Maytag Whirlpool Washer Not Draining Fix, Unclog Drain Pump and Other Front Loader Maintenance

Welcome to another Maytag appliance video, Whirpool designs are identical. This time a front loader washer, many of which develop draining issues with draining, showing error codes such as Sd, F9 or E1. Many people don't know that there is a filter within the machine that becomes clogged over time just before the sump. If you are first hearing of this, chances are, yours probably doesn't look to pretty.
I find, especially living in a humid environment that when I clean this filter, at regular intervals, I also conduct some other maintenance tasks that ensures the good performance of the machine. This is much better than shelling out cash on repairs, parts and unnecessary replacement appliances, when all that is really needed is 10 minutes of work.
If you have pets you can be sure you have this issue, if you wash items like pet beds and whatnot.
UNPLUG UNPLUG UNPLUG -- There, I said it (and in the movie too...)
The 3 activities are broken down into:
Tray area
Pump filter (Have towels ready)
Door seal
Thats it. Much better than shelling out $1000 dollars for a new machine!!! As I did you may find you get paid by the filter too!!!!

[@geopinebox]

Thanks for the Vid, Saved me big moneys. Wife disappointed not getting a new washer.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad I could help

[@timwilks500]

My freaking HERO! I just did this & my drain was filled with goop & money. Running a load now & feeling confident the problem is solved!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Awesome. How much money?

[@timwilks500]

@@retrotechandelectronics A good size handful of change. Crazy how it even drained at all. No idea how long some of it had been there. Have had no problems at all since I cleaned it out. It runs like new again!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

@@timwilks500 it pays to fix it yourself.

[@ddmariesmith]

Great video!!! 5 stars!! Thank you. Mine was dirty. Had two quarters, a dime, a penny, a rock, some wire, and a sewing pin in it. No wonder it wasn't fully draining.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Toby and Mike said to donate the change to you local SPCA

[@DougTozier]

Excellent video and even better play-by-play commentary. Appreciate your work and helped with exactly what I needed to know.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad it helped!

[@johnadams3516]

Just saved a couple of hundred dollars thanks to this video. I have never cleared out the drain in my Maytag and I've had it for almost 8 years. Needless to say I was grossed out by what I found. Thanks for the simple easy instructions!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

You're welcome!

[@stevorun9865]

Thank you! I was looking everywhere except KZbin as I knew there must be a clean out! Our was BLACK!!! Couldn’t tell it was even white! Been cleaning and scrubbing for hours. The trap was full higher than the trap. Yes it stunk but all others said I had to go in from the back! This took my 5 mins to take apart!!! Thanks man and following now. Haha. 👍

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad to hear.

[@georgeanne-sc9zp]

Best video I've seen on Drain Plug clean without an access door. Thank You, Well Done!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thanks. Glad I could help.

[@therugbee]

Thanks!

[@daveverhoeff6876]

Great video! My filter was clogged with gunk, but your camera work and explanations made cleaning it out really easy. Thanks so much! I used the front panel to collect the water that drained out, but still had towels handy. And yes, I unplugged the cord first. :)

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Great to hear!, how much money did you find.

[@daveverhoeff6876]

@@retrotechandelectronics No money this time...

[@jotinawhite5718]

Your tutorial seems very simple. I was very surprised that you didn’t take off the back yet you started to work from the front. Will try your method.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Well, the filter is accessed from the front, so there is nothing to get at from the back.

[@loriwright6373]

Thank you for posting this video! You saved me money I don't currently have to spend! Worked great and I am so relieved! Thank you! Thank you!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad I could help. Check this every few months.

[@ashes7711]

This video is so Helpful! I followed step by step and was able to fix my Maytag washer! Thank you!!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

You're welcome!

[@TheSwordOfYahweh]

I've had mine for 9 years... you don't want to know what was in there.... Thank you so much for this helpful video. I was able to clean it out, hopefully it fixed the issues. I'm running it through the cycle now!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

You're welcome!

[@azieg79]

Very helpful! I have a Maytag error code F21. Had no idea the bottom panel popped off! Filter was completely full- 2 socks- facemask- nerf dart- coins and goop! Thank you!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad it helped

[@cmerit9509]

We had the F9E1 and the Sd error codes coming up.. followed the instructions in this video (exact same model Maytag as the video) and found an ENTIRE SOCK int the drain clean out! THANK YOU for sharing your knowledge!! It’s fixed

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thats awesome, how did a whole sock manage to get through to there i wonder.

[@cynthiaphillips1970]

I am having a drainage problem with my front loader by Maytag. I must say this video was very informative and I can’t wait to get my son over here help me unclog my drain. Thank you, for this great money saving video😀

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Good luck!

