Speed Queen Washer-Extractor Error Code E dr: Drain Alarm (15 Minutes)

What does Speed Queen error code E dr mean?

A washer-extractor must empty its drum before it spins, and the control gives each drain step a time limit. On the CHM1792C and the CHM495R that limit is 15 minutes by default. During the drain, the control watches the level sensor, and if the sensor never reports an empty tub before the timer ends, it raises the drain alarm. The cycle ends, the display shows E dr, and water stays in the drum with the load. The door stays locked until the water is gone, so nobody can open it to look inside. The alarm says the tub did not empty; it does not say why. The drain valve may be stuck shut, the drain line or floor drain may be clogged and slowing the outflow, or the level sensor may never register that the tub is empty. Hot-water drain protection can also hold the drain closed on purpose until the water cools.

Affected models and control systems

This page covers the CHM1792C family washer-extractor front-end control and the CHM495R family, both for 20 to 100 pound machines. Quantum topload washers use a different E dr description.

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

• Water stays in the drum when the cycle ends
• The door remains locked
• The drain valve does not click open
• The floor drain gurgles or backs up

Possible causes

Listed in Speed Queen's documentation

• A drain valve that stays shut so the tub cannot empty
• A clogged drain line or floor drain slowing outflow
• A level sensor that never registers the empty tub
• Hot-water drain protection holding the drain closed

Other likely causes — what usually sits behind error code E dr on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.

• A trench drain packed with lint and detergent residue that cannot carry a full drum
• A drain valve solenoid that has failed after years of heavy, daily use

Safe checks before calling for service

How a technician diagnoses error code E dr

1. Read the code and ask whether the water was hot at the time of the drain.
2. Check the floor drain and the drain line for restriction beyond the machine.
3. Verify that the drain valve receives its command and opens fully.
4. Check the level sensor and its tubing for blockage or leaks.
5. Check the programmed drain time and replace the valve or sensor only after it fails its test.

Technical reference

Document

Washer-Extractor Programming CHM1792C_SVG, Part No. F8641001ENR4, Error Codes Table 29 (pp. 100-107)

Edition

Part No. F8641001ENR4, January 2020

Models / control

CHM1792C family washer-extractor (QN models, 20-100 lb) front-end control; CHM495R family washer-extractor front-end control (20-100 lb)

Section

Error Codes, Table 29, pp. 100-108 (PDF pages equal printed pages)

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.