How to Fix Maytag Centennial Washer Not Draining

To ensure your Maytag Centennial washer properly cleans and spins your clothes, it’s crucial that the water drains properly. Unfortunately, there are several common issues that can lead to your Maytag Centennial washer not draining as it should.

Now, let’s explore these potential problems that might be causing your Centennial washer won’t drain, and I’ll guide you through resolving them step by step. We’ll go over what to check and how to fix these issues to enhance your washer’s drainage performance.

Following that, we’ll also examine other problems that could be preventing your washer from draining or spinning correctly, including situations where it doesn’t drain completely. You’ll notice that many of these washer issues are closely related to the ones mentioned earlier.

Without any more delay, let’s get straight to work and tackle these Maytag washer drain issues!

Troubleshooting Guide for A Maytag Centennial Washer Not Draining Properly

Potential Cause	Inspection Steps	Suggested Solution
1. Drain Hose Blockage	Check for obstructions or kinks	Clean any debris from the drain hose and straighten kinks
2. Drain Pump Malfunction	Inspect for clogs or signs of wear	Use Affresh to clean a clogged pump, remove any clothing blockages, and consider pump replacement if necessary
3. Clogged Pump Filter or Coin Trap	Examine for debris accumulation	Clean the pump filter and coin trap with Affresh to ensure smooth water flow
4. Incorrect Spin Setting	Verify spin speed and cycle selection	Match clothing load with recommended settings for optimal drainage
5. Standpipe Height Issue	Measure standpipe height	Properly install the standpipe or drain pipe, ensuring it falls within the 39–96 inches height range
6. Load Imbalance	Check load distribution	Reduce the laundry load to three-quarters full/¾ full and evenly distribute clothes
7. Lid or Lid Switch Problem	Inspect for trapped items or switch issues	Remove any obstructions like trapped clothes from beneath the lid and replace the lid switch if it lacks continuity
8. Excessive Detergent Usage	Review detergent type and quantity	Avoid using excessive detergent and choose HE (High Efficiency) detergents for improved drainage
9. Faulty Water Inlet Valve	Examine water inlet valve for malfunction	Replace the water inlet valve if it’s not allowing water to enter the washer efficiently
10. Clogged or Blocked Drainage Path	Check for obstructions in the entire drainage path	Inspect and clear any blockages in the drainage system, including hoses, pipes, and drains

10 Reasons Why Maytag Centennial Washer Not Draining

Is your Maytag Centennial washer refusing to drain properly? Let’s explore the top 10 potential culprits behind this issue that might be causing your Maytag washer’s drainage troubles. Here they are:

1. Drain Hose Blockage

To ensure your washer drains wastewater properly, it’s essential to keep the drain hose free from obstructions, allowing water to flow smoothly. There are two common reasons for a blocked drain hose:

• Kinking: Kinks in the drain hose can obstruct water flow.
• Clogging: Accumulated lint and dirt can clog the drain hose, preventing wastewater from flowing.

How to Fix:

If the drain hose is kinked, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the washer.
2. Disconnect the drain hose clamp.
3. Straighten out the kinks properly.

If the hose is clogged, use a cleaning product, here Maytag recommends Affresh for cleaning washer. Affresh is effective at removing grime, stubborn dirt, and clogs, and it also eliminates bad odors from your washer. You can use it to clean the drain hose, the entire washer, and various parts such as the drum, pump, pump filter, and tub. This makes it a useful choice for maintaining your washer’s performance.

2. Drain Pump Malfunction

For your washer to effectively move wastewater from the wash tub and into the drain hose, the drain pump must function properly. However, it can encounter issues for two distinct reasons:

1. Blockages: Sometimes, the drain pump ceases to operate due to clothing items or debris obstructing its function.
2. Wear and Tear: If blockages are not the issue, it’s possible that the drain pump is worn out or has become faulty. You can examine it for signs of wear and tear if accessible.

How to Fix:

1. Check the drain pump for any clothing or debris obstructions and remove them. If the pump is congested with dirt, you might consider utilizing a cleaning product like Affresh to clear it out effectively.
2. If the drain pump continues to malfunction after cleaning, particularly if it’s making unusual noises, it could indicate that the pump has worn out or become faulty. In such cases, it’s advisable to replace the drain pump for optimal washer performance.

3. Clogged Pump Filter or Coin Trap

The pump filter plays a crucial role in preventing debris and clogs from reaching the drain pump. However, it can become blocked, causing drainage problems in your washer.

