# How to Fix Speed Queen Error Ed (Drain Pump Issue)
The “Ed” error code is one of the most common issues encountered on modern Speed Queen washers and almost always indicates a problem preventing the machine from emptying water.
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## 1. Explanation: What does “Ed” mean?
The **”Ed”** error code stands for **”Error Drain.”**
This code means that the machine’s control board detected that the water did not empty from the tub within the designated time limit (usually 6 to 8 minutes). The machine knows the water is still present, likely due to a clog, a kinked hose, or, most commonly, a faulty or jammed drain pump.
Before proceeding, always attempt a simple reset: Unplug the machine for 5 minutes, plug it back in, and try running a short drain/spin cycle. If the code reappears, proceed to the steps below.
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## 2. Step-by-Step Fix: How to Diagnose and Clear the Drain Pump Issue
**⚠️ SAFETY FIRST: Unplug the washing machine from the wall outlet before performing any inspection or repair. Failure to do so can result in severe electrical shock.**
### Step 1: Check the Drain Hose (External Blockage)
Start with the easiest potential fix: the drain hose running out of the back of the washer.
1. **Inspect the Hose:** Check the entire length of the flexible drain hose for severe kinks, bends, or crushing, especially where it enters the standpipe or drain basin.
2. **Clear the Outlet:** Ensure the end of the drain hose isn’t pushed too far down into the standpipe. If it is, it can create a siphon lock or seal, preventing proper drainage.
### Step 2: Access and Clean the Pump Trap/Filter
Most Speed Queen models (especially front-load and newer top-load models) have an accessible debris trap designed to catch small items before they reach the pump impeller.
1. **Locate the Trap:** This is usually behind the small access panel at the bottom front of the machine. Use a screwdriver or putty knife to carefully pry open this panel.
2. **Prepare for Water:** Have towels and a shallow pan ready. Even if you think the tub is empty, there will be residual water (often several gallons) trapped in the lines.
3. **Drain the Water:** On many models, there is a small hose connected to the filter cap. Use this hose to slowly drain the water into your pan.
4. **Remove the Filter Cap:** Once the water is drained, slowly unscrew the large circular cap (the filter/trap).
5. **Clear Debris:** Remove any lint, coins, socks, hairpins, or other debris lodged in the trap. This is the single most common fix for the “Ed” error.
6. **Reassemble:** Clean the filter thoroughly, screw the cap back on tightly, and close the access panel. Run a test cycle.
### Step 3: Check the Pump Impeller and Housing
If the trap was clear, the object causing the blockage might be stuck directly in the pump impeller or the pump housing.
1. **Locate the Pump:** The drain pump is usually located on the bottom front or side of the machine. You may need to tilt the machine back and brace it safely, or remove the front panel entirely (depending on your model).
2. **Inspect the Impeller:** Once you have access to the pump motor (which should still be unplugged!), look inside the pump inlet/outlet hoses. You should be able to see the impeller (a small fan or paddle wheel).
3. **Manual Check:** Use your finger or a long tool (like a wooden skewer) to gently try to spin the impeller. It should turn freely. If it is stiff, jammed, or doesn’t move, clear the obstruction.
4. **Inspect the Hoses:** Check the large corrugated hoses leading *to* and *from* the pump. A blockage can sometimes occur just inside the hose connections.
### Step 4: Test and Replace the Drain Pump (If Necessary)
If you have confirmed that there are absolutely no clogs in the hose, the trap, or the pump housing, the pump motor itself has likely failed electrically.
**A pump failure typically manifests in one of three ways:**
1. **Motor Burnout:** The pump doesn’t make any noise when a drain cycle is initiated.
2. **Intermittent Failure:** The pump hums loudly but the impeller doesn’t spin, often due to a broken magnet or corroded armature.
3. **Seal Leakage:** The pump has leaked water into the electrical connections, causing a short or failure.
If the machine still throws the “Ed” error after clearing all clogs, the solution is replacing the drain pump assembly.
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### Replacement Part
Check the price for a replacement Drain Pump here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Speed Queen+Drain Pump&tag=trivian-20