LG WD12020D Inverter Direct Drive 7.5kg. The water level in the drum never seems to be visible. In my previous old front loader (Hoover Little Big Wash) the water level was visible part way up the glass door. I have even stopped the machine, turned off the power, waited for the door to unlock, pushed the wet clothes out of the way, and found no water in bottom of drum. This seems too low; should there be visible water in the drum?

SOURCE: Visible water level in front-load clothes washing machine?

Yes, it is normal. There is water in the machine. One of the big draws for this style machine is that they use much less water than top load machines. If you stopped the cycle and opened the door, dug down in the clothes, you would find water. The machine fills a small amount of water (below the level of the door) and tumbles. As the water is absorbed by the clothing, the water level drops, so the machine adds more to maintain the water level. This is basically how the washer figures out how big your clothes load is and how much water that load needs. (Of course most sales persons at the big box stores and Sears have no idea how this works)
If you'd like, try running a cycle with no clothes to see how much water is in the machine. (It's not a lot) Now remember this: Because there is so much less water use than a top load machine, you must cut way way way back on the amount of soap and fabric softener used. Use no more than one tablespoon of HE (High Efficiency) soap (even less if it is 2x or 3x concentrate) and one teaspoon of fabric softener per load !!!!!
This should be a Fix-Ya for your question. Thanks.

SOURCE: Whirlpool Duet GHW9400 Water Level Seems Too Low

Scott,
Believe me, if the water level were ever several inches above the glass, you'd know about it 'cause it would flood your laundry room. Seriously. See? That rubber door boot/seal is not water tight (like a submarine) when the door is closed and locked, it's water "resistant".

Front loaders often appear as though the level is low, but they are designed this way. The clothing actually tumbles through the water as opposed to soaking in water like a top loader.

All of that to say that you have nothing to be concerned about. Your water level is fine.

SG

p.s. If your water level switch had failed, as you suspected, the water level would be too high and leak out the door.

SOURCE: Hoover CA230 1300 Special Edition Washing Machine

I had the same problem. My husband checked the carbon brushes attached to the motor and ran the machine on spin. The brushes were sparking so he assumed they were worn and replaced them and hey presto machine works fine now. The brushes cost 23.99 and were just bought from a local shop but can be bought online cheaper. Hope this helps solve your problem. Essex

SOURCE: Washer wont fill with water/clothes dont get clean

Actually the machine is working like it is designed. When the correct soap is used, these machines clean clothes better than the old style. Try using a major brand of soap like Tide, Bold, or Cheer. Make sure it has the HE design on the bottle. This means that it is made just for the new High Efficiency machines. Also make sure you don't use to much. Read the directions. If this is done correctly, I'm sure you will find that it does clean great. I was like you when I first saw one of these new machines. "These is no way you can clean dirty and I mean dirty clothes without enough water to cover them. Well since, I have became a believer. They have put a lot of thought into designing these things. They had to of, for them to clean as good as they do.
Please rate solution

SOURCE: Door locked on compact Whirlpool front-load washer

This worked for me. I turned off the washer and hit the area on the washer directly to the right of the door handle (not hard enough to break something or cause a dent). It popped right open.