Similarly, the coin trap, designed to capture foreign objects before they reach the washer’s drain, can also become clogged with the items it catches or accumulated debris. When this happens, the washer struggles to drain correctly.

Solution:

Examine the pump filter and coin trap for clogs and blockages. Clean them thoroughly by first using a paper towel to remove surface dirt and then performing a comprehensive cleaning with Affresh.

4. Incorrect Spin Setting

At times, your washing machine may struggle to drain properly simply because you’ve chosen the wrong setting. This can happen when the selected setting doesn’t allow the washer to spin effectively or doesn’t align with the type of clothes you’re washing.

Here are some related concerns:

1. Slow Spin: When the washer operates with a slow spin, it may not remove all the water effectively. While this can be gentle on clothes, it doesn’t facilitate proper drainage, especially when washing bulkier garments.
2. Gentle Cycle: Settings like “Hand Wash,” “Gentle,” and “Delicate” are best suited for delicate clothing. If you use these settings for bulkier items, the spin speed decreases, resulting in slower drainage.

Solution:

To enhance both spinning and drainage when washing bulkier clothes, opt for a high-speed spin setting. Additionally, when selecting a wash cycle, ensure it matches the type of clothes you are cleaning. This adjustment can significantly improve drainage performance.

5. Standpipe Height Issue

Maytag recommends a specific range for the standpipe or drain pipe height, which should ideally be between 39 – 96 inches (99 – 244 cm). If the drain pipe is positioned higher than 244 cm or lower than 99 cm, your washing machine may struggle to pump out wastewater effectively.

This can lead to a situation where wastewater starts to flow backward, preventing the washer from draining properly.

Solution:

1. Verify the height of the drainpipe and ensure it falls within the specified range of 99 – 244 cm.
2. If you find that the standpipe height is not within this range, you should uninstall the drainpipe and reposition it accordingly to meet Maytag’s recommended guidelines. This adjustment should help facilitate proper drainage.

6. Load Imbalance

When your Maytag Centennial washer fails to spin the clothes, it can lead to improper drainage. This issue might arise due to the following factors:

1. Excessive Load: If you overload the washer, it struggles to spin the clothes. When the clothes don’t spin, water doesn’t drain effectively.
2. Imbalanced Load: Clothes that are unevenly distributed inside the washer can also prevent proper spinning, making it more challenging for the washer to drain.

How to Fix:

1. Check the load size to ensure the washing machine is not filled beyond three-quarters full. If it exceeds this limit, reduce the load size accordingly.
2. While loading the washer, make sure to evenly distribute the clothes inside to prevent uneven heaps. This adjustment promotes better spinning and drainage.

7. Lid or Lid Switch Problem

When the lid of your Maytag Centennial washer refuses to close, it can hinder the washing process, ultimately affecting drainage. To resolve this issue, consider the following possibilities:

1. Trapped Clothes: Clothes that are stuck can prevent the washer’s lid from closing properly. Inspect the lid to check for any trapped items.
2. Faulty Lid Switch: If there are no trapped clothes, the problem could be a malfunctioning lid switch. When the lid switch is defective, it prevents the lid from closing, which, in turn, hampers the washer’s ability to drain.

Solution:

1. Begin by removing any trapped clothes from the lid and then attempt to close it.
2. If the lid still won’t close, you can test the lid switch using a multimeter. If it lacks electrical continuity, it’s advisable to replace the faulty lid switch. This replacement should enable the washer to function properly and facilitate drainage.

8. Excessive Detergent Usage

There are times when your washer struggles to drain because of an abundance of suds. This typically occurs when you use too much detergent or opt for the wrong detergent type.

Maytag advises using high-efficiency (HE) detergents for top loaders instead of non-HE options because they produce fewer suds.

Solution:

1. To reduce sud formation, switch to HE detergents rather than non-HE detergents. HE detergents are designed to create fewer suds, making them a better choice for your washer.
2. Avoid overloading the washer with detergent. Using too much detergent can lead to excessive suds. Follow the recommended detergent dosage guidelines to prevent this issue and ensure proper drainage.

9. Faulty Water Inlet Valve

Another potential cause for a Maytag washer not draining properly could be a faulty water inlet valve. The water inlet valve is responsible for allowing water to enter the washer during the wash cycle. If it’s malfunctioning, it may not allow sufficient water to enter, leading to drainage issues.

