When your Maytag washer isn’t draining completely, it can be a significant inconvenience, leaving your clothes soaking wet and the washing cycle incomplete. There are several common issues that can cause this problem, ranging from simple clogs in the hose to more complex drain pump failures. Understanding these causes and knowing how to troubleshoot them can help you quickly fix the issue, saving you time and money.

In this detailed guide, we will walk you through the most common causes of a Maytag washer not draining, and provide you with easy-to-follow instructions on how to troubleshoot and repair the issue. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to identify the root cause and resolve it effectively.

What Causes Maytag Washers to Not Drain Completely?

Before you start troubleshooting your washer, it's essential to understand the most common causes for a Maytag washer not draining. Several components play a role in the drainage process, and issues can arise in any of these parts. Below, we will explore each of the most common causes and provide clear steps for identifying and fixing them.

1. Clogged Drain Hose

The drain hose is responsible for carrying water out of the washer and into your home’s plumbing system. If the hose becomes clogged or kinked, it can prevent water from draining out of the washer properly, causing it to get stuck in the drum.

Signs of a Clogged Drain Hose:

• Water remains in the drum after the cycle ends.
• Gurgling or struggling noises when the washer tries to drain.
• Leaks around the hose area or pooling water.

How to Fix a Clogged Drain Hose:

• Unplug the Washer: For safety, always unplug the washer before attempting any repairs.
• Locate the Drain Hose: The drain hose is typically located at the back of the washer. You may need to pull the washer away from the wall to access it.
• Check for Kinks or Blockages: Inspect the hose for any visible kinks, bends, or blockages. Use a long, flexible object (such as a wire hanger) to gently clear any debris stuck inside the hose.
• Clean the Hose: If you find that the hose is clogged, disconnect it from the washer and flush it out with warm water. If necessary, use a plumbing snake or similar tool to dislodge stubborn debris.
• Reattach the Hose: After cleaning, reattach the hose securely and check for any new kinks or bends.

2. Faulty Drain Pump

The drain pump is responsible for pushing water out of the washer. If the pump is faulty or broken, the washer will be unable to drain properly.

Signs of a Faulty Drain Pump:

• The washer won’t drain at all.
• The washer makes a buzzing or humming noise but doesn’t drain.
• The washer does not fill with water properly, or it doesn’t spin during the cycle.

How to Test and Replace the Drain Pump:

• Unplug the Washer: Always disconnect the power before attempting any repairs on the washer.
• Locate the Drain Pump: The drain pump is typically located at the bottom of the washer. Depending on your Maytag model, you may need to remove the lower front panel or back panel to access the pump.
• Inspect the Pump: Check for debris or obstructions that may have gotten stuck in the pump, such as coins, lint, or small clothing items.
• Test the Pump: Use a multimeter to test the pump for continuity. If the pump does not show continuity (meaning it cannot complete an electrical circuit), it is faulty and needs to be replaced.
• Replace the Drain Pump: If the pump is defective, order a replacement pump that’s compatible with your Maytag washer model. Install the new pump by following the manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Clogged Drain Filter

Many Maytag washers are equipped with a drain filter that collects debris, lint, and other small items before they can reach the drain pump. If this filter becomes clogged, it can block the water flow, preventing the washer from draining completely.

Signs of a Clogged Drain Filter:

• Water remains in the drum after the cycle.
• The washer makes strange noises or a slow draining sound.
• Pooling water at the bottom of the drum after the cycle.

How to Clean the Drain Filter:

• Unplug the Washer: Safety first! Always unplug the washer from the power source before working on the filter.
• Locate the Drain Filter: The drain filter is usually located near the bottom of the washer, behind a small access panel. You can find it either at the front of the machine or under the lid.
• Remove the Filter: Open the access panel and carefully remove the filter. Be prepared for water to spill out.
• Clean the Filter: Rinse the filter under warm water to remove debris and build-up. Use a soft brush to scrub away any stubborn debris or lint.
• Reinstall the Filter: Once cleaned, reinstall the filter back into its housing and close the access panel securely.

4. Faulty Lid Switch

The lid switch is a safety feature that ensures the washer only runs when the lid is securely closed. If the lid switch is faulty, the washer will not enter the drain cycle, preventing it from draining completely.

