Blakeslee Commercial Dishwasher Signal DRAIN WATER IN WASH TANK
DRAIN WATER IN WASH TANK is a signal that an operation was tried that cannot be done while the wash tank is full. Drain the wash tank first, then repeat the operation. It is not a breakdown.
Low: an operator signal that clears once the tank is drained.
- Code
- DRAIN WATER IN WASH TANK
- Maker
- Blakeslee
- Equipment
- Dish machines
- Applies to
- Digital-control hood-type dishwasher (Blakeslee D-18D / D-18V; the PDF itself prints D-19 L, D-19 LRS on the cover and names no D-18 model)
What does Blakeslee DRAIN WATER IN WASH TANK mean?
Some functions on the machine, such as certain maintenance or cleaning operations, need the wash tank to be empty. If one is requested while the tank is full of water, the control refuses and shows DRAIN WATER IN WASH TANK. The manual lists it among the signals and gives one action: drain the wash tank first. It is an operator prompt, so nothing has failed. The usual situation is someone starting an operation at the end of the shift before draining, or after a cycle where the tank was not emptied. Once the tank is drained, the operation can go ahead. If the tank will not drain, that is a different matter and is reported by E6 TANK DRAINING FAIL, which points to a drain problem.
Affected models and control systems
Blakeslee D-18D / D-18V digital-control hood-type dishwasher. The manual's cover prints D-19 L and D-19 LRS and names no D-18 model, so the signal list is read as covering this hood-type family.
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 WATER IN WASH TANK on the display
- An operation does not start
- Tank still full of water
- Message appears after a function was selected
Possible causes
Likely causes — what usually sits behind DRAIN WATER IN WASH TANK on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- An operation was tried that cannot be done while the wash tank is full
- Tank not drained at the end of the previous use
- Drain valve not opened at the end of use
- Drain blocked so the tank did not empty fully
Safe checks before calling for service
- Drain the wash tank, as the manual says.
- Watch that the water actually leaves.
- Repeat the operation you were trying.
- If the tank will not drain, stop and check the overflow pipe position.
- If it still will not drain, note it and tell the service technician.
How a technician diagnoses DRAIN WATER IN WASH TANK
- Confirm the signal and what function was requested.
- Check that the tank drains when commanded.
- Check the overflow pipe, drain valve and drain line.
- Look for a drain alarm in the history.
- Clear any restriction and confirm the function runs.
- Hot treated water in the tank is a scald risk.
- Drain valves are wired at line voltage.
- A blocked drain may mean working in the tank.
How DRAIN WATER IN WASH TANK differs from similar codes
This signal asks for a drained tank. E6 TANK DRAINING FAIL is the alarm for a tank that will not drain.
Technical reference
- Document
- Instructions for Use and Maintenance (USA), cover prints D-19 L / D-19 LRS; published on blakesleeinc.com Spec Sheets & Manuals page as 'D-18D / D-18V User Manual'
- Maker documentation
- Blakeslee owner support
- Edition
- COD. 3100ET_U, Ed. 06 - 09/2018
- Models / control
- Digital-control hood-type dishwasher (Blakeslee D-18D / D-18V; the PDF itself prints D-19 L, D-19 LRS on the cover and names no D-18 model)
- Section
- Chapter 8.1 Signals (p. 39)
- 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 Blakeslee dish machine error codes
Is it an error?
No. It is a signal that the tank must be drained first.
What if it will not drain?
Then you will probably see E6, and the drain needs attention.
Do I need to do it every time?
Only when the operation you chose requires an empty tank.
Need help with Blakeslee DRAIN WATER IN WASH TANK?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.