Speed Queen Washer dr Error Code (Er dr): Washer Didn't Drain (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)
What the code means
Speed Queen's front-load User's Guide says Er, dr "indicates that water is still in the washer at the end of the cycle." Speed Queen's own error-code pages describe it the same way for top loaders: the control sensed water in the tub at the end of the cycle, the machine didn't drain, the maximum drain time ran out, or water was sensed at the end of the spin step. In the technical description, the control enters an error mode when the water level is still not below the empty level after trying to drain for a set time (2 minutes on some controls, a programmable time that defaults to 5 minutes on others), shuts off all outputs and sounds the error tone for 15 seconds. Don't confuse it with the door codes Er, dL, Er, dl and Er, dU, or with Er, Sd, a slow-drain warning that appears only if it's enabled.
Likely causes
- A kinked, crushed or blocked drain hose, or a hose pushed too far into the standpipe or set higher than the drain height limit in the installation instructions.
- A clogged foreign-object trap in the drain pump (front loaders), the most common place for socks, coins and lint to stop the water.
- A restriction in the hose between the tub and the pump, or an object stuck in the pump itself.
- A clogged house drain or standpipe that backs water up into the washer.
- A drain pump that has failed, or no power reaching it because of a loose or damaged wire.
Safe DIY checks
Unplug the washer before opening the pump trap or moving it, and expect water to come out of a front loader's trap, so let hot water cool first. Pump and wiring tests involve line voltage inside the cabinet, so leave those to a qualified appliance technician.
- Unplug the washer. If there is water in it, have towels and a shallow pan ready before opening anything.
- Check the drain hose along its whole length for kinks and crushing, and make sure it is installed the way the manual shows and isn't blocked where it enters the standpipe or laundry tub.
- Run water into the standpipe or tub drain to make sure the house drain isn't backed up.
- On a front loader, open the access panel and clean the foreign-object trap in the pump as described in the Maintenance section of your User's Guide, draining the water into the pan first.
- Plug the washer back in after at least 15 seconds unplugged (that clears the code) and run a Drain and Spin or Rinse and Spin cycle. If Er, dr comes back, unplug the washer and call for service.
🛠 When to call a pro
- Check that line voltage reaches the drain pump when the control calls for it, and inspect the pump wiring and connectors, per Speed Queen's fault-code table.
- Clear any object from the pump and from the tub-to-pump hose, and confirm the drain hose meets the drain height limits.
- Replace the drain pump if it has power but won't run or won't move water.
- On commercial controls, confirm the drain-error and slow-drain settings and the drain time in the machine's programming.
Parts that commonly fix it
Always match the part number to your exact model.
Drain pump
Only if the hose and trap are clear and the pump has power but won't run; order by your exact Speed Queen model number.
Search eBay →Washer drain pan
Handy under the washer, and as a catch pan when you open the pump trap.
Search eBay →Sources
- Speed Queen front-load washer User's Guide 804648, troubleshooting (Er, dr: water still in the washer at end of cycle; drain hose, foreign-object trap, unplug 15 seconds) (Alliance Laundry Systems)
- Speed Queen Insights: Top Load Washer Error Codes (E dr drain alarm, Er, dr drain error causes and corrective action)
- Speed Queen Insights: Front Load Washer Error Codes (E dr / Er, dr drain error, programmable drain time, door lock codes)
- CSC ServiceWorks Speed Queen fault codes (Er, dr: 2-minute drain attempt, error tone, pump wiring and power, drain height, objects in hose or pump; Er, Sd)
Last reviewed 2026-10-24. Always confirm against the manual for your exact model number.