task for a washer staying in a location protected from freezing. If freezing is possible, arrange the manual's cold-climate storage procedure with qualified help.
[ ] Finish the cycle and wait for unlocking and all drum motion to stop. Reach faucets and the plug only from a safe, dry position.

TOOLS
- Soft dry cloth

MATERIALS
- No cleaning chemicals needed

FULL CHECKLIST
1. Remove all laundry. Check the location will stay above freezing during the absence; unknown or freezing conditions require a separate storage plan before leaving.
   Source: LG WM4000H*A / WM4080H*A Owner’s Manual; pp. 4–6, 37–38, 41
2. Switch off and unplug. Close both accessible water supply faucets as directed for extended non-use. Stop if a faucet is stuck or cannot be safely reached.
   Source: LG WM4000H*A / WM4080H*A Owner’s Manual; pp. 4–6, 37–38, 41
3. Wipe moisture from the door and seal. Allow the empty drum to dry while preventing children or pets from entering; do not leave an accessible open drum unattended.
   Source: LG WM4000H*A / WM4080H*A Owner’s Manual; pp. 4–6, 37–38, 41
4. Record that the drum is empty, both faucets are closed and power is unplugged. Leave a note that these settings must be checked before the next use.
   Source: LG WM4000H*A / WM4080H*A Owner’s Manual; pp. 4–6, 37–38, 41
5. On return, first check for visible damage, leakage or freezing exposure. Reopen both faucets only when connections are sound and the area is dry; check for leaks before reconnecting power.
   Source: LG WM4000H*A / WM4080H*A Owner’s Manual; pp. 4–6, 37–38, 41
6. If the hot-water system has been unused for two weeks or more, follow the manual's precaution: run each hot faucet for several minutes before washer use, keeping flames and smoking away. Observe the first normal wash after return and stop for any leak.
   Source: LG WM4000H*A / WM4080H*A Owner’s Manual; pp. 4–6, 37–38, 41

STOP CONDITIONS
- Smoke, a burning smell, damaged wiring, standing water near power, or an active leak: stop using the appliance. Disconnect power only from a safe, dry location and arrange qualified service.
- Stop if a part is damaged, jammed, sharp, inaccessible, or does not match your manual. Do not force parts or remove a cabinet panel.

BRANCH CHECKS
Begin with: Will the unused washer stay protected from freezing?

Will the unused washer stay protected from freezing?
Will the unused washer stay protected from freezing?
This departure checklist is for a stationary washer in a non-freezing location. Cold-climate storage requires the separate procedure on page 41.
- An extended absence is planned and freezing is excluded -> Continue to: Has the cycle ended and every item been removed?.
- No extended absence is planned -> Next action recorded. The observed condition does not call for further action in this task, or a different task is more appropriate. Keep the observation in your record; do not infer a failed component.
- Freezing is possible or the washer must be moved -> Pause and arrange qualified help. Keep the appliance out of use if a safety concern remains. Give the technician the exact model, the visible symptom and any displayed code. Do not open the cabinet or make electrical measurements.
- The storage temperature is unknown -> Observation still needed. Your notes are saved. The missing observation is not evidence of a fault or a completed action. Complete only the steps you can perform safely, or ask for help.

Has the cycle ended and every item been removed?
Has the cycle ended and every item been removed?
Wait for complete drum stop and normal unlocking. Include small items caught at the door seal.
Follow checklist steps: 1
- Cycle ended and drum is empty -> Continue to: Are both water faucets closed and the plug disconnected?.
- Door cannot be opened safely or water remains unexpectedly -> Pause and arrange qualified help. Keep the appliance out of use if a safety concern remains. Give the technician the exact model, the visible symptom and any displayed code. Do not open the cabinet or make electrical measurements.
- Cycle or unloading is still pending -> Observation still needed. Your notes are saved. The missing observation is not evidence of a fault or a completed action. Complete only the steps you can perform safely, or ask for help.

Are both water faucets closed and the plug disconnected?
Are both water faucets closed and the plug disconnected?
Switch off and unplug from a safe dry location. Close both accessible supply faucets without forcing them.
Follow checklist steps: 2
- Both water supplies and power are isolated -> Continue to: Is the empty washer dry with entry by children or pets prevented?.
- A valve or plug cannot be isolated safely -> Pause and arrange qualified help. Keep the appliance out of use if a safety concern remains. Give the technician the exact model, the visible symptom and any displayed code. Do not open the cabinet or make electrical measurements.
- Isolation is not complete -> Observation still needed. Your notes are saved. The missing observation is not evidence of a fault or a completed action. Complete only the steps you can perform safely, or ask for help.