Signs of a Faulty Lid Switch:

• The washer won’t drain or spin.
• The washer stops mid-cycle when the lid is closed.
• The washer doesn’t recognize when the lid is closed, or it continues running with the lid open.

How to Test and Replace the Lid Switch:

• Unplug the Washer: For safety, unplug the washer before working on any electrical components.
• Locate the Lid Switch: The lid switch is typically located near the door or lid area. You may need to remove the top panel or the front panel to access it.
• Test the Switch: Use a multimeter to check for continuity. If the switch doesn’t show continuity, it’s defective and needs to be replaced.
• Replace the Lid Switch: If the lid switch is faulty, you can purchase a replacement and install it yourself. Simply remove the old switch and install the new one according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Home Plumbing or Drainage Issues

In some cases, the problem may not be with the washer itself but with your home plumbing system. A clog or blockage in the home’s drain pipes can prevent the washer from draining completely.

Signs of Plumbing Issues:

• Water backs up in the washer or around the drain area.
• The washer drains slowly or not at all.
• Water pools outside the washer on the floor.

What to Do:

• Check the Drain Pipe: Inspect the drain pipe for any blockages or kinks. A clogged pipe can prevent the water from draining properly.
• Clear Blockages: If there are any blockages in the pipe, use a plumbing snake or a pipe cleaner to remove the debris.
• Check the Sump Pump: If your home has a sump pump or drainage pump, ensure it is working properly to pump water away from the washer.
• Call a Plumber: If the drainage problem persists after checking the pipes, you may need to contact a professional plumber to fix any blockages or issues with your home’s plumbing system.

A Maytag washer not draining completely is a common issue, but it’s usually easy to fix. Whether the problem is a clogged drain hose, a faulty drain pump, or a clogged filter, you can troubleshoot the issue and repair it yourself with a few basic tools. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the filter and inspecting the drain hose, will help prevent drainage issues in the future.

If the issue persists, it might be time to consult a professional technician. By addressing the problem early, you can keep your Maytag washer working efficiently for years to come.

Commonly Asked Questions About Maytag Washer Not Draining

If you’re still having trouble with your Maytag washer not draining completely, here are some of the most frequently asked questions and their detailed answers. These explanations will help you further understand the issue and find solutions.

1. Why is my Maytag washer not draining completely?

If your Maytag washer is not draining completely, there are several possible reasons for this. The most common causes include:

• Clogged Drain Hose: Over time, lint and debris can build up in the drain hose, blocking the water from draining properly.
• Faulty Drain Pump: The drain pump is responsible for expelling the water from the washer. If the pump is malfunctioning or broken, the washer won’t be able to drain.
• Clogged Drain Filter: The drain filter collects debris and lint that may clog up, preventing water from draining efficiently.
• Faulty Lid Switch: A faulty lid switch can prevent the washer from entering the drain cycle, especially if it doesn’t recognize the lid is securely closed.
• Home Plumbing Issues: The issue may not be with the washer itself but with your home’s drainage system or plumbing.

How to Fix It:

To fix this issue, start by checking the drain hose, drain pump, drain filter, and lid switch. Clean any blockages in the hose or filter, and test the pump and switch for continuity. If the problem persists, check your home plumbing system for blockages.

2. How do I know if my drain pump is broken?

Answer: A faulty drain pump is a common reason for a washer not draining completely. To check if your drain pump is broken, you should look for the following symptoms:

• The washer makes a buzzing or humming noise, but water does not drain.
• The washer does not fill with water properly, or it’s stuck in one cycle without draining.
• You may also notice water pooling at the bottom of the drum, even though the cycle is completed.

How to Test the Drain Pump:

• Unplug the Washer: Always unplug the washer from the power supply before starting any repairs.
• Locate the Drain Pump: Depending on your model, the drain pump is often located at the bottom of the washer near the blower fan.
• Inspect the Pump for Blockages: Look for any debris or small items that may have gotten lodged inside the pump.
• Test with a Multimeter: Use a multimeter to test the pump for continuity. If the multimeter shows no continuity, the pump is broken and needs replacing.

