Your Maytag dishwasher not draining can be such a headache. There’s no other way to use a dishwasher that is not draining without creating a mess. In this guide, we’ll list out some reasons why your Maytag dishwasher will not drain and how to resolve these issues.
Resetting the dishwasher
Sometimes, your dishwasher is not draining because of some wrong settings.
Some of the settings that might prevent your Maytag dishwasher from draining are the standby and sleep mode. Press the start/resume button to disable it from these settings.
You can also unplug the dishwasher from the electrical socket or disconnect the power supply. Turn back on the power supply after three seconds. Disconnecting and reconnecting it should return the dishwasher to its original settings.
You can refer back to your user manual for more help.
Error codes
Error codes are displayed on the dishwasher to notify users of an existing problem. When your Maytag dishwasher does not drain, look out for any error code that might be shown.
Error codes help you to detect what the problem is quickly and to apply a correct solution.
You may need to refer to your user manual for correct interpretation of your dishwasher’s error codes, as these codes differ from model to model.
For example, a Maytag 860S dishwasher displays a “Drainage fault” when the drain is clogged.
Clogged Garbage Disposal
The garbage disposal is designed to collect the garbage coming from the drain hose to prevent clogs. However, this part itself may get clogged with waste.
When the garbage disposal is clogged, it is difficult for water to move quickly through the pipes.
To manually unclog your garbage disposal, turn off the power source first. Check the disposal and pick out any particles with a tweezer or similar item.
There is a hexagonally shaped hole, which is under the garbage disposal. Insert any driver such as an Allen wrench into the hole to push the grinding arms back and forth.
Clogged Drain Valve
The drain valve prevents the flow of water back to the dishwasher. However, it prevents water from draining out of the dishwasher when clogged.
Also, when clogged, dirty water might get back into the dishwasher, making your dishes unclean and contaminated.
The drain valve might also be clogged because something is broken inside it. A clogged drain valve restricts the water flow. You can remove the valve and clean it to eliminate any clog.
If unclogging the drain valve does not work, it’s best to order a replacement, as repairing it is not the best solution.
Clogged Drain Hose
The drain hose is one of the common parts of the dishwasher that gets clogged easily. Food items that get washed away during a wash cycle sometimes flow through the filter into the drain hose.
There is a solution for a clogged hose, however. You can run a solution with vinegar, hot water, and some baking powder through it.
You may also need to separate the hose from the dishwasher to unclog it. Make sure to halt the water supply before removing the hose.
While removing the drain hose, pay attention to the position of each screw and clamp you remove.
Drain Pump Defective
With the aid of a motor-powered impeller, the drain pump flushes water and particles down the drain hose. However, the drain pump itself can also get clogged and faulty.
You can only use most drain pumps once, so it’s best to replace them outrightly if there is a problem with them.
Before concluding that the reason your Maytag dishwasher does not drain is because of the pump, make sure to check that the valve, hose, and garbage disposal are all working correctly.
You can use a multimeter to check for an electrical path in the drain pump. If there’s none, it’s best to replace the pump entirely.
Filter issues
The filter prevents debris from entering the drain hose of the dishwasher. It is usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher, usually covered by a cage or grille.
You can separate the filter and wash it with some warm and soapy water. You can also make use of a toothbrush to remove stubborn debris.
It’s also advisable to regularly clean your dishwasher’s filter to prevent frequent clogging.
If you have other issues with the dishwasher, you can order a replacement for the defective filter.
Avoid using a scouring pad to clean the filter.
How to Clean Maytag MDB Dishwasher Filter (and defeat the gunga in your cups)
Drain motor
The reason your Maytag dishwasher won’t drain may be because of a broken drain motor. The motor forces the drain hose to supply water.
You can detect a faulty drain motor when it hums or does not even run at all instead of running. A defective drain motor may also make loud noises.
The drain motor of your dishwasher can stop working because it is locked or jammed.
Usually, you may need to replace the motor when it becomes faulty. You can use a multimeter to detect an electrical current in the drain motor.
Maytag dishwashers come with powerful motors, so it’s best to order a replacement when it becomes faulty.
Check Drain Pump
Water does not drain from the dishwasher when the drain pump is faulty.
The drain pump can also get clogged with food particles washed away during a wash cycle.
When the drain pump gets faulty, it’s best to order a replacement as these pumps are designed to be used once.
The drain pump is one of the places you should check last when your dishwasher does not drain. Instead, check the filter, the hose, and the other parts already mentioned.
You can also check for any electrical path in the pump while inspecting it.
Clean the Air Gap
The air gap prevents water from rushing back into the dishwasher. It is a small tube that sometimes might be clogged with food particles.
When the air gap is clogged, water leaks and stains its surrounding parts.
Remove the air gap cover and blow air through a paper toilet roll to clean it. You can also add some hot water to get rid of the clogs. You can further use a broomstick to clear the clogs.
Some models may require you to unscrew the air gap. Be sure to note every screw you remove.
Timer
Sometimes, your dishwasher may not drain because you have applied some timer delay. The timer controls the duration of the cycles.
You can tap the timer delay on and off to disable any delay set. If it does not work, the timer may be faulty.
Using any device of your choice, check for an electrical path in the timer. If not, it’s best to order another one.
When ordering a replacement for a faulty timer, be sure to indicate the specific model of your dishwasher. Some of these timers vary in design from one model to the other.
Using the Wrong Type of Detergent
Using the wrong type of deterrent can also cause your Maytag dishwasher not to drain. Dishwashers have specific detergents that they work best with.
Did you run out of your dishwasher detergent and pour in some regular detergent? That’s a probable cause of your dishwasher not draining.
Regular detergents can create so many suds and bubbles in the dishwasher to prevent it from draining.
If you’ve used the wrong type of detergent, make sure you empty it of the container and replace it with the correct type of detergent.
Stuck Check Valve
The check valve prevents water from flowing through the drain hose into the dishwasher. When the check valve is stuck, it prevents water from getting out of the dishwasher.
You will need to unclog or replace the check valve.
Before inspecting the check valve, be sure to disconnect it from the power supply. There is rubber around the check valve that may eventually wear out after so many wash cycles. Also, check around for any debris that might prevent the check valve flatter from moving freely.
Be sure to replace the check valves as soon as possible to prevent contamination of your dishes.
Maintenance and professional help
To prevent yourself from running into this kind of situation again, be sure to run regular maintenance checkups on the dishwasher.
For instance, inspect your filter regularly for clogs and clean it. Inspect other parts for any anomaly.
The secret to a long-lasting dishwasher is regular maintenance. If some parts are broken, it’s best to order a replacement right away.
Also, if you find some of these troubleshooting guides a bit difficult to perform, always reach out to an experienced technician to work out a solution on your behalf.
Conclusion
Your Maytag dishwasher not draining can be such a headache. This guide takes you through all that you need to know when your Maytag dishwasher does not drain: the areas to look out for and the possible solutions.
Be sure to reach out to an experienced technician for more professional help.
