# How to Fix Speed Queen Error E28 (Leak Detected)
This guide provides a structured troubleshooting process for diagnosing and resolving the Speed Queen E28 error code, which indicates that a leak has been detected in the appliance’s base.
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## Explanation: What Error Code E28 Means
The E28 error code signifies that the **Flood/Leak Sensor** (a float switch located in the base pan underneath the main drum) has been activated.
This is a critical safety feature. When the sensor detects water pooling in the machine’s base, it immediately halts the current wash cycle and displays E28 to prevent potential flooding or damage to the appliance’s electrical components.
While E28 simply indicates *a* leak, the drain hose is often the initial point of failure because it handles the highest volume of water and is susceptible to clogs, improper fitting, or physical damage.
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## Step-by-Step Fix: Diagnosing the E28 Leak
Since the E28 error is triggered by water in the base, the goal is twofold: clear the water from the base to reset the sensor, and then identify the specific source of the leak, focusing first on the drain system.
### Step 1: Safety First & External Check
1. **Unplug the Machine:** Disconnect the washer from the electrical outlet immediately.
2. **Check the Drain Hose Placement:** Ensure the drain hose is properly inserted into the standpipe (the drain pipe in your wall). If it is inserted too far, it can create a siphon effect that drains the tub rapidly, causing foam/water to back up and spill over the drain hose connection at the back of the machine.
3. **Inspect for Kinks or Clogs:** Verify that the visible portion of the drain hose is not tightly kinked or crushed. A blocked drain can cause water to back up and push out through the weakest connection point.
### Step 2: Clear the Error Code (Draining the Base Pan)
To begin troubleshooting, you must first drain the water that is pooling in the base pan to reset the leak sensor.
1. **Locate the Base Pan:** The leak sensor (and the base pan) is typically located at the very bottom front of the machine, behind the kick panel (if present).
2. **Carefully Tip the Washer:** With assistance, gently tilt the washer **backward** approximately 10 to 15 degrees.
3. **Allow Water to Drain:** As you tilt the machine, any water pooling in the base pan should drain out onto the floor. Use towels or a wet vacuum to absorb this water.
4. **Stand and Plug In:** Once the water is cleared, stand the washer back up, plug it in, and attempt to run a short test cycle. If the error is gone, proceed to Step 3.
***Note:*** *If the E28 error returns immediately without starting the cycle, the sensor might still be damp, or the leak is substantial and ongoing.*
### Step 3: Inspect the Drain Hose Connections (The Likely Culprit)
If the E28 error returned during the test cycle, you need to visually inspect the drain hose for damage.
1. **Pull the Machine Out:** Slide the washer away from the wall to access the rear panel.
2. **Inspect the Drain Hose Attachment:** Examine the connection point where the flexible drain hose attaches to the rigid connection point on the back of the washer tub.
* Look for loose clamps.
* Check the rubber gasket for signs of cracking or misalignment.
3. **Check Hose Integrity:** Run your hand along the full length of the external drain hose. Look for obvious splits, punctures, or signs of dry rot. If the hose is old, the plastic or rubber can become brittle and crack under pressure.
4. **Run a Controlled Test:** Plug the machine in and start a short cycle (e.g., rinse/spin). Watch the back of the machine, paying close attention to the drain hose connections. If water drips or sprays from the hose or its connections during the drain phase, you have found the source of the E28 leak.
### Step 4: Alternative Leak Sources
If the drain hose is completely dry and securely fastened, the leak may be originating from another internal component that requires service access:
* **Pumps:** Check the drain pump housing or the circulation pump for cracks or loose fittings.
* **Tub-to-Hose Connections:** Look at the connections for the fill hoses or pressure switch hose (which connects to the bottom of the tub).
* **Fill Valve:** A continuously dripping fill valve can eventually overflow the base pan if the water is not properly drained.
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## Replacement Part
Check the price for a replacement Drain Hose here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Speed Queen+Drain Hose&tag=trivian-20