Maytag Bravos Washer Won T Drain And Spin

Introduction

Discovering your Maytag Bravos washer won’t drain and spin your clothes properly can be frustrating. This means your laundry stays soaking wet, potentially leading to mildew and musty odors. It often happens at the end of a wash cycle, leaving you with a tub full of water and heavy, dripping clothes. Addressing this promptly is important to prevent further damage to your washer and avoid the inconvenience of hand-wringing your clothes!

Common Causes of Maytag Bravos Washer Won’t Drain and Spin

Here are some common reasons why your Maytag Bravos washer might be having trouble draining and spinning:

• Clogged Drain Hose: A kinked or blocked drain hose prevents water from exiting the washer.
• Blocked Drain Pump Filter: Lint, debris, or small objects can clog the filter, stopping the pump from working.
• Faulty Drain Pump: The pump motor itself might be failing, preventing it from pushing the water out.
• Lid Switch Malfunction: The lid switch signals the washer that the lid is closed, allowing it to spin. If it’s faulty, the washer won’t spin for safety reasons.
• Overloading the Washer: Putting too many clothes in the washer can strain the motor and prevent proper draining and spinning.
• Control Board Issues: While less common, a malfunctioning control board can prevent the washer from initiating the drain and spin cycles.
• Kinked or Blocked Air Vent: The air vent allows air into the drain hose as the water is being pumped out. A blockage prevents proper drainage.
• Siphon Effect: If the drain hose is inserted too far down the standpipe it could cause a siphon effect pulling the water out as it fills preventing the spin cycle from ever starting.

Symptoms Checklist

Use this checklist to help pinpoint the problem:

• Washer fills with water but doesn’t drain.
• Washer drains very slowly.
• Washer makes a humming noise during the drain cycle but doesn’t drain.
• Washer doesn’t spin, and clothes are soaking wet.
• Error code displayed on the washer’s control panel. (Note the code for troubleshooting).
• Water is leaking from the drain hose or pump area.
• The drain hose vibrates excessively during the draining process.

How to Fix Maytag Bravos Washer Won’t Drain and Spin Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to troubleshoot and fix your washer:

1. Unplug the Washer: For safety, disconnect the power cord from the outlet before starting any repairs.
2. Check the Drain Hose: Inspect the drain hose for kinks, bends, or obstructions. Straighten any kinks and ensure the hose isn’t crushed.
3. Inspect Drain Hose Height: Verify that the drain hose is not pushed too far into the drain pipe or standpipe. Insert only about 6″ (15 cm) down.
4. Clean the Drain Hose: Disconnect the drain hose from both the washer and the drainpipe. Flush it with water to remove any potential clogs. You can use a garden hose for better pressure.
5. Locate the Drain Pump Filter: This is usually located at the bottom front of the washer, behind a small access panel. Consult your owner’s manual for the exact location.
6. Drain Remaining Water: Place a shallow pan or towels underneath the access panel to catch any water that spills when you remove the filter.
7. Clean the Drain Pump Filter: Carefully remove the filter and clean it thoroughly, removing any lint, hair, coins, or other debris.
8. Reinstall the Drain Pump Filter: Make sure the filter is properly seated and secured before closing the access panel.
9. Check the Lid Switch: Manually press the lid switch with your finger. If it feels loose or doesn’t click, it might be faulty. This requires more advanced testing with a multimeter, but try cleaning the area around the switch first.
10. Ensure Washer is Level: An unlevel washer can cause drainage problems. Use a level to check and adjust the washer’s feet as needed.
11. Run a Test Cycle: Plug the washer back in and run a small load with an empty tub. Select a drain and spin cycle to see if the issue is resolved.
12. Check for Error Codes: If an error code appears, consult your owner’s manual to understand its meaning and follow the recommended troubleshooting steps.
13. Inspect the Air Vent: This is a small tube usually connected to the drain hose or near the drain pump. Ensure it is not blocked by lint or debris.

Fix the Issue Without Buying Parts

Often, you can resolve draining and spinning issues without purchasing new parts:

• Reset the Washer: Unplug the washer for 1-2 minutes, then plug it back in. This can sometimes reset the control board and resolve minor glitches.
• Cleaning Cycles: Run a washer cleaning cycle with a washing machine cleaner to remove buildup and debris that could be contributing to the problem.
• Proper Loading: Avoid overloading the washer. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for load size.

When Replacement Might Be Necessary

If the above steps don’t work, you might need to consider replacing a part:

• Drain Pump: If the pump is making unusual noises or completely unresponsive, it likely needs replacement (estimated cost: $50 – $150 USD).
• Lid Switch: If the lid switch is faulty and preventing the spin cycle, it will need replacement (estimated cost: $20 – $50 USD).
• Control Board: As a last resort, a faulty control board may need replacement, but this is a more expensive repair (estimated cost: $100 – $300 USD). It’s best to consult a professional for this repair.

Safety Warning

• Always unplug the washer before performing any maintenance or repairs.
• Be careful when handling water, as wet floors can be slippery.
• Avoid touching any electrical components while the washer is plugged in.

Tools You May Need

• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
• Pliers
• Adjustable wrench
• Shallow pan or towels
• Bucket
• Level

FAQ

Here are some common questions and answers:

• Q: Why is my washer humming but not draining?A: This usually indicates a blockage in the drain pump filter or a failing drain pump.
• Q: How do I know if my drain pump is bad?A: If the pump makes unusual noises, doesn’t pump water, or tests as non-functional with a multimeter, it likely needs replacement.
• Q: Can I manually drain my Maytag Bravos washer?A: Yes, usually by locating and removing the drain pump filter and allowing the water to drain into a pan or bucket.
• Q: What does an error code on my washer mean?A: Error codes indicate specific problems. Consult your owner’s manual for a list of codes and their corresponding solutions.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting a Maytag Bravos washer that won’t drain and spin can seem daunting, but by following these steps, you can often resolve the issue yourself. Remember to prioritize safety and consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions related to your model. If you’ve exhausted these troubleshooting steps and the problem persists, it might be time to call a qualified appliance repair technician.