Pitco Commercial Fryer Error Code DRAINING: Turn Off
DRAINING / TURN OFF on a Pitco Solstice computer control means the controller sees the drain valve as open. Verify the drain valve is closed, check the proximity switch on the drain valve, and turn the fryer off and then on.
High: the fryer will not heat while the controller sees the drain valve as open.
What does Pitco DRAINING / TURN OFF mean?
The fryer's drain valve has a proximity switch that tells the controller whether the valve is closed. If the controller sees the valve as open, it will not heat, because an empty or draining vat would burn the burner. It shows DRAINING / TURN OFF to tell the operator to stop and shut the fryer down. The manual's actions are in order of ease. First verify the drain valve is fully closed; a handle left a little open is the common reason. Then, if the valve is shut and the message stays, the proximity switch on the valve may not be reporting properly, and it should be checked. Finally the fryer is turned off and then on again. Heating a vat with the valve open or the oil gone is dangerous, which is why the control insists on shutdown.
Affected models and control systems
Pitco Solstice and Solstice Supreme SG/SSH series high-efficiency gas fryers. This page covers the computer control (manual p. 82).
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
- DRAINING / TURN OFF on the display
- Fryer will not heat
- Drain handle not fully closed
Possible causes
Likely causes — what usually sits behind DRAINING / TURN OFF on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- Controller sees the drain valve as open
- Drain handle left slightly open after filtering
- Proximity switch out of line with its magnet
- Switch wiring loose or oiled
- Oil leaking past the valve seat
Safe checks before calling for service
- Turn the fryer off.
- Check that the drain handle is fully closed.
- Make sure the oil level is where it should be and the vat is not leaking.
- Turn the fryer back on once; if the message stays, call us.
How a technician diagnoses DRAINING / TURN OFF
- Confirm the drain valve is physically closed and sealing.
- Check the proximity switch position relative to the valve.
- Test the switch for continuity when closed.
- Inspect the wiring from the switch to the controller.
- Adjust or replace the switch and test a heat-up.
- The drain valve sits under a vat of hot oil, and the switch wiring runs near gas and 24 VAC circuits.
- Setting the proximity switch gap needs the right tools and a cool fryer.
How DRAINING / TURN OFF differs from similar codes
DRAINING / TURN OFF is the drain valve message on the computer control; drn tUrn oFF is the same message on the digital solid state control.
Technical reference
- Maker documentation
- Pitco owner support
- Edition
- L22-345 R0
- Models / control
- Computer control
- Section
- Computer Control (p. 82)
- 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 Pitco fryer error codes
Why won't the fryer heat?
It sees the drain valve as open. It will not heat until the valve is closed.
Is the switch bad?
Possibly. The manual says to check the proximity switch on the drain valve.
Do I need to turn the fryer off?
Yes. The manual says to turn the fryer off and then on.
Need help with Pitco DRAINING / TURN OFF?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.