Maytag Washing Machine: pump running continuously
What is this symptom?
Is your Maytag washing machine's pump running continuously? This issue often occurs when the washer detects no water, causing it to enter a drain routine even when empty. Other potential causes include clogged filters, faulty switches, or control board issues. Understanding these symptoms can help you address the problem effectively.
Important Tips for Maytag Models
- Official documentation indicates a built-in drain routine when no water is detected at cycle start, leading to continuous pump operation for a period.
Possible Causes
Washer in drain routine due to no water detected
How to Identify: Pump runs for ~8–10 minutes when no water inlet detected at start of cycle per official Maytag guidance.
Part: Control system/logic
Clogged drain filter/trap or debris in hoses
How to Identify: Presence of foreign objects in the drain filter, washcloths, threads, lint, or debris; physical clogging in hose/elbows.
Part: Drain filter / drain hose
Faulty lid switch or pressure switch
How to Identify: Pump runs continuously; stopping briefly when tub rotated manually; multimeter continuity test fails on lid switch.
Part: Lid switch / pressure switch
Control board or water level switch malfunction
How to Identify: Other causes ruled out; diagnostic codes or service manual indicates sensor/board error.
Part: Control board / water level switch
DIY Solutions
Check for clog in drain filter and hoses
- Unplug the washer and locate the drain filter access panel (typically at the bottom front).
- Place a bucket/towels beneath to catch water.
- Remove the drain filter/cover and inspect for debris, washcloths, or foreign objects.
- Clean out any debris and reassemble filter and cover.
- Check drain hose for kinks or clogs; remove and flush if needed.
- Restore power and test machine.
Verify if washer is in automatic drain routine
- Start a wash cycle and observe pump behavior at beginning.
- If no water enters the machine for ~13 minutes, the machine may default to a drain routine where the pump runs ~8–10 minutes as per official behavior.
- Allow the cycle to complete that period to see if pump stops.
Next step
Choose the next step for pump running continuously
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.
Pressure Switch
Detects the water level inside the tub and signals when to start or stop filling.
Door or Lid Switch
Detects whether the appliance door or lid is safely closed before operation.
Main Control Board
The central brain of the appliance that controls all components, cycles, and timings.
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.
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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.
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 lid switch or pressure switch
Control board diagnosis and replacement
When to Call a Professional
Preventive Maintenance
-
Clean drain filter: Clogs that cause continuous pump operation
Frequency: monthly -
Inspect and clean drain hose: Debris buildup and pump overwork
Frequency: every 3-6 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Maytag Washing Machine pump running continuously?
How do I fix Maytag Washing Machine pump running continuously myself?
How much does it cost to fix pump running continuously?
When should I call a technician for pump running continuously?
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
- Clogged drain hose or filter
- Faulty pressure switch
- Malfunctioning control board
User Suggested Solutions
-
Check and clean the drain hose and filter. Disconnect the washer from power, remove the drain hose, and inspect for clogs. Clean the filter located near the pump. Reassemble and test the machine.
-
Test the pressure switch for continuity. Disconnect the washer from power, locate the pressure switch, and use a multimeter to check for continuity. If defective, replace the pressure switch.
-
Inspect and replace the control board if necessary. Disconnect power, remove the control panel, and visually inspect for burnt components. If damaged, replace with the exact same part number.
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
drain pump runs non stop
Replace the control board with the exact same part number.
Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair
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