Maytag Washing Machine: drain pump continuously running
What is this symptom?
Experiencing a Maytag washing machine with a drain pump that continuously runs can be frustrating. This issue may arise after the wash or rinse cycle, even when there's no water present. Understanding the common causes can help you troubleshoot effectively.
Important Tips for Maytag Models
- Maytag models (e.g., Maxima) have been reported to exhibit continuous drain pump issues due to stuck relays or pressure hose blockages.
- Debris (e.g., washcloths) caught in drain areas frequently reported specifically for Maytag Bravos XL.
Possible Causes
Clogged debris in drain pump/filter or hoses causing improper water level detection
How to Identify: Remove and inspect drain pump filter or access panel; visible debris (washcloth, lint, foreign objects clogging pump inlet or hoses reported to cause continuous run. (iFixit
Part: Drain pump assembly / filter / hoses
Faulty water level (pressure) switch or blocked pressure hose
How to Identify: If the washer believes water remains due to incorrect signal, pump continues; inspect the small rubber hose to water level sensor for blockages or kinks. (Ready To DIY
Part: Pressure switch / pressure hose
Stuck or failed drain pump relay on control board
How to Identify: Pump runs regardless of cycle state even after reset; control board symptoms reported where the relay sticks ‘on’. (Ready To DIY
Part: Control board / pump relay
Failed drain pump motor assembly
How to Identify: Pump runs, but ineffectively drains water or has unusual noises; replacement often fixes issue.
Part: Drain pump motor
DIY Solutions
Clear debris from drain pump filter and hoses
- Turn off and unplug washer.
- Access drain pump filter (lower front panel) and remove any visible debris or foreign objects.
- Disconnect and inspect drain hoses for blockages; clear debris.
- Reassemble and test machine operation.
Inspect and clear pressure hose to water level sensor
- Unplug washer.
- Locate pressure hose from tub to control board/sensor.
- Inspect for clogs, kinks, or water/foam blockage; gently clear with brush or compressed air.
- Reinstall hose ensuring no sharp bends and test operation.
Reset control board
- Unplug washer for 5–10 minutes to allow electronic reset.
- Plug back in and run a test cycle.
- If continuous run persists, more advanced diagnosis needed.
Next step
Choose the next step for drain pump continuously running
Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.
Most relevant component to inspect
Drain Pump
Pumps waste water out of the appliance during the drain cycle.
- Typical part-only price
- $35 - $80
- DIY difficulty
- Easy
- Estimated time
- 15-30 mins
Where can I find the model number?
Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.
Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.
Other parts options
Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.
Pressure Switch
Detects the water level inside the tub and signals when to start or stop filling.
Main Control Board
The central brain of the appliance that controls all components, cycles, and timings.
Model-compatible Washing Machine parts
Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission from other qualifying purchases or service requests made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are based on repair relevance, not commission rate.
Optional routine care
Maintenance supplies
These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.
Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets
Routine tub-cleaning supplies for residue and odor control. They do not repair a mechanical, drainage, or electronic fault.
Braided Washer Inlet Hoses
A maintenance replacement option for visibly worn external fill hoses. Verify thread size, length, and hot/cold connection requirements.
Washer Drain Hose Holder
Helps secure an external drain hose at the standpipe. It does not correct an internal pump or control fault.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.
Professional Repairs
Replace control board or pump relay
Replace drain pump motor assembly
When to Call a Professional
Preventive Maintenance
-
Clean drain pump filter and hoses: Debris buildup causing misreads and continuous pump operation
Frequency: every 3–6 months -
Inspect pressure hose connection: Blocked or kinked hose causing false water level readings
Frequency: annually
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Maytag Washing Machine drain pump continuously running?
How do I fix Maytag Washing Machine drain pump continuously running myself?
How much does it cost to fix drain pump continuously running?
When should I call a technician for drain pump continuously running?
Community Analytical Insights
Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions
Common Issues Reported by Users
- Faulty drain pump causing continuous operation
- Clogged drain filter or hose preventing proper drainage
- Malfunctioning control board sending incorrect signals
User Suggested Solutions
-
Check and clean the drain filter and hose. Disconnect the power, locate the drain filter, remove any debris, and ensure the hose is clear of blockages.
-
Inspect the drain pump for faults. Disconnect the power, remove the pump, and test it for continuity with a multimeter. Replace if defective.
-
Reset the control board by unplugging the washer for 5 minutes. If the issue persists, consider replacing the control board.
Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View
Sources
Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:
Community Discussions
drain pump staying on, F9E1 code, tripping breaker
Possible control board failure; factory reset attempted; new control board recommended.
Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair
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