Is the empty washer dry with entry by children or pets prevented?
Is the empty washer dry with entry by children or pets prevented?
Wipe the door and seal, then allow safe supervised ventilation. Avoid leaving an accessible open drum unattended.
Follow checklist steps: 3
- Moisture removed and safe drying completed -> Continue to: Are departure settings saved for the next user?.
- Unexpected water or damage remains -> Pause and arrange qualified help. Keep the appliance out of use if a safety concern remains. Give the technician the exact model, the visible symptom and any displayed code. Do not open the cabinet or make electrical measurements.
- Drying is still pending -> Observation still needed. Your notes are saved. The missing observation is not evidence of a fault or a completed action. Complete only the steps you can perform safely, or ask for help.

Are departure settings saved for the next user?
Are departure settings saved for the next user?
Record empty drum, closed hot and cold faucets and unplugged power. Keep the return check separate from departure completion.
Follow checklist steps: 4
- Departure is recorded; return is not due yet -> Departure preparation recorded. The empty, dry washer is recorded with both supplies closed and power unplugged. Keep the return inspection pending until the washer is used again.
- Departure was recorded and I am now returning -> Continue to: Are return conditions safe before restoring normal use?.
- A recorded setting no longer matches the washer -> Pause and arrange qualified help. Keep the appliance out of use if a safety concern remains. Give the technician the exact model, the visible symptom and any displayed code. Do not open the cabinet or make electrical measurements.
- I have not recorded the settings -> Observation still needed. Your notes are saved. The missing observation is not evidence of a fault or a completed action. Complete only the steps you can perform safely, or ask for help.

Are return conditions safe before restoring normal use?
Are return conditions safe before restoring normal use?
Check for damage, leaks and freezing exposure. With dry conditions and sound connections, reopen the supplies, check for leaks and then reconnect power.
Follow checklist steps: 5
- No damage, freezing or leak is evident after supply restoration -> Continue to: Were the hot-water precaution and first-use check completed?.
- Damage, freezing exposure or leakage is found -> Pause and arrange qualified help. Keep the appliance out of use if a safety concern remains. Give the technician the exact model, the visible symptom and any displayed code. Do not open the cabinet or make electrical measurements.
- Return inspection is not complete -> Observation still needed. Your notes are saved. The missing observation is not evidence of a fault or a completed action. Complete only the steps you can perform safely, or ask for help.

Were the hot-water precaution and first-use check completed?
Were the hot-water precaution and first-use check completed?
If the hot-water system was unused for at least two weeks, run each hot faucet for several minutes first, with no flame or smoking. Observe the first normal wash.
Follow checklist steps: 6
- Required precaution completed and first wash stayed normal -> Return-to-use check recorded. The return inspection, applicable hot-water precaution and first-use observation are recorded. Stop use if leakage or another problem later appears.
- Leakage or another unsafe symptom appeared -> Pause and arrange qualified help. Keep the appliance out of use if a safety concern remains. Give the technician the exact model, the visible symptom and any displayed code. Do not open the cabinet or make electrical measurements.
- Precaution or first wash is still pending -> Observation still needed. Your notes are saved. The missing observation is not evidence of a fault or a completed action. Complete only the steps you can perform safely, or ask for help.

RESULT OBSERVATIONS
- Departure isolation was recorded; return checks are either completed or explicitly still pending.

YOUR RECORD
Observation date: ____________________

BEFORE
Absence dates and freezing risk: ____________________

AFTER
Departure settings and return status: ____________________

Additional observations: ____________________
Result / reason for stopping: ____________________
Next action: ____________________

REMINDER
Use for extended non-use. Choose departure and return dates; no fixed calendar interval applies.
Interval: Choose a personal interval; basis: user-selected
Source: lg-manual; pp. 6, 41
A calendar reminder is a personal plan, not a record of work completed.

DIAGRAMS
Empty dry washer, hot and cold faucets closed, power unplugged, and a separate return check
https://csl-13-appliance-repair.pages.dev/diagrams/lg-storage.svg
Original Homekeep artwork. Conceptual component relationships, not a scale drawing or an installation template.

SOURCES
LG WM4000H*A / WM4080H*A Owner’s Manual | MFL71728908 Rev.02_051022 | pp. 4–6, 37–38, 41
https://media.us.lg.com/m/12df7154cf356724/original/WM4080_2023_Owners-Manual_Washer_Eng.pdf#page=6
Checked: 2026-10-13. Copyright LG. Linked reference; original summaries only. No manual illustrations reproduced.
LG WM4000HWA product support | Live US model support page | US WM4000HWA identity. Current support listings may contain a newer manual; these steps require MFL71728908 Rev.02_051022.
https://www.lg.com/us/support/product/lg-WM4000HWA.ABWEUUS
Checked: 2026-10-13. Link only

RELATED TASKS
Review inlet hose condition and age: https://csl-13-appliance-repair.pages.dev/tasks/lg-hose-condition/
Trace a musty washer smell: https://csl-13-appliance-repair.pages.dev/tasks/lg-odor/
Record external clues after a water leak: https://csl-13-appliance-repair.pages.dev/tasks/lg-leak-check/

Observations do not certify a physical repair. Follow your matching supplied manual and the stop conditions.
Guide: https://csl-13-appliance-repair.pages.dev/tasks/lg-vacation/