[@woodatwork6927]

Same here! Been dealing with these codes all week. Cleaned the drain hose, but still no change. Now I’m gonna go do what you showed us. Hopefully that will take care of it! Thanks so much!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Its usually the issue.

[@marinadiaz9559]

Did it work for you sir??? @woodatwork

[@woodatwork6927]

@@marinadiaz9559 like a charm. Couldn’t believe the stuff that was in there.

[@LuisReyes-eh1ex]

thanks for posting...outstanding video...will be doing some maintenance on our Maytag, as it is not wringing all the water off, and the cause might be a clogged drain...God bless and Happy Memorial Day weekend to everyone!

[@brusecrowder376]

Ditto! Great job. We inherited a similar unit from a friend that was moving and could not figure out what was going on. Horay to you good sir! Keep up the good work!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad to hear it worked out.

[@christiemervolion4420]

Thank you for this! Was able to fix my washer by following your clear instructions :)

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad to hear it!

[@nanceygarrido4471]

Great video. Thank you for your very thorough explanations. I had seen a couple of other videos but they weren’t so explicit so I was scared to try to do it myself. After watching your video I am confident that I can do it myself. I will Let you know once I do it!! Thanks so much!!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

You're very welcome!

[@sileshiakalat3998]

It is really Easy fix. You save me lots of money and time. Thank you so much.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

You're welcome!

[@richreynoldsCIT]

Dude! You just saved my life with this video!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Awesome.

[@gladiusmo]

Thanks for the video. Followed your instructions and my maytag is working again.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Great to hear!

[@thecrewcollector5171]

Perfect video and was exactly the issue. Did not realize that was there for clean out. Thank you for the video!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

You're welcome!

[@matthewconklin3790]

Thanks man! Great video! I was about to give up and chunk my washer. I followed your video and found a bra pad that was clogging my filter. I knew when I saw the beer bottles in the background, this was going to be a good video!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad it helped!

[@corinapare9545]

Thank you so much for your 25 cents! It’s worth a million! Your video was very helpful and very funny 😆 I’ve never cleaned the drain in over 8 years and I’m terrified…but that’s why I’m here watching your video. It desperately needs to be done! I hope I find some cash too but I’m guessing I’m going to find screws and other stuff typically in my husband’s pockets…and maybe even what’s equivalent to a small dead animal 🤢 I’m definitely wearing a mask for this job because it ain’t going to be pretty or smell nice. Thanks again for this awesome video and information 👍🏼

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Free repair and free money is how this project usually ends. Glad it was helpful.

[@MilitaryMobility]

Thanks dude! and by the way, much respect for the bracelet. We provide programs for veterans in need!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Any time!

[@brycebenton3295]

Appreciated. I had taken it apart, check for coins. But I checked the drainage holes, they were clogged with dog hair and gunk. It was almost entirely draining, but not completely . This hopefully gets it done

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Good luck!

[@Lara99213]

Just fixed mine in 10 mins you the man- go navy former ABF

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Outstanding. Great to hear!

[@jimmanta1]

Thanks, it was an easy fix, Code F21, "Drain Problem". I found 2 small socks and 30 cents in change clogging the filter.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad to help!

[@MaximusWhyman]

Bro, thx so much. This just saved me mega bucks. I found a sock, money and lots of guitar picks! 😂

[@iand4821]

Just did this and was so much gunk cleaned out. Thanks

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad it helped

[@2Rawtvuncut]

I just fixed mine thanks a lot mine had a sock and hair now its working like a charm

[@retrotechandelectronics]

A whole sock? It must work like a charm now.

[@yahmanml]

You’re a life saver. Thanks for sharing. 👊🏾✨

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Happy to help!

[@lamyaanejres7738]

Thank you for the video l am so happy my machine is fixed now🤗

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad I could help.

[@galewood6959]

Wow thanks so much working like a charm you saved me some mooola

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Great to hear.

[@melissajochim9083]

Thank you. Just what it needed. Amazing.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad it helped!

[@Ken-op5ne]

Thanks! Fixed the problem and made 88 cents!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

See, it pays to fix it yourself, and it pays.

[@Grace-nc4ow]

Thank you, this was extremely helpful!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

You're very welcome!

[@chantalleclair9892]

OMG, loved you video. I did it all, don't know if that's the reason why it's not draining the water while at spin, cause I'm still in the process of cleaning it. Got it for free, so I'm basically cleaning the gok of someone else, but now I'll know it's clean, wish I could have shared before and after pictures lolll Thanks, great video, yep, I'm a 55 year old woman, and I did it all by myself 😊😉🤗

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad to hear it. By Sharing the knowledge that the vendor doesnt want you to know, anyone can do it.