How to fix:

1. To address this issue, you should inspect the water inlet valve for signs of malfunction. Look for leaks, unusual noises, or any visible damage.
2. If you suspect the water inlet valve is faulty, it’s advisable to replace it. A malfunctioning valve can disrupt the water flow required for proper washing and drainage. Replacing it with a new, functional valve should help restore your washer’s drainage capabilities.

10. Clogged or Blocked Drainage Path

In some cases, a Maytag Centennial washer may fail to drain properly due to obstructions or blockages within the drainage path. This path includes the drain hose, pipes, and the drain itself. Debris, foreign objects, or even accumulated detergent residues can impede the smooth flow of water, causing drainage problems.

Solution:

1. Carefully inspect the entire drainage path, including the drain hose, pipes, and the drain itself, for any obstructions or blockages.
2. Clear out any debris or foreign objects that you find. You may need to disassemble and clean various components of the drainage system to ensure water can flow freely.
3. If you encounter severe blockages or issues deeper within the plumbing, it’s advisable to consult a professional plumber. They can diagnose and resolve complex drainage problems in your washer’s system to ensure it operates efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What to do if the Maytag Centennial Washer Won’t Drain Completely?

Your Maytag washer won’t drain or the washer might encounter a situation where it does drain but not efficiently. This issue is often attributed to the following factors:

1. Clogging: The drainage system, including the drain hose, pump filter, and coin trap, may become clogged, hindering proper water flow.
2. Incorrect Settings: Inappropriate settings, such as selecting a slow spin or gentle cycle for a bulky load, can impede drainage.
3. Excessive Suds: The use of too much or non-HE detergent can lead to excessive suds formation, affecting drainage.
4. Excess or Imbalanced Load: Overloading the washer or unevenly distributing the laundry can disrupt proper drainage.
5. Faulty Lid Switch: If the lid switch is malfunctioning, it can prevent the washer from draining efficiently.

2. Why is my Maytag Centennial Washer not Draining or Spinning?

Your Maytag Centennial washer may occasionally face issues not just with draining but also spinning. If you encounter this problem, consider the following potential culprits:

1. Laundry Distribution: Unevenly distributed or overloaded laundry loads can disrupt the spinning process.
2. Unleveled Washer: If your washer isn’t sitting level, it may shake and struggle to run smoothly during the spin cycle.
3. Incorrect Cycle or Setting: Choosing the wrong cycle or setting, particularly opting for a slow spin or gentle wash cycle when it’s not suitable for the load, can affect both draining and spinning.
4. Blocked Drain: Obstructions in the drain system can hinder the washer’s ability to drain and spin effectively.
5. Faulty Components: Issues with components such as the lid switch, clutch, transmission, motor coupling, or drive belt can lead to drainage and spinning problems.

3. Where is my Maytag Top Load Washer Drain Pump filter location?

The drain pump filter in your Maytag top-load washer is typically located near the bottom of the machine, usually behind a small access panel on the front of the washer. Refer to your washer’s manual for specific instructions on accessing and cleaning the filter.

4. What to do if the Maytag Front Load Washer not Draining completely?

If your Maytag front-load washer isn’t draining completely, check for blockages in the drain hose, pump filter, and coin trap. Ensure the washer is level and balanced. Additionally, use High Efficiency (HE) detergent and avoid overloading the washer. If the issue persists, consult the user manual or consider professional repair assistance.

5. How to drain a Maytag top load washer?

To manually drain a Maytag top-load washer, unplug it, remove the drain hose from the standpipe, and lower it into a bucket or floor drain. Allow gravity to drain the water. Use caution, as water may be hot and contain detergent residues.

6. How to Reset Maytag Centennial Washer?

To reset Maytag Centennial washer, unplug it for 15-20 seconds. Afterward, plug it back in, and the washer should reset. If the issue persists, turn off the breaker for approximately 1 minute and then switch it back on.

Final Words for Maytag washer Won’t Drain Properly:

When your Maytag Centennial washer not draining or faces drainage issues, it’s essential to consider various potential causes and solutions. By addressing factors like load distribution, settings, blockages, and potential component faults, you can often resolve the problem and enjoy the full functionality of your washer once more. Regular maintenance and following manufacturer recommendations for detergent use can also contribute to smoother operation and efficient drainage, ensuring your washer serves you well for years to come.