DIY How to Repair a Maytag Dishwasher That Won't Drain - Slow Draining Dishwasher Repair

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This video covers the process of cleaning a Maytag dishwasher pump strainer. An indication of a clogged pump strainer may be when a dishwasher doesn't drain or drains slowly. Although the dishwasher repaired in this video is a Maytag, the troubleshooting and repair process covered should be the same or similar on many other dishwashers including Kenmore, Whirlpool, GE, General Electric, Samsung, LG Electronics Hotpoint and more. When a dishwasher doesn't drain, the drain hose could also be clogged with grease and food particles. Running a good dishwasher cleaner through your dishwasher machine on a regular basis can help ensure that you do not end up with a dishwasher to doesn't drain properly.
Maytag Model Number :MDB4949SDM2
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Dishwasher Cleaner For Hard Water on Amazon - amzn.to/31HPTnw
Natural Dishwasher Cleaner \ Deodorizer on Amazon - amzn.to/2qoaMHk
Appliance Stainless Steel Cleaner on Amazon - amzn.to/342YS4i
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Mark Jenkins, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Mark Jenkins assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Mark Jenkins recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Mark Jenkins, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Mark Jenkins.

[@nogripes]

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[@lesahill3241]

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[@inoritoo]

ThankYou, ThankYou, Thank You, so happy, it’s Working 🎉🎉🎉

[@tomdonahue8110]

5 years later and you're still helping people! Thank you so much for posting this video.

[@kurtkaufman]

I've had dishwashers (Bosch comes to mind) where all it took was a counter clockwise turn of the filter to remove and clean. I can't believe that Maytag requires you to disassemble many internal components to do the same. What were they thinking? Since it actively discourages owner maintenance, all I can assume is that it's a form of planned obsolescence. Shame on Maytag! Thank you for the clear and patient explanations in this video, and for your closeup views of the clips, etc. to minimize the possibility of accidental breakage of the (flimsy) plastic parts.

[@kristysamuelson6990]

Thank you. You just saved me $109 service charge. First time I did anything like this. Your instructions were great. My filter was very clogged. I never knew there was a filter to clean . Being a woman, I get very nervous trying to do things like this. Again, thank you.

[@roygardner7639]

Thanks, Mark. I’ve watched many dishwasher fix videos, but this one stands out. Well paced and easy to follow. Well done.

[@saga1580]

Thanks Mark! I earned my Maytag RepairMOM cap because of you and your video. Our dishwasher had a funky smell and I couldn't figure out what was going on. I searched knowing a cup of vinegar wasn't going to solve the problem. We have a similar model and your video was clear and easy to follow. You literally walked me through step by step how to take it apart and put it back together. I wish ours would have been as easy to clean as a tea bag and a small amount of grease, but it was way WAY more gross- there are pictures, but they're NSF anyone to see! At least now I know how to clean and prevent that from ever happening again! My family and I thank you!!

[@kamaainawahine]

THANK YOU! I have the exact one and I love to diy. I also have PTSD and don't like strangers in my house. You really helped me out. God bless you!

[@KadeMarkoux]

Thank you, I forgot I had a small wet dry vac since I hadn't used it in quite awhile so I didn't think to use it for something like this but that's very handy and makes it a ton easier!

[@captainG0729]

Thanks Mark. Needed help about a 1/3 of the way into the job and found this very helpful video. Saved me a $100 + service call with this GREAT step-by-step video.

[@paulingallinera]

Thank you so much Mark. Your instructions helped solve my stinky dishwasher problem. I had a lot of gunk and grease trapped in the fine mesh filter. Now, my dishwasher works and no stink! You are awesome!

[@handsomeboitobias]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Perfectly clear video, great instructions! I would never have felt comfortable digging that deep on my own. My dishwasher was exactly the same so that was nice too! The food trap on mine was really bad, worse than having just a tea bag. Lol hopefully it will start cleaning well again!

[@christophertaylor-martin6708]

Excellent tutorial! I followed it exactly and solved the problem. You're awesome! I would have finished sooner, but made some of the reattachments much more difficult than they were. No need to struggle at all. As home repairs go, this was easy peasy! Thank you!

