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Maytag Dishwasher Standing Water in Bottom - Causes & Fix

4 min read

Independent. We don't sell parts, so we tell you when not to buy one.

⚡ Quick Answer

Standing water after a cycle usually means a clog in the drain filter, hose, or disposal connection. Clear the filter first.

Difficulty Intermediate (DIY)
Est. time 15-60 min
Tools Multimeter , nut driver, screwdrivers

Maytag Dishwasher Standing Water in Bottom — What’s Happening

A Maytag dishwasher with standing water in the bottom is reporting a drain failure. Maytag describes this as water remaining at the end of a completed cycle, not just an interrupted wash. On models with diagnostics, this symptom commonly aligns with the F9E1 code, though not every machine displays fault codes the same way.

Maytag’s guidance identifies the problem as a blockage in the drain path or a failed drain component. The dishwasher completes its wash but cannot pump water out, leaving a pool in the tub. This is different from a mid-cycle stop or fill problem.

Jump to Fix

Most Likely Causes

How to Diagnose and Fix

  1. Confirm the symptom by verifying water remains after a full completed cycle, not an interrupted wash. If the cycle was stopped early, run a new cycle or reset the machine first.
  2. Unplug the dishwasher and bail out standing water with towels or a cup so you can safely inspect the filter and sump.
  3. Remove the lower spray arm and filter assembly. Clean the filter and check the sump well for trapped food, glass, plastic, or labels.
  4. Inspect the drain hose under the sink for kinks, tight bends, or pinches. Check that it is not installed higher than 20 inches at any point.
  5. If the dishwasher connects to a garbage disposal, run the disposal to clear any blockage. If the disposal is new, verify the knockout plug has been removed from the disposer inlet.
  6. If an air gap is installed on the countertop, remove the chrome cap and clean any debris from inside the cylinder and vent passages.
  7. Disconnect the drain hose at the sink or air gap side and command a drain cycle (or start a cycle and advance to drain). If water flows freely into a bucket, the problem is downstream. If flow is weak or absent, the pump or hose is restricted.
  8. Access the drain pump (usually below the sump). Check for jammed debris or a seized impeller. If the pump spins freely and the hose is clear, test for voltage at the pump terminals during a drain cycle. A reading near 120 volts with no pump action means the pump has failed. No voltage points to wiring or control board trouble.

Parts You Might Need

PartNotes
Drain pump / drain motorAmazon | Required if the pump is jammed, seized, or electrically open.
Drain hoseAmazon | Replace if kinked, cracked, or internally clogged and not cleanable.
Check valve / drain valveAmazon | Needed if the valve flapper is stuck closed or damaged.

If your appliance also shows a code on the display, these match this problem:

When to Call a Pro

Call a pro if you have cleared the filter, hose, and disposal but water still remains, or if the pump runs but no water moves. Electrical testing of the pump and control board requires a multimeter and safe access to live circuits. If the drain pump needs replacement and you are not comfortable working under the dishwasher or handling wiring connections, a technician can swap the part and verify the repair in one visit.


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