Maytag Washing Machine: filling and draining simultaneously
What is this symptom?
Experiencing a Maytag washing machine that fills with water while simultaneously draining can be frustrating. This issue often results in no net fill, causing the machine to cycle between filling and draining repeatedly. Common causes can include improper drain hose installation, a faulty water inlet valve, or issues with the pressure switch.
Important Tips for Maytag Models
- Maytag official guidance emphasizes correct drain hose positioning (distance into standpipe, air gap) to prevent siphoning issues which cause continuous fill/drain behavior.
Possible Causes
Improper drain hose installation leading to siphoning
How to Identify: End of drain hose pushed too far into standpipe or installed too low (below recommended height, no air gap, water visibly siphoning out while filling.
Part: Drain hose / standpipe
Faulty water inlet valve stuck open
How to Identify: Washer continues to take in water even when fill cycle should be off; may observe water flowing while machine off (test by unplugging.
Part: Water inlet valve
Faulty pressure/water level switch or clogged pressure hose
How to Identify: Machine cannot detect correct water level; water may be draining because machine thinks not enough water is present; visible wear/cracks on pressure hose.
Part: Pressure switch / air dome tube
Pump running erroneously due to control logic or wiring issue
How to Identify: Drain pump runs during fill cycle, unusual noises, check for error codes or electrical faults; observed pump activation when it shouldn’t.
Part: Drain pump / control board
DIY Solutions
Verify and correct drain hose installation to prevent siphoning
- Locate the drain hose at the back of the washer.
- Ensure the end of the drain hose isn’t pushed too far down into the standpipe.
- Create a U-shaped loop or use a wall clip to position the hose at the correct height (at least standpipe minimum height per Maytag instructions).
- Ensure there is an air gap and no tape sealing the hose into the drainpipe.
Inspect and test water inlet valve for sticking
- Unplug the washer and turn off water supply.
- Access the water inlet valve (usually at the back panel).
- Visually inspect for debris or damage on valve screens.
- Use a multimeter to test continuity per model specs.
- Replace valve if no continuity or if valve sticks open.
Check pressure switch and tube
- Disconnect power.
- Access control panel to locate pressure switch and pressure/air dome tube.
- Remove the tube and check for cracks, blockages, or wear.
- Blow through the tube to test for blockage, replace if necessary.
- Test switch continuity with multimeter, replace if faulty.
Next step
Choose the next step for filling and draining simultaneously
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 Hose
Carries waste water from the drain pump to your home's standpipe or sink drain.
- Typical part-only price
- $15 - $30
- 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.
Water Inlet Valve
Controls the flow of hot and cold water into the appliance.
Pressure Switch
Detects the water level inside the tub and signals when to start or stop filling.
Drain Pump
Pumps waste water out of the appliance during the drain cycle.
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 drain pump or control board
Professional inspection and installation correction
When to Call a Professional
Preventive Maintenance
-
Periodically check drain hose position: Prevent siphoning-related fill/drain issues
Frequency: annually -
Inspect pressure hose and valve screens: Avoid pressure sensing issues and inlet valve sticking due to debris buildup
Frequency: semi-annually
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Maytag Washing Machine filling and draining simultaneously?
How do I fix Maytag Washing Machine filling and draining simultaneously myself?
How much does it cost to fix filling and draining simultaneously?
When should I call a technician for filling and draining simultaneously?
References & Sources
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 water inlet valve allowing water to flow continuously
- Clogged or improperly installed drain hose causing siphoning
- Defective pressure switch that fails to signal the control board
User Suggested Solutions
-
Inspect and replace the water inlet valve if it is stuck open. Disconnect the power, remove the back panel, and test the valve with a multimeter. If faulty, replace it with a new valve.
-
Check the drain hose for proper installation and any clogs. Ensure the end of the hose is at the correct height and not submerged in water. Clear any blockages and reposition if necessary.
-
Test and replace the pressure switch if defective. Access the switch by removing the control panel, check for continuity with a multimeter, and replace if it does not function properly.
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
filling and draining simultaneously without running a cycle
Check the drain hose for siphoning issues and consider replacing the water valve and water pressure sensor/switch.
Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair
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