Maytag Dishwasher: not draining properly

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing a Maytag dishwasher that won't drain properly? If your dishwasher finishes its cycle but leaves standing water at the bottom, you're not alone. This issue often results in unpleasant odors and dirty water remaining in the tub. It could be caused by a clogged drain filter, blocked drain hose, or a faulty drain pump.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Some Maytag models require removal of garbage disposal knockout plug during installation to allow proper drainage; improper installation often causes drain problems.

Possible Causes

Clogged drain filter

How to Identify: Standing water with food debris visible at bottom screen or filter; water drains once filter cleared

Part: Drain filter

Blocked or kinked drain hose

How to Identify: Standing water persists after cleaning filter; visible kinks or blockages when hose disconnected, poor water flow through hose

Part: Drain hose

Faulty or blocked drain pump

How to Identify: Humming noise without draining; pump not running during drain cycle; no water movement even after clearing filter and hose

Part: Drain pump / pump motor assembly

Clogged or improperly installed garbage disposal connection

How to Identify: Dishwasher connected to garbage disposal and both sink and disposal drain slowly; visible clog in disposal; drain improves when disposal cleared

Part: Garbage disposal / dishwasher drain connection

Malfunctioning drain valve or control board

How to Identify: No proper activation of drain cycle despite no visible blockages; electrical diagnostics show no power to pump/valve

Part: Drain valve, Control board

DIY Solutions

Clean the drain filter

Easy 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: gloves, soft brush, towel
  1. Disconnect power and remove bottom dish rack
  2. Locate and remove the filter assembly at bottom of tub
  3. Rinse filter under running water and remove trapped debris
  4. Reinstall filter and run a drain cycle to test
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power off before reaching inside dishwasher

Inspect and clear drain hose

Moderate 20-40 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, flashlight, bucket, long flexible brush
  1. Turn off power and water supply
  2. Access hose beneath sink and dishwasher lower panel
  3. Disconnect hose and check for kinks or blockages
  4. Run water through hose or use brush to clear debris, then reconnect securely
⚠️ Safety First: Be prepared for water spills; ensure hose reattached securely

Check garbage disposal connection

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, gloves
  1. Turn off disposal and dishwasher power
  2. Check sink drain and disposal for blockages
  3. Clear any debris or run disposal to ensure clear flow
  4. Verify dishwasher’s drain hose connection and ensure knockout plug removed if recently installed
⚠️ Safety First: Never place hands into disposal; ensure power off

Professional Repairs

Replace faulty drain pump or motor assembly

Estimated Cost: $80 - $300 (part) plus labor

Replace drain valve or control board

Estimated Cost: $50 - $400 plus labor

When to Call a Professional

After DIY filter and hose cleaning if issue persists
If pump hums but doesn’t work and requires electrical testing
If electrical diagnostics needed for control board or valve

Preventive Maintenance

  • Regularly clean drain filter: Filter blockages and improves draining
    Frequency: Monthly
  • Inspect drain hose routing: Hose kinks and build-up leading to drainage issues
    Frequency: Annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Dishwasher not draining properly?
Common causes include a clogged drain filter, blocked drain hose, or a faulty drain pump.
How do I fix Maytag Dishwasher not draining properly myself?
Start by cleaning the drain filter, inspecting the drain hose for kinks, and checking the garbage disposal connection.
How much does it cost to fix not draining properly?
Repairing the drain pump or control board can range from $50 to $400 plus labor.
When should I call a technician for not draining properly?
Call a technician if DIY fixes don't work or if you suspect a faulty pump or control board.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Clogged drain filter or sump area
  • Faulty drain pump
  • Kinked or clogged drain hose

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check and clean the drain filter and sump area. Remove the bottom rack, take out the filter, and rinse it under hot water to remove any debris. Clear any obstructions in the sump area.

  2. Inspect the drain pump for blockages. Access the pump by removing the lower spray arm and the cover. Check for any debris that might be obstructing the impeller and clean it out.

  3. Examine the drain hose for kinks or clogs. Ensure the hose is not bent or pinched and detach it to check for blockages. If clogged, clean or replace the hose as necessary.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Maytag Dishwasher Error Code E1 F9

Community Discussions

Error code E1 F9, cannot drain properly / fast enough

The main pump housing was clogged with food and debris, causing the error code.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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