Maytag Washer Will Not Drain Water

Introduction

Finding your Maytag washer full of water after a wash cycle can be incredibly frustrating. Not only does it prevent you from finishing your laundry, but it can also potentially damage your clothes and even lead to water damage in your home. This usually happens because something is preventing the water from properly exiting the machine. Addressing this issue promptly is essential to prevent further complications and get your laundry routine back on track.

Common Causes of Maytag Washer Will Not Drain Water

Here are some of the most frequent reasons why your Maytag washer might refuse to drain:

Clogged Drain Hose: A blockage in the drain hose, often caused by lint, small objects, or soap buildup, can restrict water flow.
Clogged Drain Pump Filter: This filter is designed to catch debris before it reaches the drain pump. If it becomes clogged, it can prevent the pump from working effectively.
Faulty Drain Pump: The drain pump is responsible for pushing the water out of the washer. If the pump is damaged or malfunctioning, it won’t be able to do its job.
Kinked or Blocked Drain Hose: A kink in the hose can obstruct water flow, and any blockage, such as a sock or small item, can prevent drainage.
Lid Switch Issues: Some washers won’t drain if the lid switch (which detects if the lid is closed) is faulty.
Air Lock in Drain Hose: Sometimes, air can get trapped in the drain hose, creating an airlock that prevents the water from flowing.
Control Board Malfunction: In rare cases, the control board, which manages the washer’s functions, might be malfunctioning and preventing the drain cycle from initiating.
Over Sudsing: Using too much detergent, especially non-HE detergent in an HE machine, can create excessive suds that interfere with the draining process.

Symptoms Checklist

Here are some indicators that can help you pinpoint the drainage problem:

Washer completes the wash cycle but the drum remains full of water.
You hear a humming or buzzing sound during the drain cycle, but no water is being pumped out.
The washer displays an error code related to draining or pump issues.
The drain hose vibrates but no water is flowing through it.
Clothes remain soaking wet after the cycle is complete.
The washer smells musty or moldy due to standing water.

How to Fix Maytag Washer Will Not Drain Water Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to troubleshoot and hopefully resolve your drainage issue:

Unplug the Washer: For safety, always disconnect the washer from the power outlet before starting any repairs.
Check the Drain Hose for Kinks: Inspect the entire length of the drain hose to ensure it’s not bent, kinked, or crushed. Straighten out any kinks.
Inspect the Drain Hose Connection: Make sure the drain hose is securely connected to both the washer and the drainpipe.
Check the Drainpipe: Remove the drain hose from the drainpipe and check for any blockages. You can try using a drain snake or a stiff wire to clear any obstructions.
Locate and Clean the Drain Pump Filter: Refer to your washer’s manual to find the location of the drain pump filter. Typically, it’s located at the front of the washer, behind a small access panel. Place a towel on the floor to catch any water. Unscrew the filter cap and carefully remove the filter. Clean any lint, debris, or small objects from the filter.
Inspect the Drain Pump: With the filter removed, you can sometimes reach the drain pump impeller (the spinning part). Check if anything is obstructing it. You might be able to turn it manually to see if it’s jammed.
Check for Air Lock: Disconnect the drain hose from the drainpipe. Lower the end of the hose into a bucket placed on the floor. Run a short drain cycle to see if the force of the water will dislodge any airlock.
Try a Reset: Some washers can be reset by unplugging them for a few minutes and then plugging them back in. This can sometimes clear minor electronic glitches.
Check the Lid Switch: Carefully inspect the lid switch to ensure it’s not broken or damaged. You can try manually pressing the switch to see if the washer starts draining (be extremely careful when doing this with the washer plugged in).
Reduce Detergent Use: If you suspect over-sudsing, use less detergent in your next load, and make sure you’re using HE (High Efficiency) detergent if you have an HE washer.
Run a Rinse Cycle: After cleaning the drain pump filter and drain hose, run an empty rinse cycle to flush out any remaining debris.
Check Error Codes: If your washer displays an error code, consult your owner’s manual to understand what it means and what troubleshooting steps are recommended.

Fix the Issue Without Buying Parts

Many drain problems can be resolved without needing to buy replacement parts. Regular cleaning of the drain pump filter (every 1-3 months) can prevent clogs. Periodically running a washer cleaner through your machine can also help prevent soap buildup. Avoiding excessive detergent use is crucial, and always use HE detergent in HE machines. Proper leveling of the washer can also contribute to optimal draining.

When Replacement Might Be Necessary

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and your washer still won’t drain, the drain pump itself might be faulty. Replacing the drain pump can cost between $50 and $200, depending on the model. The lid switch and control board are other components that might require replacement but are less common failures. A new control board can cost upwards of $200.

Safety Warning

Always unplug the washer from the power outlet before performing any troubleshooting or repairs.
Be careful when handling water and electricity to avoid electric shock.
Wipe up any spills immediately to prevent slips and falls.
If you are uncomfortable working with electrical appliances, contact a qualified appliance repair technician.

Tools You May Need

Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
Pliers
Bucket
Towels
Drain snake or stiff wire
Gloves

FAQ

Q: Why is my washer making a humming noise but not draining? A: This usually indicates that the drain pump is trying to work but is blocked or faulty. Check the drain pump filter and the drain pump impeller for obstructions.
Q: How often should I clean the drain pump filter? A: Ideally, you should clean the drain pump filter every 1-3 months, depending on how frequently you use your washer and the amount of lint your clothes produce.
Q: Can I use regular detergent in an HE washer? A: No. Regular detergent creates excessive suds that can interfere with the draining process and potentially damage the washer. Always use HE (High Efficiency) detergent in HE washers.
Q: What if I can’t find the drain pump filter? A: Consult your washer’s owner’s manual. It will provide detailed instructions on the location of the drain pump filter and how to access it.

Conclusion

Dealing with a Maytag washer that won’t drain can be a hassle, but by following these troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve the issue yourself and save on repair costs. Don’t be afraid to tackle the problem. However, if you’ve exhausted all options and the washer still won’t drain, it might be time to call a qualified appliance repair technician for assistance.