Viking Built-In Dishwasher Code Drain Error (1-5): water not draining as expected

What Drain Error means

Flash pattern 1-5 on Viking Professional VDB450 and Designer DDB325 built-in dishwashers is Drain Error. The Pots/Pans light flashes once, then the Normal Wash light flashes five times. The control expected the wash water to leave the tub and that did not happen as planned. In practice you will likely find standing water in the bottom and a cycle that has stopped part way.

Common causes of Drain Error

Clogged filter or debris in the sump
Kinked or blocked drain hose
Drain pump not removing water
Clogged air gap or disposal connection on the drain line

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Hold START for four seconds to reset the dishwasher, then try the cycle again. 2. Pull out the lower rack and clean the filter under the spray arm. 3. Look at the drain hose behind the dishwasher if it is reachable and straighten any kink. 4. If you have a disposal, run it empty. If the 1-5 pattern returns, call us.

! Why to stop there

Finding the exact blockage can mean pulling the dishwasher out
A pump problem is not visible from the front
Our price is written first, with a 30-day warranty on the repair

Opening a panel yourself does not automatically cancel a manufacturer warranty, but it can cause accidental damage, and some manufacturers set their own service conditions. Check your warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.

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Other Dishwasher codes

Inlet Valve ErrorViking Built-In Dishwasher Code Inlet Valve Error (4-4): fill valve reported User Interface Communication ErrorViking Built-In Dishwasher Code User Interface Communication Error (3-1): panel not talking to main control Internal ErrorViking Built-In Dishwasher Code Internal Error (5-5): control reported its own problem Wash Heater ErrorViking Built-In Dishwasher Code Wash Heater Error (4-2): wash heater problem Light China FlashingViking Designer Dishwasher Code Light China Flashing: problem at the water inlet Low Level ErrorViking Built-In Dishwasher Code Low Level Error (2-3): water level sensor reading low Moisture SensorViking Built-In Dishwasher Message "Pan Flood": moisture sensor detects water in the base pan Moisture Sensor DisconnectViking Built-In Dishwasher Code Pan Flood Sensor Disconnect (1-1): flood sensor not connected

Drain ErrorDrain Error questions

Why is there water left in my dishwasher?

Pattern 1-5 means the water did not leave the tub in the time expected. The usual suspects are a clogged filter, a kinked hose, or a drain pump that is not moving water.

Is it safe to bail the water out?

Yes, scoop it out with a cup and towel, but only after power is off at the breaker. Do not reach into the pump area; call us if clearing the filter does not help.

Does the disposal matter?

If the dishwasher drains through a garbage disposal, a blocked disposal inlet can hold water back. Run the disposal first and check that the knockout plug was removed on new installs.