[@armandacallen]

Thank you!! This was awesome!! . I have the same exact dishwasher not draining and now it works. Way easier than calling the warranty company and having to have a stranger come in and fix it. Thanks again!

[@soapyork9356]

Great video! I have this exact internal setup on my Maytag. I followed your video step by step and cleaned out all sorts of stuff including....a teabag and grease. Great video!

[@turtleincorporated4353]

Thanks for the video! Helped me greatly taking apart all that lower stuff to clean it out. Found lots of gunk! No wonder it was smelling and leaving stuff on the dishes!

[@decentralize2674]

Super helpful the way you pointed out the clips and how to reattach everything. I wasn't able to remount the plastic "dish" again and then you pointed out the pipe connecting at 1 o'clock.

[@leilaniweaver211]

thank you for sharing this. having a dishwasher that doesn't clean the simplest mess, or dry, and leaves standing water is really frustrating. I can put a cheap piece of furniture together with instructions, but don't typically have the most confidence in myself fixing things. Your tutorial was very helpful. Clear instructions, easy to follow... Thank you!!

[@lovingmylilly9002]

My husband about lost his mind putting ours back together. We found your video and it saved the day

[@mistitadlock828]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO!!!!!! I was ready to throw in the towel and get rid of my dishwasher!!!! You did great on showing EXACTLY how to do this. Not boring, short and sweet and very informative!

[@thomastomlinson1992]

Thank you so much for getting to the problem without a lot of talking, playing guitar or showing-off. You got to the problem straight-away. You have good diction, good camera positions and were not in a hurry. Great info for the novice DIY. And...you are not to bad on the eyes, either!

[@cindyhamilton1671]

Lifesaver! Great video. Everything went exactly as you showed. Able to do it myself with no issues! Thanks for empowering me. Great job!!!

[@lizl476]

This was exceptional! You did a great job Mark! I have the same model. What a pain to clean!!! Thanks a lot!

[@juliegaluszka7044]

Holy Crow! thank you! I watched this to try to figure out how to clean my dishwasher. I'm so glad I did. This was the most helpful video! Thanks again!

[@douglilesbusdev]

@Mark Jenkins - Thank you for being spot on with the instructions. Very well done.

[@johnstahl7272]

Mark, thanks for the instructional video which saved me $150.00 in repair costs. The repairmen said that it was the drain pump which I seriously doubted. A lot of grease was causing the problem. After fixing the problem the repairman was at a lose for words.

[@kolander4418]

Perfect! I have never attempted any kind of appliance maintenance and the video was spot on helpful. Thank you.

[@janedunsworth8728]

Really useful and clear. Have used it twice now to do regular maintenance and get the grunk out of the filter and drain.

[@rosabw]

This is MY dishwasher...it was not cleaning because the accumulator (with the screen) was not set, and the lower arm would not spin. I couldn't figure out how to snap it back in there...but now I know. Thanks a million!!! (especially for how to remove the feed tube assembly for the water to the top. Good job...I looked all day for a MDB8969 and you showed exactly what to do. Have a great day!

[@Boscovius]

Awesome video Mark. I've got my strainer soaking in dawn as I write this! I was reluctant to tear into this machine when my wife started complaining about it not working well due to the fact that my last dishwasher was so hard to take apart. Disassembling my Maytag was a cakewalk and you did an excellent job of pointing out how to get it done. Thank you!

[@TheWolfsnack]

I agree....I admit to being a bit intimidated, but the things just clips apart...awesome design.

[@joannam.9176]

Thank you so much for this video! Totally worked. I didn't have a water draining issue, but the dishes were not getting clean and I could see grime along the dishwasher. I was looking for a video to help me to get to the plastic screen at the bottom (I didn't know how to get that back tube out). But, if I hadn't watched the whole video I probably would have stopped there. But because of your tea bag, I checked the small plastic filter thingie (I'm very technical) and sure enough there was (I think) an old paper towel blocking it. Anyway, this was so helpful and easy to understand. Thanks!!!

[@sarahcorbridge4050]

Thanks for posting! Straightforward & easy to follow. Fixed my problem on New Years Day... no service call needed... saved me $$ !!

