Error codes can be frustrating, especially during a busy laundry day. Fortunately, many common laundry room maintenance issues can be resolved quickly without submitting a service request. In this blog post, we’ll explore frequent washer and dryer error codes, including those related to obstructions, water flow, detergent use, and other malfunctions—so you can complete your laundry efficiently and without unnecessary delays.

Preventative Obstruction Measures

One of the most common malfunctions is an obstruction to the door of the washing machine. Though a blockage to the door might be the root cause of the issue, you may have an overstuffing or weight distribution issue that is causing the obstruction. An article from Simplifying Mom Life gives a few pointers as to how you can better manage your laundering, saving both time and maintenance calls. The article points out that it is key to schedule your washes based on how much clothing you need washed, how your clothing is sorted, and how often you wash each week. 

Here are the common door/obstruction malfunction codes, as well as ways to counteract them. The codes in this blog post are specific to all of Automatic Laundry’s machines, though some codes are universal (such as SUdS, which we will cover later). 

• EDL: Error on Door Lock. If you are receiving this message, there is an obstruction in the doorway, or the latch isn’t shut properly. Ensure nothing is obstructing the door from fully closing, and latch the door all the way.
• ED O: Error on Door. Same protocol as EDL, ensure there are no obstructions, and latch the door properly and securely.
• DE: Door Issue. This means that the door may not be fully closed or latched. Ensure the door is shut all the way, or ensure that the door is tightly sealed as opposed to loosely shut.
• UE: Balance Issue. This means that the washer is loaded too full or improperly and must be balanced. To prevent this, use the tips above for reducing your laundry load. Once you have done this, and the laundry is redistributed evenly within the drum, you should be able to proceed.

Remember to keep an eye out for more severe issues. If your door is obstructed due to a faulty latch system or damaged machinery, you may need to call in a service request. Laundry room maintenance not only helps other residents in need of washing, but also keeps your routine moving smoothly. Make sure to contact Automatic Laundry with these service requests in order to smoothly repair the issue.

Detergent Or Water?

Another common issue that may cause delays in your laundry routine is a water issue. Water or soap issues can be a bit trickier, especially if you live in a communal space and don’t have access to fix the issue right away. There are simple laundry room maintenance steps to ensure that the water in your machine is flowing properly. 

Here are common error codes related to water and how to combat them.

• EnFlo: Error on fill. This message means that water is not getting to the machine. Ensure that the water is turned on. If you are living in communal living, ask a property manager to check that the water flow to the washer is adequate.
• IE: Water issue. Same as above, make sure that the water is turned on and draining properly.

A soap issue is an entirely separate problem. This is when a detergent creates an abundance of foam and fills the drum. In an article by Textile Affairs, they recommend a cup of white vinegar to activate detergent and reduce the suds created by overfilling. Only use this tip if your detergent is safe to use with vinegar.

• SUdS: Soap issue. When you use too much detergent or a detergent that is not meant to be used on a particular cycle, this may occur. Use the tip listed above for dispelling the soap suds and foam, and try running the machine again when the foam has subsided. You may see this code on a non-Automatic Laundry machine, as this code is relatively common.

Other Laundry Room Maintenance Tips

Not all laundry room maintenance issues are related to water flow or blockages; some involve payment or access. If you’re using a card to pay, errors can occur due to a dirty card or a faulty microchip. Another potential (though uncommon) issue is a washer door that doesn’t unlock after a completed cycle. Below are a few troubleshooting tips to help you maintain smooth laundry room operations.

• EC##: Card error. Ensure your laundry card is clean and free of dust or debris before trying again.
• Washer Door Won’t Unlock After Cycle: If the washer door remains locked for over a minute after the cycle ends, remain calm. First, unplug the machine if possible and wait 5 minutes. Then, press firmly forward on the door and try opening it again. This should release the lock and allow access to your laundry. Once completed, plug the machine back in and proceed with your wash.

Keep in mind that not all problems can be resolved through troubleshooting. If you’ve tried all appropriate steps and the issue persists—without causing additional damage—it’s time to request service. Notify your property manager and submit a service request through Automatic Laundry.

Conclusion

Staying alert and aware in your laundry room can help you avoid unnecessary service requests and get your chores done on your own schedule. By learning how to recognize and troubleshoot common error codes, you can save time, reduce frustration, and keep things running smoothly. From blocked drains to detergent issues, many problems have simple solutions—no request needed. If you have questions or need support with your laundry room equipment, reach out to Automatic Laundry today.