Maytag Washing Machine: not draining properly

Possible Causes

Clogged drain hose or pump filter

How to Identify: Water remains in tub; visible debris or kink in hose; slow/no flow when hose is disconnected and flushed.

Part: Drain hose / pump filter

Faulty drain pump

How to Identify: Pump makes unusual noise or no sound during drain cycle; multimeter shows no continuity; water not expelled even after clearing hoses.

Part: Drain pump

Faulty lid/lid switch assembly

How to Identify: Washer won’t drain or spin; continuity test on lid switch fails; machine behaves as if lid is open.

Part: Lid switch

Control board or timer not powering pump

How to Identify: Electrical diagnostics show no power to drain pump during drain cycle; visual damage on board.

Part: Control board or timer

DIY Solutions

Clear drain hose and pump filter

Moderate 15–45 minutes

Tools Needed: screwdriver, bucket, flashlight, long flexible brush

1. Unplug washer and disconnect power.
2. Move washer to access rear drain hose.
3. Disconnect drain hose and inspect for blockages; use brush or water flush to clear.
4. Locate pump filter (front/bottom access) and remove debris.
5. Reassemble and test drain cycle.

⚠️ Safety First: Always unplug the washer before accessing hoses or pump.

Test and replace lid switch

Advanced 30–60 minutes

Tools Needed: multimeter, screwdriver, replacement lid switch

1. Unplug washer.
2. Access lid switch by removing panels near lid.
3. Disconnect switch and test continuity with a multimeter.
4. If no continuity when lid closed, replace switch.
5. Reassemble panels and test operation.

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is disconnected before electrical testing.

Next step

Choose the next step for not draining properly

Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.

Based on diagnostic data

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

Optional: enter your model number

Apply

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.

Find a part that fits my model

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.

Possible related component

Drain Pump

Pumps waste water out of the appliance during the drain cycle.

$35 - $80 · Easy · 15-30 mins

Check fit & price

Possible related component

Door or Lid Switch

Detects whether the appliance door or lid is safely closed before operation.

$15 - $55 · Medium · 20-45 mins

Check fit & price

Possible related component

Main Control Board

The central brain of the appliance that controls all components, cycles, and timings.

$120 - $280 · Medium · 20-40 mins

Check fit & price

Model number required

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.

Find a part that fits my model

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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.

Maintenance supply

Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets

Routine tub-cleaning supplies for residue and odor control. They do not repair a mechanical, drainage, or electronic fault.

View maintenance supply

Maintenance supply

Braided Washer Inlet Hoses

A maintenance replacement option for visibly worn external fill hoses. Verify thread size, length, and hot/cold connection requirements.

View maintenance supply

Maintenance supply

Washer Drain Hose Holder

Helps secure an external drain hose at the standpipe. It does not correct an internal pump or control fault.

View maintenance supply

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

Estimated Cost: $50 - $200

Replace control board or timer

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

When to Call a Professional

If water remains after clearing hoses and pump, or there are electrical faults (no power to pump).

If you cannot safely access internal components or test electrical parts.

Preventive Maintenance

• Clean drain hose and pump filter: Clogs that cause drainage problems
  Frequency: every 3–6 months
• Check pockets for small objects before washing: Foreign objects clogging pump or hose
  Frequency: Every load

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Washing Machine not draining properly?

Common causes include a clogged drain hose, a faulty drain pump, or issues with the lid switch.

How do I fix Maytag Washing Machine not draining properly myself?

You can clear the drain hose and pump filter, or test and replace the lid switch.

How much does it cost to fix not draining properly?

Professional repairs can range from $50 to $400 depending on the issue.

When should I call a technician for not draining properly?

If DIY troubleshooting doesn't resolve the issue, or if complex repairs are needed, it's best to call a technician.

Common Issues Reported by Users

• Clogged drain pump filter (1 mentions)
• Blocked washing machine hoses (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

1. Clean out the washing machine hoses and drain pump filter regularly to prevent gunk buildup.

Community Discussions

clothes staying wet after a cycle

Clean out the washing machine hoses and drain pump filter regularly to prevent gunk buildup.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair