On supported LG washers, a brief water addition during Spin Only can be a load-balancing response rather than a failed inlet valve. LG states that the machine may add water intermittently when it detects an unbalanced load, then attempt the selected spin again. The exact controls and sequence vary, so use the instructions for the model in front of you.
Why a spin request can include water
Spin Only sounds as though it should never open a water valve. The control, however, still monitors balance. A dense item or a small load can settle on one side of the drum. On documented LG front-load, top-load, and WashTower procedures, the washer may introduce water so the items can loosen and redistribute before speed increases.
This behavior is tied to imbalance correction. It does not mean that every fill during spin is normal. The useful observation is whether water enters briefly during a balancing attempt or continues without the machine progressing.
Set up the load before trying again
- Pause safely and spread items across the drum or basket.
- Avoid spinning one heavy absorbent item by itself; add compatible items if the care labels allow it.
- Choose the Spin Only method shown in the exact owner manual. Some controls require powering on without selecting a wash cycle.
- Do not force the door or lid while the lock indicator is active.
Normal correction or a fill problem?
A short fill followed by tumbling, redistribution, and another spin attempt fits the documented correction pattern. Repeated fills with no useful motion, water entering while the washer is off, an overflow condition, or a displayed fill code points to a different problem. Turn off the supply valves if water will not stop.
Also check whether excessive suds or a restricted drain is leaving the load unusually wet. Those conditions can interfere with the washer reaching the expected final speed even though the balancing routine itself is operating.
When the behavior needs service
Service is appropriate when the washer cannot spin a balanced ordinary load, repeatedly returns to fill, makes a harsh mechanical sound, or shows an error after the basic load check. Do not bypass the lock, open the cabinet, or test energized components. Record the model number and the point in the cycle where water enters so the diagnosis stays model-specific.
Related washer guides
A display code belongs in the LG washer error codes index. If redistribution does not lead to a normal spin, continue with washer not spinning troubleshooting.