[@grampsoutdooradventuresdal7104]

Thank you. You took me step by step through the disassembly of my Maytag dishwasher.

[@patriciawoods]

Thanks! Couldn't for the life of me, figure out how to remove those filters. This video was the only helpful search result!

[@davesglaze]

Saved me big bucks, now works like new!

[@kennethgross5563]

Thanks so much Mark! Excellent step by step guide for the average homeowner to follow.

[@jgb1750]

Man thank you! Helped me out tremendously! My dw was exactly the same so I followed your disassembly and assembly to a T! Thank you!

[@shannondonaldson9546]

Thank you! My dishwasher decided not to drain while I was getting ready to prepare Thanksgiving dinner and my husband is not home. Terrible timing, lol. But now I’ve got it working again! Yay!

[@StephenK4STA]

I have the same model. It was a blessing how easy it was. Thank you

[@williamfrank7852]

I simply would not have figured out how to disassemble this thing. Found quite a mess of paper labels from jars below the strainer. Is working SO much better now! Thanks so much.

[@cindilee554]

Thank you so much for this video Mark! I followed exactly and you should see what I found in the trap! Gross! You saved me a service call and who knows what other charges. The hardest part was pushing all the clips. lol I used plyers to squeeze. You're the best! Thanks again!

[@dwayneford-bd8qm]

Great video. I got mine apart and couldn’t figure out where the lower screen retaining clip went. Your video was the only one that I could find that showed it. You are a real lifesaver for an old guy with a bad memory. Thanks for the help.

[@WheresMyThribble]

Thanks, Mark, you nailed it! I have the identical Maytag dishwasher as in the video and so was able to follow the procedure exactly... no tea bag in our case, instead, a hideous bunch of coagulated food bits, and what I am pretty sure was lots of remnants of the soft-gel material from the type of dishwasher pods we have been using. the drain was totally blocked. Cleaned it all out and dishwasher is back in action :)

[@jocelynepasman3127]

Thank you! I am never sure which bits I can force and which bits have tricks to removing them. This was exactly what I needed!

[@mikebronson2643]

Thanks very much! You helped me get my dishwasher cleaned and put back together!

[@Chroniclesofliberty]

Thank you. Excellent video and help.

[@CheekyPseudonym]

Thank you Mr.Jenkins! My dishwasher (identical to yours THANK GOD, as I'm not a mechanic I've been kept home for the last two weeks, due to the sniffles, and have been boarded out of my mind I've been putting off calling the repairman, there's been some dry smut left on the inside of my glasses, that most of the time be easily wiped out I figured it was a filter issue, but didn't want to tackle it; I've been known to turn a small repair, into needing a tow I told you; I'm not a mechanic Just got finished; the most challenging part was finding the stainless steel clips, and getting the bottom "pre filter" lined up, after inserting the hose, I didn't realize that you verbally mentioned the other built in hose Thanks again!

[@renejackson4113]

This was extremely helpful and very easy to follow. Thank you for sharing!

[@AshBeater421]

We had a glass shatter in our dishwasher last week, and even after cleaning it out the best we could, it was not cleaning the dishes well. We knew it had to come apart and found your video. What luck we have the same model as you! Thank you for making such an easy to follow, well explained and demonstrated, and helpful video. And may I say, after pulling ours apart, regular cleaning of the dishwasher basin filter should be added to everyone's regular home maintenance routine. That thing was D-I-S-G-U-S-T-I-N-G!

[@langedebault5338]

Thank you! I just finished cleaning mine.

[@1957ubersku]

We have a MDB4949SDE3 from a year ago. This was a perfect video for our model. Exact same guts. Good instructions!The only thing I did different was not take off the top pipe piece. Just unhooked the back clip the pipe from the filter area just slid out off to the side. soaked filter in Dawn and rinsed with some near-boiling water. Works great again!

[@crossway2007]

Thank you. It was very easy fix after watching your video. My old dishwasher had a blade that chopped all the leftovers. This one is missing it, so I will have to manually clean it every ones in a while like this.

[@yourweakness2627]

Couldn’t find my model on Maytag. This was exactly it and helped tremendously. Thank you!

