Maytag Centennial Washer Not Draining

A Maytag Centennial washer not draining properly can be a frustrating issue, as it can leave your clothes soaking wet and your laundry routine disrupted. However, before calling a repair technician, there are several steps you can take to diagnose and potentially resolve the problem yourself. This guide will walk you through the troubleshooting process step by step.

Step 1: Check for Common Obstructions

The first thing to do when your Maytag Centennial washer is not draining is to inspect for common obstructions:

  1. Unplug the Washer: Always start by unplugging the washer or turning off the power source to ensure your safety.
  2. Check the Drain Hose: Ensure that the drain hose is not kinked, bent, or clogged. A blocked hose can prevent water from draining properly.
  3. Inspect the Drain Pump: Look for any debris, coins, or foreign objects that may be obstructing the drain pump. Remove these obstructions carefully.

Step 2: Verify Proper Installation

Sometimes, a Maytag Centennial washer might not drain due to installation issues:

  1. Level the Washer: Ensure that the washer is level on the floor. An uneven washer can cause drainage problems.
  2. Proper Drain Height: Check if the drain hose is positioned correctly. It should not be inserted too far into the drain pipe as this can lead to siphoning, which prevents proper drainage.

Step 3: Assess the Drain Pump

If the issue persists, you might need to inspect and possibly replace the drain pump:

  1. Locate the Drain Pump: Refer to your washer’s manual to find the drain pump’s location. It’s typically at the back of the machine.
  2. Remove Obstructions: Carefully remove the drain pump and check for obstructions. Ensure that the impeller inside the pump is not damaged.
  3. Testing the Pump: You can test the drain pump by disconnecting the hoses and applying power directly to it. If it doesn’t run or makes unusual noises, it may need replacement.

Step 4: Check the Lid Switch

A faulty lid switch can also prevent the washer from draining:

  1. Locate the Lid Switch: It’s usually located under the lid of the washer. You may need to open the control panel to access it.
  2. Check for Continuity: Use a multimeter to check for continuity in the lid switch when it’s closed. If there’s no continuity, the switch may need to be replaced.

Step 5: Examine the Control Board

If all else fails, you might need to inspect the control board:

  1. Unplug the Washer: Ensure the washer is disconnected from the power source.
  2. Inspect the Control Board: Look for any burnt or damaged components on the control board. If you find any, you may need to replace the control board.

Step 6: Examine the Drain Hose

Sometimes, the issue may be as simple as a clogged drain hose:

  1. Detach the Drain Hose: Remove the drain hose from both the washer and the drain pipe.
  2. Inspect for Blockages: Shine a flashlight into the hose to check for debris or objects that might be obstructing the flow of water. Remove any blockages you find.
  3. Clean the Hose: If the hose is dirty or slimy inside, it’s a good idea to clean it thoroughly with warm, soapy water. Rinse it thoroughly before reattaching it.

Step 7: Evaluate Water Pump Belt (If Applicable)

If your Maytag Centennial washer has a belt-driven pump, a worn or damaged belt could cause drainage problems:

  1. Unplug the Washer: Disconnect the power source to ensure safety.
  2. Access the Belt: Depending on your model, you may need to remove the front or back panel to access the belt.
  3. Check the Belt: Inspect the belt for signs of wear, such as cracks, fraying, or looseness. If it looks damaged, consider replacing it.
  4. Tension Adjustment (If Needed): Some washers have adjustable belt tension. If the belt is too loose, it won’t drive the pump effectively. Refer to your user manual for instructions on adjusting the belt tension properly.

Step 8: Clean the Drain Pump Filter

Many Maytag Centennial washers have a drain pump filter that can become clogged over time:

  1. Unplug the Washer: Always disconnect the power before servicing.
  2. Locate the Filter: The location of the filter varies by model but is often behind a small access panel near the floor. Check your manual for specific instructions.
  3. Clean the Filter: Remove the filter and clean it thoroughly. This filter can trap lint, coins, and other debris that might hinder drainage.