[@jasonsapp4351]

Great video. Your machine wasn't the exact same model as mine, but still able to 7se it to fix my problem. So we've had ours for 11 YEARS! And didn't know this so have never cleaned it. Bro...😳😳😳 I wish I could attach a picture to this comment.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

post it on imgur, then post the link in a comment

[@maverickf13]

Thank youuuuu!!! Techs never showed up. Thanks Whirlpool, glad I bought that warranty haah

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Any time!

[@valerianruby3346]

Great video! Thank you!! I’m hoping this helps my issues

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad to hear it.

[@beam667]

Thank You . my machine is working !

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Great to hear

[@mikea3766]

This video saved my marriage, thank you!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Wow....... Ill let the wife know.

[@last426]

Not too bad for the first time it has been cleaned. Sometimes they are moldier than that for sure.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

This one you see gets cleaned every three months or less.

[@barbararohle819]

I have this exact same washing machine model and I am aware of how to do everything you just showed. However, I did a load of laundry last night and the door is locked. I was looking for a way to remove the top of the machine and reach in on how to manually drain it. I watched a previous technician do it once and I was just hoping for a refresh video

[@mrslalaolds]

Thanks tons! I have a different model, which has a different layout. But it was pretty easy to figure out my machine after watching this vid. Thanks!! Should I send my repair bill to LEGO? My kid was so happy at our "find" haha

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Better than to have stepped on it in the night.

[@HawkeyeBrewing]

Great video, thanks. I have a Maytag MHW8200FC0 washer and the door is out of alignment (drooping). I was hoping this video would have shown how I could tweek the door. Any idea

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Sorry, i imagine the hinge should be looked at and tightened if needed. I've not had this issue and never looked into it.

[@jamesguralski5156]

Awesome vid!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thanks!

[@jeffreyevans6892]

Well done!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Thank you!

[@syfasln6905]

You are a life saver

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad I could help.

[@nillz8741]

Omg Thank you!! U believable what was in there 😩

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Yeah... I believe it, ive seen it.

[@hollyfleur6144]

great! tomorrow is washer drain plug cleaning day. thx. stay safe! p.s. i'm totally broke so i hope i find money too. :)

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Good luck, let us know how it turns out.

[@jloaeza65]

Thanks, it help a lot

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad it helped

[@paulineweber9331]

Very helpful 👌

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad it helped

[@rayd8200]

Great Summary, I get a ton of failed to drain repair requests. Most of the time 80% the drain is clogged with debris/small socks. If the computer senses the drain is taking more than 3 minutes it will throw the error code specific to the manufacture that something is preventing the water from draining of the tub. The computer uses the air trap sensor in conjunction with the expired time to drain the tub. It will be either a failed (Electrical or Mechanical) drain pump or debris in the filter. Depending on the model it's either has an easy access in the front, back panel needs to be removed or the entire front panel needs to be disassembled to get access to it.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

The cap for the filter should have been external through the cover IMHO, so that the consumer could easily empty it regularly.

[@SlingbladeJim]

I have a Kenmore model 417 that stopped at the drain cycle. I took everything connected to the pump off. All hoses and the pump were clear of clogs and the impeller turned freely. What's next please..................

[@JM-qe4fm]

Sd stands for Suds. It means you used too much soap, or the wrong soap that doesn't have the HE on the label. This guy said 5d, it's Sd, or Sud/ This was a great video. This man made this simple maintenance to do often to avoid repairs, rather than calling it a repair. The machine needs maintenance.

[@JM-qe4fm]

With Sd, it means the suds were too much, and you can run another spin cycle, or use the clean cycle to get the suds out. Sometimes you have to add a little water in the soap tray to get the suds out. If that doesn't work, the next code might be E1-F9 code, which is a drain problem.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Especially with pets, or if you are like me and leave stuff in your pockets, expect to do this every several months.

[@Lovyms77]

Do you have videos on the water pressure switch for this exact model? I'm receiving LF after checking hoses, everything looks fine but the LF continues to come on after a few minutes.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Sorry I do not, but if mine dose error, a video will be forthcoming.

[@jessicaludwar4742]

My maytag front load washer (same as Whirlpool) has an extra power button. I took the panel off and the button apart. The problem was the silicone piece inside was displaced. Can't figure out the way it is supposed to sit. Any help?

[@hcooper267]

Thank you help me a lot. thank you,thank you.....

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad to help!

[@borisbentley2296]

Very very useful. Thx

[@retrotechandelectronics]

You're welcome!

[@shirlgirl2312]

Thank you so much. That was a fab video. Unfortunately, it did not fix the problem with my washer. I now wonder what else it could be???

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Sorry, this video covers only that specific issue.

[@williamdeck2157]

Thanks man!

[@retrotechandelectronics]

No problem!

