Maytag Washing Machine: drain issue

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing a drain issue with your Maytag washing machine? If your washer fails to remove water at the end of a cycle, leaving standing water in the drum, this guide covers common causes and solutions to restore proper drainage.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag specifies correct drain hose placement and height are required to avoid backflow or drainage issues.

Possible Causes

Clogged drain hose

How to Identify: Water remains in drum; visible kinks or debris in hose; slow or no flow when hose end is placed into a bucket.

Part: Drain hose

Faulty drain pump

How to Identify: No humming or pump noise during drain cycle; water stays in tub; multimeter shows no electrical continuity.

Part: Drain pump

Faulty lid/door switch

How to Identify: Washer does not proceed to drain/spin; no click when lid closes; multimeter continuity test fails.

Part: Lid or door switch assembly

Incorrect drain hose installation height or placement

How to Identify: Drain hose inserted too deep into standpipe or above recommended height; water flows back.

Part: Drain hose position

Electrical/control issues (control board/timer)

How to Identify: No voltage to pump during drain cycle; display errors; visual burn marks on board.

Part: Control board or timer

DIY Solutions

Clear and straighten drain hose

Easy 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: Bucket, flashlight, brush or flexible drain snake
  1. Unplug washer and move it away from wall
  2. Detach drain hose from washer and drain pipe
  3. Check for kinks and straighten hose
  4. Use brush or snake to remove debris blockages
  5. Reconnect hose and test drain cycle
⚠️ Safety First: Always unplug the washer before accessing hoses

Clean drain pump filter/coin trap

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdrivers, towels, container
  1. Disconnect power and place towels/container under access panel
  2. Remove access panel to reach pump/filter
  3. Unscrew filter/coin trap cap and collect water
  4. Remove debris inside and rinse filter
  5. Reassemble parts, replace panel, test washer
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid damage to pump impeller

Check lid/door switch continuity

Advanced 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: Multimeter, screwdriver
  1. Disconnect power
  2. Access lid/door switch assembly
  3. Use multimeter to test continuity with lid closed
  4. If faulty, order compatible switch and replace
  5. Reassemble and retest washer
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before working on electrical components

Professional Repairs

Replace drain pump

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150 parts, $150 - $300 with labor

Control board or timer replacement

Estimated Cost: $100 - $400 parts, $200 - $600 with labor

When to Call a Professional

Water still remains after clearing hose and pump
Electrical tests indicate component failure
Uncertain about accessing internal components safely

Preventive Maintenance

  • Inspect and clean drain hose: Debris build‑up that leads to clogs
    Frequency: every 3-6 months
  • Check and clean pump filter/coin trap: Blockages in the pump area
    Frequency: every 6 months
  • Check pockets before washing: Small items entering drain system
    Frequency: Every load

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Washing Machine drain issue?
Common causes include a clogged drain hose, faulty drain pump, or lid switch malfunction.
How do I fix Maytag Washing Machine drain issue myself?
You can clear the drain hose, clean the drain pump filter, or check the lid switch continuity.
How much does it cost to fix drain issue?
Professional repairs can range from $150 to $600 depending on the problem.
When should I call a technician for drain issue?
If DIY solutions fail or the issue seems complex, it's time to call a technician.

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 hose or pump filter
  • Faulty drain pump
  • Blocked or kinked drain hose

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check and clean the drain hose and pump filter. Disconnect the washing machine from power, locate the drain hose, and inspect for clogs. Remove the hose and clean it thoroughly. Also, check the pump filter (usually located at the front bottom of the machine) for debris and clean it out.

  2. Inspect and replace the drain pump if necessary. If the pump is making unusual noises or not functioning, it may need to be replaced. Disconnect power, remove the old pump, and install a new OEM pump following the manufacturer's instructions.

  3. Check for kinks or blockages in the drain hose. Ensure the hose is properly positioned and not bent or pinched. Straighten it out if necessary and ensure it is elevated properly to allow for proper drainage.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Maytag Epic Z washer- F21 code , drain problem ??

Community Discussions

F21 code, drain problem

Replaced aftermarket drain pump with OEM pump, which resolved the issue temporarily.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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