[@saskadan]

I Have sold many of the Maytag model you showed- great video I can pass on to clients if they have an issue

[@profwitty]

Great video! Found a juice box straw that was lodging the drain shut. Fixed in under 15mins.

[@barrydutchen6699]

Perfect match to my Maytag. Very clear and helpful for solving my DW problem. Thanks.

[@Clementplanet]

Oh my goodness. This video saved me. I had never cleaned out a dishwasher before and this made it easy.

[@kaschdog]

I have the same dishwasher as yours. You made this easy for me to disassemble. However, I found more than just a tea bag in my filter. It was gross but clean now. Thanks for posting.

[@vicferrari89]

Excellent. Very similar to mine. Found the clog, now working as designed. Thanks for posting.

[@markyoung7232]

This video was perfect for us! We wouldn't have even know where to start. Good, clear instructions and easy to follow video. Thanks so much. Probably saved us several hundred dollars.

[@gastonjolicoeur3896]

Thank you so much for sharing, you save me from having to buy a new one, since I could not figure why my dishwasher did no longer empty itself. Blessings Gaston

[@gloriapanetta8374]

Great instructional video. The manual that came with my dishwasher doesn't match my dishwasher! I noticed an odor sometimes when the door is open so I thought maybe something was stuck in the drain or trap and wanted to clean it. I searched on the internet and finally found your video. It's the same model as mine and you made it look so easy. I am saving your link for future reference. Thanks again.

[@stephaniehenry9329]

I used this video years ago to learn how to fix my dishwasher when it wouldn't drain. So thank you for this video! Recently it hasn't drained again and still won't after cleaning it. I am going to check the check valve now.

[@wheelawake]

I have the exact same model/ parts. This worked perfectly! Thank you so much! Subscribed

[@MarkO-zt6rp]

Hey Thank you for the video,I have the same exact dishwasher and you made it easy to take apart and clean the filter.Saved me a bunch of money from having to call a repairman.Thanks again

[@zorkwhouse8125]

Extremely helpful, thank you very much for posting this.

[@warehouseduck]

Thanks very much for the information and the very easy to follow video. Mine didn't have a teabag stuck in it, but I was able to get her going again using your help. Much appreciated!

[@johnthorpe2096]

This was a perfect fix-it video. I have the same dishwasher just white vs stainless front. I had been have poor cleaning and there was always a little water left. The actual culprit was 3 years of heavy calcium buildup everywhere and particles in both spray arms. I used a lime/calcium/rust remover, tooth brush and a fine wire pick to tease out 90% of the build up. No tea bags but did fine brad clear down in the bottom. Thanks

[@theglow9641]

Thank you! This was exactly what I needed. Great help!

[@scottbiccum6977]

EXCELLENT how-to video. THANK YOU for posting this one!

[@oldschoolcat2110]

Great video! It helped me take my dishwasher apart to clean. My clogging culprit was bits of napkins! Yuck.

[@BKguns45]

Thanks.. your video saved me a repair bill..

[@coachgore1]

very helpful! Had plenty of gunk that was stopping it up. running now!

[@redstar5red]

Thank you!! You most definitely helped me. Same dishwasher which made it that much easier. My only problem now is the bottom spryer is hitting the metal thing as it spins

[@stevejohnston4546]

I have the same dishwasher. I followed your instructions and fixed my issue. saved me $150 bucks. thanks!

[@bubbadoom1837]

Concise and to the point, no chatter. Good video. Thank you.

[@raycreveling1583]

Thanks Mark! I have the same model and this was a huge help. Almost 2 years later and Maytag doesn't have instructions for cleaning this filter.

[@joemurphy710]

Same! Great video… very helpful but need directions for cleaning out the filter…

[@raycreveling1583]

@@joemurphy710 I soaked the whole thing in nearly boiling water and dish soap. Cleaned and rinsed a few time. My wife works for an appliance store. The filter is only sold as part of the entire assembly. It's an incredibly stupid design..

[@stevegarcia1796]

I can't find it either maybe they came out with a Junetag Instruction manual 👀 Why would the Manufacturer help you out when the home owner can do it much better!!

