Maytag Washer Not Draining? Here's What to Check

Quick Answer

The drain pump filter (coin trap) is the first thing to check - it catches coins, hair ties, and small items that block the pump impeller. This fixes the problem 40% of the time.

The drain pump filter (coin trap) is the first thing to check - it catches coins, hair ties, and small items that block the pump impeller. This fixes the problem 40% of the time. Check the drain hose for kinks or clogs second. The standpipe (where the hose drains into the wall) must be between 39 and 96 inches tall per Maytag specification - too tall causes a siphoning problem. Drain pump motor test: 5-10 ohms resistance is normal.

MaytagWasherSeverity: low

Time to Fix

15–90 min

Difficulty

beginner

Parts Cost

—

Tools Needed

None

Wrong code?

Not seeing SYMPTOM on your display?

Select what your appliance is actually doing and we'll take you to the right guide.

long drain timeout

F21

suds clogging drain

standing water in drum

SYMPTOM

not draining, shared platform

WhirlpoolSYMPTOM

What Does the SYMPTOM Code Mean?

A Maytag washer that does not drain has water remaining in the tub after the drain phase completes. The drain pump, drain hose, and standpipe height are the three primary areas to inspect. The standpipe must accept the drain hose at a height between 39 and 96 inches from the floor per Maytag installation specs.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Clogged drain pump filter (coins, bobby pins, small objects)40%

Kinked or clogged drain hose24%

Standpipe too tall causing siphon effect (must be 39-96 inches from floor)14%

Excess suds (5D/SUD code) clogging drain path12%

Failed drain pump motor10%

Symptoms You May Notice

Standing water in tub after cycle completes
Washer pausing or stopping with water in drum
F21 or E1 F9 error code displayed
Gargling or humming sound from drain pump area without draining

Can you reset a Maytag washer to clear the SYMPTOM code?

After clearing a drain blockage, run a Drain and Spin cycle to verify the drain is working before running a full load.

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

Clean the drain pump filter

On front-load models, the drain pump filter is behind a small access panel at the lower front of the machine. Place towels on the floor before opening it - the filter typically holds 1-2 liters of water. On top-load models, access the filter through the back panel. Twist the filter counterclockwise to remove it. Clear all lint, coins, hair ties, and debris from both the filter and the pump housing opening.

Inspect the drain hose for kinks and clogs

Measure the standpipe height

Run a Drain and Spin cycle to test

Test drain pump motor resistance

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the drain pump filter on a Maytag washer?

On Maytag front-load models (Maxima series), the drain pump filter is behind a small rectangular access panel at the lower front of the machine, usually on the right side. The panel either pops open with a fingernail or unclips with a gentle pull. On top-load models, access is typically from the back panel or through the cabinet interior. Not all top-load models have a user-accessible filter - some require partial disassembly to access the pump.

How do I manually drain a Maytag washer full of water?

For front-loaders: place towels on the floor, open the filter access panel, and pull out the small emergency drain hose if present. Direct it into a shallow pan and let it drain by gravity. Open the filter slowly to release remaining water. For top-loaders without a filter access panel: use a wet-dry vacuum to suction water out of the drum from the top, or bail water out manually with a cup before tilting the machine to access the pump.

Why does my Maytag washer drain slowly but not completely?

Slow or incomplete draining usually means the drain path is partially restricted rather than fully blocked. Most common causes: a partially clogged drain pump filter (the most common cause), a partially kinked drain hose that restricts but does not fully stop flow, a drain pump with a weak motor that cannot maintain full pressure, or a standpipe that is slightly too tall and creates partial siphoning. Clean the filter first - this resolves slow draining in most cases.

Can a bad lid switch cause a Maytag washer not to drain?

Yes, on top-load models. The lid switch must confirm the lid is closed for the washer to proceed through the drain and spin phases. If the lid switch fails or the lid does not close firmly, the washer may stop at the end of the wash phase with water in the drum, appearing as a drain problem. Test by pressing the lid switch plunger manually while starting a Drain and Spin cycle - if the cycle runs with the plunger depressed but not when the lid is simply closed, the lid switch or lid strike needs replacement.

Related Maytag Washer Error Codes

Code: F21Maytag Washer F21: Drain Pump Clog or Failure Code: 5DMaytag Washer 5D Code: Too Many Suds Code: SYMPTOMMaytag Washer Has Water Sitting in the Drum After a Cycle

Same Fix on Other Brands

Whirlpool washerSYMPTOM: Whirlpool Washer Not Draining: Fix Guide

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Maytag shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

Maytag washerMaytag Washer 5D Code: Too Many Suds (Fix It Fast)Maytag washerAll Maytag Washer Error Codes: Complete Lookup Guide Maytag washerHow to Reset a Maytag Washer (3 Methods That Work)Maytag washerMaytag Washer Troubleshooting: Fix 12 Common Problems Maytag washerMaytag Washer LOC Code: How to Unlock the Controls Maytag washerMaytag Washer Won't Spin: Causes and Fixes by Model

Models Known to Experience SYMPTOM Errors

This repair applies to most Maytag washers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

MHW7000XW, MHW5500FW, MHW6000XW, MHW8100DC, MHW3505FW, MVWB835DW, MVWB765FW, MVWX655DW, MVWC415EW, MVWC465HW

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026