Why Your Maytag Washer Won’t Drain: Comprehensive Troubleshooting Guide

There’s nothing quite as frustrating as discovering your Maytag washer won’t drain. Especially when you’re in a hurry and need those clothes dry and ready. But before you despair, many reasons for a Maytag washing machine not draining are DIY-friendly. Let’s dive deeper into these issues and their solutions to get your washer back in tip-top shape.

Here’s What to Check When your Maytag Washer Won’t Drain Water

Exceeding Washer Capacity

Every washer has its load limits, and exceeding them can disrupt its function. Overloading your machine can even leave your clothes too wet for the dryer.

Fix:

• Begin by turning off the machine. Gently remove a portion of the laundry and run a ‘Drain’ or ‘Spin’ cycle.
• You may need to distribute the remaining laundry evenly within the drum to prevent off-balance issues during spinning.

Prevention:

• Regularly check your user manual to get acquainted with your specific washer’s load capacity. Stick to it.
• When adding clothes, ensure they are evenly distributed, and avoid cramming too many heavy items, like towels or jeans, in one go.

Need to Adjust Washer Settings

Incorrect settings can be a sneaky reason behind why water remains stagnant in your Maytag machine.

Fix:

• Examine the control panel. If your machine is mistakenly set on a non-draining cycle like ‘Soak’ or ‘Delicate’, change to a draining cycle such as ‘Spin’.
• If you had an interrupted cycle, manually selecting the ‘Drain’ or ‘Spin’ option might help.

Prevention:

• Spend some time familiarizing yourself with various wash cycles. Stick labels or notes near your machine as a quick reference, if necessary.

Kinked or Clogged Drain Hose

A simple bend or obstruction in the hose can be the reason why your Maytag washer stopped working full of water.

Fix:

1. Turn off the machine and disconnect it from the power source.
2. Gently disconnect the hose from both the washer and the drainage point. Lay it straight on a surface.
3. Inspect for kinks. If there are any, gently straighten them out.
4. Check for visible clogs or debris. If a clog is present, use a long brush or a straightened hanger to dislodge it.
5. For a thorough cleanse, you can run water through the hose using a garden hose or in a bathtub.

Prevention:

• During installation or when shifting your washing machine, ensure the hose has a smooth curve without sharp bends.
• Periodically check the hose for wear and tear, replacing it if necessary.

Drain Pump Filter Needs Cleaning

Lint, small clothing items, and debris can often get caught in the drain pump filter, leading to drainage issues. If left unchecked, it can even cause washing machine odors.

Fix:

1. Disconnect the washer from the power source.
2. Refer to your washer’s manual to locate the drain pump filter – it’s typically at the front bottom, under a small door.
3. Place a shallow tray or towels beneath the filter to catch any water.
4. Turn and pull out the filter. Clean it under running water, using a soft brush if necessary.
5. Ensure the cavity where the filter sits is also clear before screwing the filter back in.

Prevention:

• Make it a routine to clean the drain pump filter every 2-3 months.
• Always check pockets before washing, ensuring small items and debris don’t end up in the washer.

Defective Drain Pump

A malfunctioning drain pump is a more technical issue, but it’s important to diagnose.

Fix:

1. With the machine on a drain cycle, try listening for a humming or buzzing sound. If absent, the pump might be faulty.
2. Examine the pump for any visible damages or obstructions.
3. If you feel confident, you can attempt to open the pump, but this is generally best left to professionals.

Prevention:

• Unfortunately, pumps wear out over time. Ensuring other parts of the machine, like filters and hoses, are in good condition can reduce undue strain on the pump.

If your Maytag washer won’t drain water after following these tips and you’re wondering, “How do I get rid of standing water in my washing machine?” Maybe it’s time to trust the pros. Aviv Service Today offers exceptional washing machine repair services to sort out challenging issues.