Maytag Washing Machine: leaking, grinding noise

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Maytag washing machine leaking water and making a grinding noise? This could be due to foreign objects, loose hoses, or failing seals. Identifying the issue early can prevent further damage and costly repairs.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag official troubleshooting notes that grinding can be part of normal drive system sounds but prolonged grinding should be checked; also oversized loads can cause water to splash and appear as leaks.

Possible Causes

Foreign objects stuck in drum or pump

How to Identify: Grinding noise during spin/wash; visible small items between drum and tub or in pump; leak occasionally during drain.

Part: Drum area or drain pump

Hoses loose, cracked, or disconnected

How to Identify: Water pooling near floor or back during fill/drain; visible wetness at hose connections.

Part: Fill and drain hoses

Tub seal or bearing failure

How to Identify: Grinding noise during spin with wobbling tub; leak from bottom near seal; difficulty manually turning drum.

Part: Tub seal/bearing

Door seal failure

How to Identify: Water leaking from front door during fill or spin; visible tears/cracks in gasket.

Part: Front door gasket

Overloading / imbalance

How to Identify: Grinding noise without mechanical failure; leak at top edges; noise stops when load redistributed.

Part: Load distribution

DIY Solutions

Inspect and Remove Foreign Objects

Easy 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: flashlight, work gloves
  1. Unplug washer and open drum.
  2. Inspect around drum and under rubber gaskets for coins, buttons, debris.
  3. Remove any foreign objects visible.
  4. Run a short empty cycle to check if noise persists.
⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before inspecting drum.

Check and Tighten/Replace Hoses

Moderate 20-40 minutes
Tools Needed: wrench, bucket, towels
  1. Turn off water supply and unplug washer.
  2. Inspect fill and drain hoses at back of washer for cracks or loose fittings.
  3. Tighten hose connections; replace hoses with visible damage.
  4. Re‑connect water and test for leaks with a short cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Shut off water before disconnecting hoses.

Clean or Replace Drain Pump Filter (if applicable)

Moderate 15-45 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, towels, bucket
  1. Unplug and access lower front panel if your model has pump filter access.
  2. Remove pump filter cap and clean out lint/debris.
  3. Reassemble and test washer for leaks and grinding noise reduction.
⚠️ Safety First: Prepare for water spill when opening filter area.

Professional Repairs

Replace Drain Pump

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200 (part) + $100 - $300 labor

Tub Seal and Bearing Replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $300 (parts) + $300 - $500 labor

Door Gasket Replacement (Front Load)

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150 (part) + $100 - $250 labor

When to Call a Professional

Leak persists after basic hose and pump inspection
Grinding noise continues after foreign object removal and causes mechanical vibration
Water leaks from internal seals or near bearings

Preventive Maintenance

  • Use proper HE detergent and correct amounts: Excess suds that can cause leaks and stress seals.
    Frequency: every wash
  • Inspect hoses for wear: Leaks from failing hoses.
    Frequency: annually
  • Run cleaning cycle and clean gaskets: Debris buildup causing leaks and noise.
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Washing Machine leaking, grinding noise?
Common causes include foreign objects in the drum, loose hoses, or failing tub seals.
How do I fix Maytag Washing Machine leaking, grinding noise myself?
Inspect for foreign objects, check and tighten hoses, and clean the drain pump filter.
How much does it cost to fix leaking, grinding noise?
Repair costs range from $80 to $500 depending on parts and labor needed.
When should I call a technician for leaking, grinding noise?
If DIY fixes don’t resolve the issue, or if you suspect major component failure.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

60%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Failed tub seal causing water to leak and rust, leading to grinding noise.
  • Worn out transmission or gearcase leading to grinding noise and potential leaks.
  • Clogged or damaged drain pump causing water to leak and making unusual noises.

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace the tub seal. First, disconnect the washer from power and water supply. Remove the agitator and inner tub to access the tub seal. Replace the seal and reassemble the washer.

  2. Replace the transmission or gearcase. Disconnect the washer, remove the outer cabinet, and access the gearcase. Replace it with a new part and reassemble the washer.

  3. Check and clear the drain pump. Disconnect the washer, locate the drain pump, and inspect for clogs or damage. Clean or replace the pump as necessary.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Maytag Centennial washing machine leak.

Community Discussions

leak from under the washer, grinding sound

The gearcase (transmission) likely needs to be replaced due to a failed tub seal causing rust and grinding noise.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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