UniMac Industrial Washer Drain Alarm Error: Drain Took Too Long
Drain Alarm Error means the Drain Alarm time was exceeded. The cycle is stopped, and the Cycle Stopped Error Menu alternates with the Run Menu every 3 seconds while the alarm is on. The user may continue or abort the cycle.
Medium: the cycle is stopped until the operator continues or aborts.
- Code
- Drain Alarm Error
- Maker
- UniMac
- Equipment
- Industrial laundry
- Applies to
- UniLinc control pocket hardmount washer-extractor (UW35-UW150, 2009-2012 manuals)
What does UniMac Drain Alarm Error mean?
The UniLinc control times every drain. If the drain takes longer than the Drain Alarm time, the control stops the cycle and starts an alarm. The Cycle Stopped Error Menu then alternates with the Run Menu, three seconds each, and the manual lets the user continue or abort. This is milder than the aborting errors: nothing is thrown away until the operator decides. The usual cause is a drain path that has become restricted, such as a clogged outlet or a backed-up floor drain, or a drain valve that is slow. It can also be a Drain Alarm time that is set shorter than the drain really needs. Continuing will give the machine another chance, and a drain that clears on its own tells you the line was only partly blocked. If the alarm returns on every cycle, treat it as a standing problem with the drain path and not as a nuisance to be dismissed each time, because a tub that empties slowly also slows every load behind it and keeps wet linen waiting.
Affected models and control systems
UniMac UniLinc control on the UW35TV, UW60TV, UW80TV, UW100TV, UW125TV and UW150TV washer-extractors and the UWL, UWN and UWU 035-150 T3 models.
Code numbers and their meaning can change between control generations. We match the full model and control before acting on a code.
What you may notice
- Drain Alarm Error on the display
- Menus alternating every 3 seconds
- Alarm sounding
- Water still in the tub
Possible causes
Likely causes — what usually sits behind Drain Alarm Error on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- Drain outlet or hose partly blocked
- Floor drain or trench backing up
- Drain valve slow to open
- Drain Alarm time set shorter than the drain needs
Safe checks before calling for service
- Choose to continue the cycle if you can see the water draining.
- Choose to abort if the tub is not emptying.
- Check the drain hose and floor drain.
- Do not open the door while water remains.
- Note how long the drain took.
How a technician diagnoses Drain Alarm Error
- Read the log and the drain step time.
- Time an actual drain.
- Check the drain valve and its outlet.
- Check the building drain.
- Adjust the alarm time or clear the restriction.
- The drain valve operates at line voltage.
- A full tub is heavy and can spill.
- Changing the alarm time is done in programming mode.
How Drain Alarm Error differs from similar codes
Drain Alarm Error lets the operator continue or abort. Door and sensor errors abort the cycle.
Technical reference
- Maker documentation
- UniMac owner support
- Edition
- Part No. F8138801R3, September 2009
- Models / control
- UniLinc control pocket hardmount washer-extractor (UW35-UW150, 2009-2012 manuals)
- Section
- Diagnostic: Machine Errors (pp. 56-59)
- Checked
- October 2026
We use the maker's document to read the code and do not reproduce it. Always confirm the complete model and control before applying these steps.
Related UniMac industrial laundry error codes
Should I continue or abort?
Continue if the water is draining, abort if it is not.
Why does the menu alternate?
The manual says the Cycle Stopped Error Menu alternates with the Run Menu.
Does it mean the drain is blocked?
Often, though the alarm time may be too short.
Need help with UniMac Drain Alarm Error?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.