Maytag Washing Machine: not draining, not spinning

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Maytag washing machine filling with water but failing to drain or spin? This common issue often leaves water in the tub after a cycle, preventing your laundry from finishing. Understanding the causes can help you address the problem efficiently.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag provides specific troubleshooting guidance for machines not draining or spinning via official support documentation.
  • Clogged drain hose, pump issues, or faulty lid switch are identified in community Maytag-focused guides.

Possible Causes

Clogged drain hose or drain path

How to Identify: Water remains in tub after cycle, visible kinks, bends, or blockages in drain hose; manual removal of hose shows obstruction

Part: Drain hose / drainage path

Clogged or obstructed drain pump

How to Identify: Unusual noises from pump area, water not draining despite clear hose, debris visible at pump filter or inlet

Part: Drain pump

Faulty lid/door switch

How to Identify: Washer doesn’t enter spin cycle even after draining (if drain occurs, lid switch continuity test fails

Part: Lid switch

Drive belt failure (spin-specific)

How to Identify: Washer drains but doesn’t spin, belt appears worn, loose or broken on inspection

Part: Drive belt

Unbalanced or overloaded load

How to Identify: Spin failure occurs only under heavy or uneven loads; redistributing load allows spin cycle to complete

Part: Load distribution / control system

Motor coupling or motor failure

How to Identify: No drum movement at all, unusual sounds, machine stops mid-cycle

Part: Motor / motor coupling

DIY Solutions

Clear drain hose blockages

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: bucket, screwdriver, pliers
  1. Unplug washer and turn off water
  2. Disconnect drain hose from washer and check for kinks or visible blockages
  3. Flush hose with water or manually remove debris
  4. Reattach hose ensuring proper routing and no sharp bends
⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before working on washer

Clean drain pump and filters

Advanced 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, towels, bucket
  1. Unplug washer and access lower front panel
  2. Locate drain pump and remove any debris or foreign objects
  3. Check pump impeller spins freely
  4. Reassemble and test washer
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure water is drained into bucket before opening pump area

Redistribute laundry load

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Stop cycle and open lid (if safe)
  2. Re-distribute laundry evenly around drum
  3. Restart spin cycle

Inspect and test lid/door switch

Advanced 20-40 minutes
Tools Needed: multimeter, screwdrivers
  1. Unplug washer and locate lid switch
  2. Test switch with multimeter for continuity
  3. Replace switch if no continuity
⚠️ Safety First: Electrical component handling requires care

Check drive belt condition

Advanced 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdrivers
  1. Unplug washer and access rear or underpanel
  2. Inspect belt for wear or break
  3. Replace belt if damaged
⚠️ Safety First: Proper belt routing required

Professional Repairs

Replace drain pump

Estimated Cost: $100 - $250

Replace lid/door switch

Estimated Cost: $80 - $180

Motor or motor coupling repair/replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

When to Call a Professional

Water remains after clearing hoses and pump debris
Unusual noises from pump or motor area
Electrical component tests indicate failure
Internal parts access beyond comfort or no improvement after DIY

Preventive Maintenance

  • Regularly clean drain hose and pump area: blockages causing drain/spin failure
    Frequency: every 3-6 months
  • Avoid overloading washer: unbalanced loads causing spin failure
    Frequency: every use
  • Inspect belt and switches during servicing: wear-related spin issues
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Washing Machine not draining, not spinning?
Common causes include clogged drain hoses, obstructed drain pumps, and faulty lid switches.
How do I fix Maytag Washing Machine not draining, not spinning myself?
You can clear blockages, redistribute laundry, or test the lid switch to troubleshoot the issue.
How much does it cost to fix not draining, not spinning?
Professional repairs can range from $80 to $400, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not draining, not spinning?
If DIY solutions don’t resolve the issue or if you're uncomfortable with advanced repairs, it's best to call a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Drain pump failure (2 mentions)
  • Door lock issue (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check for obstructions in the drain pump

    Success rate: 50.0%

  2. Inspect control board, water level sensor, pump, clutch, and motor

    Success rate: 0.0%
Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Stumped with a Maytag Washer.
  2. Washing machine trouble

Community Discussions

not wanting to drain all the water out after cycle, not wanting to finish the spin cycle, making a slight buzzing noise, followed by a loud buzzing noise

Possible drain pump failure or door lock issue; check for obstructions in the drain pump.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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