If the drain pump is confirmed to be faulty, order a replacement and install it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

3. How can I prevent my Maytag washer from not draining completely?

The most effective way to prevent drainage problems in your Maytag washer is to maintain the machine properly and address issues early. Here are some preventive tips:

• Clean the Lint Filter: Clean the lint filter after every load to prevent lint from clogging the drain hose and filter.
• Inspect the Drain Hose Regularly: Ensure the drain hose is free from kinks, bends, or clogs. Clean the hose every few months to prevent buildup.
• Clean the Drain Filter: Clean the drain filter regularly to remove lint, debris, and small objects that could block the flow of water.
• Check the Vent System: A clogged vent system can lead to overheating and damage to components like the thermal fuse and drain pump. Ensure your vent system is clear.
• Avoid Overloading: Overloading the washer can cause blockages in the drain system and put unnecessary stress on the motor and pump.

By maintaining these practices, you can ensure that your Maytag washer stays in good condition and continues to drain properly.

4. How do I fix a clogged drain hose on my Maytag washer?

A clogged drain hose is one of the most common causes of a washer not draining completely. To fix this problem, follow these steps:

How to Fix a Clogged Drain Hose:

• Unplug the Washer: Safety first. Always unplug the washer before beginning any repairs.
• Locate the Drain Hose: The drain hose is located at the back of the washer. You may need to move the washer away from the wall to access it.
• Check for Kinks or Blockages: Look for any kinks or bends in the hose that might restrict water flow. Use a plumbing snake or long object to gently remove any debris stuck inside the hose.
• Clean the Hose: Once you’ve identified and removed any blockages, clean the hose thoroughly by flushing it with warm water.
• Reattach the Hose: After cleaning, reattach the hose securely to the washer and check for any new kinks.

5. How often should I clean the drain filter in my Maytag washer?

The drain filter plays an important role in ensuring water drains effectively from the washer. Over time, lint, debris, and small items can accumulate in the filter, leading to drainage issues. You should clean the drain filter at least every 3-6 months, or more frequently if you notice drainage issues or if the washer starts to leave water in the drum after the cycle is complete.

How to Clean the Drain Filter:

• Unplug the Washer: Always unplug the washer before cleaning or inspecting the filter.
• Locate the Filter: The drain filter is typically located at the bottom of the washer, either behind the front access panel or under the lid.
• Remove the Filter: Carefully remove the filter. Be prepared for water to spill out when you open it.
• Clean the Filter: Rinse the filter under warm water to remove any buildup. Use a soft brush to scrub away stubborn debris.
• Reinstall the Filter: Once cleaned, replace the filter back into its housing and close the panel securely.

6. How do I check if the lid switch is faulty?

The lid switch is an important safety feature that ensures the washer only drains and spins when the lid is securely closed. A faulty lid switch can prevent the washer from completing the drain cycle.

How to Test the Lid Switch:

• Unplug the Washer: For safety, unplug the washer before inspecting the lid switch.
• Locate the Lid Switch: The lid switch is typically found near the door or lid area. You may need to remove the top panel or front panel to access it.
• Test for Continuity: Use a multimeter to test the lid switch for continuity. If it shows no continuity, the lid switch is faulty and needs to be replaced.
• Replace the Lid Switch: If the lid switch is faulty, you can purchase a replacement switch compatible with your Maytag washer model and install it following the manufacturer's instructions.

7. Can I replace the drain pump myself?

Yes, you can replace the drain pump yourself, but it requires some basic mechanical skills. The drain pump is located at the bottom of the washer and can be accessed by removing the front or back panel of the machine. Once you have access, follow these steps:

How to Replace the Drain Pump:

• Unplug the Washer: Always unplug the washer before starting the repair.
• Locate the Pump: The pump is generally located at the bottom of the washer, near the motor or blower fan.
• Disconnect the Wires: Use needle-nose pliers to remove the wires connected to the pump.
• Remove the Old Pump: Unscrew and remove the old pump.
• Install the New Pump: Attach the new pump and reconnect the wires. Be sure to securely screw the pump in place.

After replacing the pump, run a test cycle to ensure that the washer drains properly.