[@raycreveling1583]

@@stevegarcia1796 My wife worked for a small appliance store and Maytag doesn't have any cleaning instructions for them either. The filter is only changeable by replacing that whole part.

[@moc1man]

Here's a cleaning tip. If you have an adjustable shower head, use it to clean the filter. Set for focused stream, or pulsating and it will clean the filter good as new!! If you don't have a wet/dry rack, use a dish cloth and a bucket. Soak it up, wring it out. I removed a couple inches of water in less than five minutes.

[@jr-xn4ei]

You’re the man Mark! Just unclogged mine!

[@aelzabeth]

Omg. Thank you!!!! I’m so glad I watched this video

[@flatback09]

I just picked up a free dishwasher (same as yours) and although I'm in my 60's, I've never had any hands on with one, Thanks for de-mystifying it. I'd expected it to be a lot more complicated. Now I have just enough info to do some real damage :)

[@joannyang2432]

Thank you for the video, you are pretty good about it, covered all the details, mentioned several things other similar video did not!

[@georgecluley9262]

Wow!!! Great job explaining how to do this job!!! Really appreciate all the effort you put into this video 👍🏼!!! Thank You

[@chrishermans5766]

Thx Mark! Same dishwasher a year old was dripping....not draining fast enough. popcorn seeds and hard water residue. Was just missing getting the top clip off off the spray tower...found your video... piece of cake.

[@zacharymorford1846]

Thanks so much for your helpful video. As others have said, mine was much dirtier than yours, but I was able to get it cleaned out thanks to your instructions.

[@lizprather6145]

Thank you! Helped me get the gunk out from the bottom without needing to call anyone.

[@user-cd3cp3ph8k]

This was the BEST video. I was able to do this myself with your instructional video. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@tombennett7257]

So nice to have the step by step disassembly and reassembly. You just saved this old decrepit man a lot of grief. The bonus came when I found the cord and spring in good shape, but somehow disconnected. I think the insulation got between the pulleys and made it pop off. If I find the part #, I'll order it for next time because I probably won't be so lucky. Thank you for taking the time to create and publish the KZbin.

[@tmharrigan30]

Thank You Thank You Thank You Very helpful! Very easy to clean with you showing us step by step. And i love this dishwasher! Its quiet, you can't even tell it's on.

[@HurryHard69]

great video. my dishwasher has the same guts. very clogged. you can unscrew and lift that tube thing out after the filter parts come out too. having a shopvac ensures you get all the crud out

[@jennifermoylan4592]

THANKS! No tea bag but all sorts of bits of plastic and ick! Never would have found it without your video!

[@sherryhollis5707]

Thanks so much ! I have seen so many other videos that were not as detailed, lots of little things were left out and overlooked.

[@thehockeylife6773]

THANK YOU!!! As a single mom with a clogged dishwasher, this video SAVED me!!! Thank you thank you thank you!

[@txshogun]

I'm glad I found your KZbin repair....Mark! I think my filter and drain pipe were clogged. I cleaned it out best I can. I have it on and I don't see any leaks! Thanks again!

[@guitarroacustico4032]

Thank you for the video!! Clear instructions, step by step. Thanks again!

[@NathanShort]

Thanks a lot I have the same model and this helped a lot!

[@jonoracorns4991]

THANKS MARK!! THIS VIDEO WAS VERY HELPFUL. YOU SHOWED THE SAME OR CLOSE TO THE SAME MODEL I HAVE. THUMBS UP.

[@gabigreen1316]

Thank you for this video! I have this same model, and i was having trouble figuring out how to remove the water line that holds the filter screen in. Wasn't any instructions on the company website.

[@aprildoyle7567]

Helped immensely! Thank you so much for the easy to follow video!

[@SAPHotels]

Mark thank you very much your step by step instructions enabled me to clean the crap out of my dishwasher. The video and descriptions are tremendous.

[@sjburzlaff8150]

Our Maytag DW quit draining. I had cleaned the fine mesh filter but did not know about the lower unit. OMG, it was totally clogged even had the top off of a spice jar in it. Cleaned it out and now it is working merrily away. Thank you

[@elecktrumm]

Thanks - the video is excellent and exactly what I needed to straighten out my dishwasher.