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Maytag Washer Not Draining Completely - Causes & Fix

4 min read

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

⚡ Quick Answer

Usually a kinked or clogged drain hose. Check hose routing and standpipe depth, then inspect the pump for debris or blockage.

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

Maytag Washer Not Draining Completely — What’s Happening

A Maytag washer that does not drain completely is often showing a drn or F9 E1 fault code, which means the machine is taking longer than expected to pump out water. The washer still attempts to drain but the cycle runs past eight minutes or leaves standing water in the tub. This is a long-drain condition, not a total drain failure in most cases.

Maytag links this symptom to drain-path restrictions, pump system problems, or installation errors. The machine may also stop mid-cycle if the load is unbalanced, the lid is not latched, or excessive suds are present. The drn / F9 E1 code specifically points to a drain pump system problem where the time to empty the tub exceeds the control board’s expected window.

Jump to Fix

Most Likely Causes

How to Diagnose and Fix

  1. Check for a drn or F9 E1 code on the display and note whether water is completely standing or draining slowly, then enter service diagnostics if your model supports it to review fault history.
  2. Inspect the drain hose for kinks, clogs, and proper installation, making sure the hose is not inserted more than 4.5 inches into the standpipe and the standpipe height is between 39 and 96 inches above the floor.
  3. Disconnect power, then remove the pump access panel or lower front panel and check the pump inlet, outlet, tub-to-pump hose, and impeller for socks, coins, lint, or other debris, and clear any blockage.
  4. Put the washer into manual component test or diagnostic drain mode, then use a multimeter to measure AC voltage at the pump terminals while the drain command is active, expecting 120 VAC if the control is working.
  5. If 120 VAC is present at the pump but the pump does not run or hums weakly, replace the drain pump assembly.
  6. If no voltage appears at the pump during the drain test, inspect the wiring harness and connectors from the control board to the pump for broken wires, damaged pins, or corrosion, and repair or replace the harness as needed.
  7. Test the control board by checking for output voltage on the drain-pump relay or triac during a commanded drain cycle, and replace the board if it does not switch power to the pump.
  8. Check the pressure-sensing system by inspecting the air dome at the sump and the air tube to the pressure switch or sensor for blockage, debris, or kinks, and clean or replace components if obstructed.

Parts You Might Need

PartNotes
Drain pump assemblyAmazon | Includes motor, impeller, and housing. Confirm voltage before replacing.
Pump wiring harnessAmazon | Needed if connectors are heat-damaged or wires are broken.
Main control boardAmazon | Replace only after confirming no output voltage to the pump during drain test.

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

When to Call a Pro

Call a professional if you are not comfortable working with live 120 VAC circuits during component testing, if you cannot access or clear the pump area safely, or if the control board requires replacement and you are unfamiliar with control-board swaps and programming. Also call a pro if the washer has a sealed sump or direct-drive pump assembly that requires special disassembly, or if the fault persists after you have verified the hose, pump, and harness are all in good condition.


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