Step 9: Test the Washer

After performing these steps, plug the washer back in, and run a test cycle without any clothes to check if the drainage issue is resolved. Ensure the washer drains properly and that there are no leaks. If it still doesn’t drain, or if you encounter any unusual noises or error codes during the test cycle, it’s advisable to contact a professional appliance repair technician for further diagnosis and repair.

Common Causes of Maytag Centennial Washer Not Draining

Cause Symptoms Solution Cost Estimate ($) Difficulty Level
Clogged Drain Hose Water remains in the tub Check and clear the hose for obstructions. $0 – $20 Easy
Faulty Drain Pump No draining sound Replace the drain pump if it’s malfunctioning. $50 – $100 Moderate
Pump Impeller Blockage Unusual noise during drain Remove obstructions from the pump impeller. $0 – $20 Moderate
Faulty Lid Switch Washer won’t start spin Replace the lid switch if it’s defective. $20 – $40 Moderate
Overloaded Washer Excessive vibration Reduce the load and try draining again. $0 Easy
Blocked Air Gap Overflowing from air gap Clean or replace the air gap to prevent clogs. $5 – $15 Easy
Faulty Control Board No response to controls Repair or replace the control board. $100 – $200 Difficult
Kinked or Damaged Hose Leaking or slow draining Inspect and replace kinked or damaged hoses. $10 – $30 Easy
Excessive Detergent Usage Soap suds overflow Use the recommended amount of detergent. $0 Easy
Foreign Objects in Drain Strange noises and no drain Remove foreign objects from the drain pump. $0 – $20 Moderate

DIY Troubleshooting Steps for Maytag Centennial Washer Drain Issues

Problem Description Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4
Water not draining Check for clogged drain hose Inspect the drain pump for damage Remove obstructions from pump Check the lid switch
Strange noises during drain Check for foreign objects Examine pump impeller Inspect hoses for kinks or damage Adjust load if overloaded
Overflowing from air gap Clean or replace air gap Ensure proper installation Check for blockages in the hose
Excessive suds Reduce detergent usage Use high-efficiency detergent Run a clean cycle with no clothes
Washer won’t start spin Inspect the lid switch Ensure the door/lid is closed Check for control board issues

Tools and Materials for Fixing Maytag Centennial Washer Drain Problems

Tool/Material Description
Screwdriver For removing panels and accessing components.
Pliers Useful for clamping hoses and removing clamps.
Wrench Needed to loosen and tighten hose connections.
Bucket For catching excess water when disconnecting hoses.
Multimeter To test electrical components like the lid switch.
Drain Pump Replacement part if the pump is faulty.
Drain Hose Replacement if the hose is damaged or kinked.
Air Gap Kit If the air gap is blocked or malfunctioning.
Detergent High-efficiency detergent for future use.

Safety Precautions for Repairing a Maytag Centennial Washer

Safety Measure Description
Unplug the Washer Ensure the appliance is not connected to power.
Turn Off Water Supply Prevent water from flowing into the machine.
Wear Gloves Protect your hands when dealing with water or dirt.
Safety Glasses Shield your eyes from potential splashes or debris.
Work in a Well-Lit Area Adequate lighting to see and work effectively.
Keep the Area Dry Avoid slipping accidents by keeping the area dry.
Read the Manual Consult the appliance manual for specific guidance.

Professional Repair Costs for Maytag Centennial Washer Drain Issues

Issue Average Repair Cost ($)
Clogged Drain Hose $75 – $150
Faulty Drain Pump $150 – $300
Pump Impeller Blockage $100 – $200
Faulty Lid Switch $50 – $100
Overloaded Washer N/A (DIY fix)
Blocked Air Gap $75 – $150
Faulty Control Board $200 – $400
Kinked or Damaged Hose $50 – $100
Excessive Detergent Usage N/A (DIY fix)
Foreign Objects in Drain $100 – $200

Conclusion

A Maytag Centennial washer not draining can be a frustrating problem, but by following these troubleshooting steps, you can often identify and resolve the issue on your own. If you’re uncomfortable with any of these steps or if the problem persists after attempting them, it’s advisable to consult a professional technician to avoid further damage to your washer. Regular maintenance and proper usage can also help prevent future drainage problems.

 

Maytag Centennial Washer Not Draining

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