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Error code reference

Viking Dishwasher Error Code POTS PANS + LED1

Drain Error

Viking codesViking dishwasher codes

Drain Error - water is not draining from the tub.

First step from the service manual

If water is still in the tub, check for drain hose kinking.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What POTS PANS + LED1 means on a Viking dishwasher

The POTS PANS + LED1 error code on a Viking dishwasher indicates a drain error, meaning the control system has detected that water is not evacuating from the wash tub within the expected time frame. The dishwasher monitors drain cycles and triggers this alert when standing water remains in the tub at a point in the cycle when the tub should be empty. This is a drainage system fault that can originate from a mechanical obstruction, a failed component in the drain circuit, or an installation issue with the drain hose routing.

The drain system on these dishwashers relies on a drain pump to force water out through the drain hose and into the home's plumbing. If any part of that path is blocked or restricted, water backs up and the error is triggered. The first and most straightforward check is the drain hose itself. A kinked drain hose is a common culprit, particularly after the unit has been moved or serviced. The hose must maintain a clear, unobstructed path from the pump outlet to the sink drain or garbage disposal connection.

Beyond hose kinking, blockages inside the dishwasher at the filter or sump area can prevent water from reaching the pump in sufficient volume. A failed drain pump motor will also produce this error, as the pump may receive the signal to run but cannot move water. Clogs at the drain hose connection point, such as a plugged garbage disposal knockout or a blocked air gap fitting, are also common external causes that restrict drainage regardless of the dishwasher's internal components functioning correctly.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of POTS PANS + LED1

  1. 01

    Kinked or pinched drain hose

    Wiring / connection

    The drain hose can become bent or compressed behind or beneath the dishwasher, blocking water flow. Inspect the full length of the hose from the pump outlet to the sink connection and straighten any kinks.

  2. 02

    Clogged filter or sump area

    Wiring / connection

    Food debris and grease can accumulate in the dishwasher filter and sump, restricting water flow to the drain pump. Remove and clean the filter assembly at the bottom of the tub to check for blockage.

  3. 03

    Blocked garbage disposal or drain connection

    Wiring / connection

    If the dishwasher drains into a garbage disposal, a plugged disposal or an intact knockout plug can prevent drainage entirely. Check that the disposal is clear and that the drain inlet knockout has been properly removed.

  4. 04

    Clogged or obstructed air gap fitting

    Wiring / connection

    An air gap installed on the sink deck can become clogged with debris, creating a blockage in the drain path. Remove the air gap cap and clean out any buildup inside the fitting.

  5. 05

    Failed drain pump

    Part replacement

    If all external causes are ruled out and standing water remains, the drain pump motor may have failed and will need to be tested and replaced. A failed pump will not move water even when the control board sends the correct signal.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about POTS PANS + LED1

What does POTS PANS + LED1 mean on a Viking dishwasher?
The POTS PANS + LED1 code on a Viking dishwasher is a drain error indicating that water is not draining from the wash tub as expected. The control system detected standing water remaining in the tub at a point in the cycle when it should be empty. The cause can range from a simple kinked drain hose to a failed drain pump.
How do I fix the POTS PANS + LED1 drain error on my Viking dishwasher?
Start by checking for standing water in the tub and inspecting the drain hose for any kinking or compression along its full length. Next, remove and clean the filter and sump area at the bottom of the tub. Also check the external drain connection at the garbage disposal or sink drain for blockages, and inspect any air gap fitting on the sink if one is installed. If all of those checks pass, the drain pump may need to be tested and replaced.
Is it safe to use my Viking dishwasher while the POTS PANS + LED1 error is active?
You should not run the dishwasher while this error is present. Standing water in the tub from a failed drain cycle can become unsanitary and may cause odors or mold growth. Running additional cycles without resolving the drain issue can also stress the pump and other components.
Will resetting the dishwasher clear the POTS PANS + LED1 error?
A reset may clear the error code temporarily, but if the underlying drainage problem has not been resolved, the error will return during the next drain cycle. Address the root cause first, such as clearing any blockage or kink in the drain path, before attempting a reset.
How much does it cost to repair a Viking dishwasher showing a drain error?
If the fix is a simple drain hose unkinking, filter cleaning, or clearing a blocked garbage disposal connection, there may be no parts cost at all. If the drain pump has failed, parts and labor for a pump replacement on a Viking dishwasher typically range from around 150 to 400 dollars depending on your location and service provider.

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