Maytag Washing Machine: not draining and spinning

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Maytag washing machine not draining and spinning? This common issue can leave your clothes soaking wet. The washer fills with water but fails to pump it out or enter the spin cycle, possibly displaying an error. Understanding the causes and solutions can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag official troubleshooting guide highlights blocked drain path and balance issues specifically for not draining/spinning symptoms

Possible Causes

Clogged drain hose or drain path

How to Identify: Water remains in tub after wash; inspect hose for kinks, bends, or visible blockages; draining improves after hose clearing

Part: Drain hose/Drain path

Clogged debris in pump or pump filter

How to Identify: Water doesn’t drain and may gurgle; debris visible when accessing pump area; clearing improves draining

Part: Pump assembly/Pump filter

Faulty lid/door switch

How to Identify: Washer won’t spin though drain might work; spin cycle doesn’t engage; switch continuity test fails

Part: Lid switch

Drive belt damage (spin only)

How to Identify: Washer drains but drum does not spin at all; belt visibly worn or broken

Part: Drive belt

Faulty drain pump motor

How to Identify: No draining even with clear hose; humming without water movement; pump motor fails testing

Part: Drain pump motor

Uneven load or balance issue

How to Identify: Washer stops spin when load is off-balance; redistributing clothes may allow spin to proceed

Part: Load sensor/Basket balance

DIY Solutions

Check and Clear Drain Hose

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Bucket
  1. Unplug washer and turn off water.
  2. Locate and disconnect the drain hose from back of machine.
  3. Inspect hose for kinks or blockages; clear debris or run water through hose.
  4. Reattach hose securely and test a drain/spin cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is disconnected before handling hoses.

Clean Pump Filter and Check for Debris

Moderate 20–40 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Towel/Bucket
  1. Unplug washer.
  2. Access pump area (often bottom front access panel).
  3. Place towel/bucket to catch water and remove debris from pump filter.
  4. Reassemble and test washer.
⚠️ Safety First: Beware residual water discharge when opening access panel.

Test and Replace Lid Switch

Advanced 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: Multimeter, Screwdrivers
  1. Unplug washer.
  2. Locate lid switch near top frame.
  3. Use multimeter to test continuity; replace if faulty.
  4. Reassemble and test the washer.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug machine and avoid contact with electrical terminals.

Inspect and Adjust Drive Belt

Advanced 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdrivers, Flashlight
  1. Unplug washer.
  2. Access rear/back panel to locate drive belt.
  3. Inspect for wear/breaks; replace if necessary.
  4. Reassemble and test spin.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure proper belt tension on reassembly.

Professional Repairs

Drain Pump Motor Replacement

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

Internal Blockage Removal / Internal Hose Replacement

Estimated Cost: $100 - $250

Control Board/Load Sensor Repair

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

When to Call a Professional

No improvement after clearing hoses and pump filter
Water remains after multiple cycles
Unusual noises from pump or motor
Electrical components suspected faulty

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean drain hose and pump filter: Clogs causing drainage issues
    Frequency: every 3–6 months
  • Check load distribution each use: Balance issues halting spin cycle
    Frequency: every wash

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Washing Machine not draining and spinning?
Common causes include clogged drain hoses, debris in the pump, or a faulty lid switch.
How do I fix Maytag Washing Machine not draining and spinning myself?
Check and clear the drain hose, clean the pump filter, and test the lid switch.
How much does it cost to fix not draining and spinning?
Professional repairs range from $80 to $350 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not draining and spinning?
If DIY solutions fail or if the problem involves complex components, it’s best to seek professional help.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

70%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Clogged drain hose or pump filter
  • Faulty lid switch preventing operation
  • Malfunctioning drain pump

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check and clear any clogs in the drain hose and pump filter. Disconnect the washer from power, remove the drain hose, and inspect for blockages. Clean the pump filter located at the front bottom of the machine.

  2. Test the lid switch for continuity using a multimeter. If it is faulty, replace the lid switch. Ensure the washer is unplugged before accessing the switch.

  3. Inspect the drain pump for blockages or damage. If the pump is not functioning, replace it. Make sure to disconnect power and water supply before starting this repair.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Old maytag washer not draining and spinning - not clogged ju...

Community Discussions

not draining and spinning

Replaced aftermarket belts with genuine Maytag belts to resolve electrical overload issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

User Comments (0)

Share your experience or solution below.

Be the first to comment!