[@albertochavez2318]

I will try that right now thanks

[@retrotechandelectronics]

good luck

[@IceStone69]

Thank you ⁸for the video

[@retrotechandelectronics]

My pleasure!

[@ritayork55]

Good video thank you

[@retrotechandelectronics]

No problem 👍

[@littleoldal]

thank you for the video!! i have a drain in my laundry room. would you recommend i power wash the soap thingie and that drain? i actually came here to see how to clean the rubber thingie on the door, cuz my machine is a hand me down, and i'm afraid to ask the original owners how often they cleaned it.. it's definitely dirty af.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Power wash, like with a pressure washer, ugh no.

[@JeffSSartor]

Thanks for this.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

You're welcome.

[@mikextammie]

thanks so much I've never done mine. But I'm going to right now😢

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Good luck!!

[@mikextammie]

I was expecting the worst but it wasn't all that bad. However it did fix my problems. I really appreciate your video. Thank you so much

[@mikes6216]

I am trying to find a part# for the door boot seal replacement for the same model washer. Maytag MHWE251YG is the washer model shown here I think, but what is the boot seal #? There are so many different ones.

[@peterkaradi7947]

I have a Maytag Naptune front load (2002 year ). The machine leaves a lot of water after the wash is done. The water is not visible in the drum but it sloshes as you turn the drum. This machine is only accessible from the back, not the same as your demo. I tryed to vacum through the drain hose but only got a quart or so. What can I do to fix ? It smells really bad.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Ill bet that from the back you will find a similar style pump with a similar issue will be found.

[@bobraible]

I have a Maytag Neptune Model MAH5500BWW. According to the serial number it was mfg in March 2003, so about the same age as mine. My understanding is that it retains water around the outside of the drum to help keep the drum balanced (it sounds crazy I know). I do not know which model u have, but in my case I understand that the 5500 series doesn't have a drain pump filter.

[@abewise2939]

Dude you are the man. Great video and explanation. I feel like such a moron to not be doing all these simple routine cleanings. Got any good videos on noisy refrigerators? 😂

[@retrotechandelectronics]

For clogged fridge drains and general fridge maintenance

[@abewise2939]

​@@retrotechandelectronics46 cents and two of my wife's hair clips. I'm embarrassed by how nasty the drain catcher is. 🤢🤮

[@JaredJacobsonLaw]

U great man thx

[@garydesantis]

Excellent PM Cycle, I am thinking your regular PM interval is quarterly?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Yes quarterly.

[@erictorres3942]

Dude I found not one but two socks, a key and 13 cents...Thank you so much.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

...... but did the socks match???

[@erictorres3942]

No they didn’t...

[@erictorres3942]

Have you ever had trouble with the spin cycle running loud?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

If there was an uneven balance, yes

[@noodlenix1]

I’m having trouble getting 1 of the 3 screws as I don’t have stands for mine so it is at a very awkward angle, I’m using the correct bit but the middle screw just isn’t loosening... I just want to clean my washer and this is so frustrating.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

If you pulled them out one at a time, all of the weight will be on the last screw, you will need to now support the cover to remove it.

[@noodlenix1]

I had a friend come over and the last screw was put in at a horrible angle and the whole machine needed to be tipped back. Thank you for this video once I removed all the screws it was very easy to figure out how to clean! And my washer wasn’t as bad as I figured it may be, but now I will do this regularly. Thank you.

[@AerinASMR]

How often do you do yours when you say at regular intervals?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Quarterly.

[@RareRapVideoz]

Gonna try it now to fix my moms washer ..I'll let u know how it goes lol

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Please do.

[@RareRapVideoz]

Worked good sir she was pumped thanks boss

[@truebengalsfan]

What model Maytag washer is that ?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

MCT 2000 series

[@mommysbudget]

I used the quarter inch and doesn’t turn it anything and the next size is too small or too large I can’t get that bottom open at all is it the hex? Bc it’s not a regular screw and the stupid hardware Store keeps giving me the wrong size or says it doesn’t exist. I’m ready to toss this machine, so done with it

[@vettiecampos]

How often would you recommend cleaning your washer?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

At least twice a year. I do.

[@craigandlisao9736]

“Regular intervals”.....? How often is that? Great video. Thank you.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

At least twice a year, more with pets or kids.

[@MindLaboratory]

I found a sock in the filter, an entire sock. Based on the decay and smell I’d guess it had been there for 2-3 years.

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Expect big performance increases.

[@mattandkatchristie2552]

How do I reset the washer...my sump runs constantly and door us stuck locked

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Unplug it?

[@mattandkatchristie2552]

@@retrotechandelectronics ya I done that..theres a code or something to reset.. tks anyway

[@Michelle-bl2hq]

Happens to me with this machine all the time. Turn the machine off-the door will remain locked closed. You have to open the filter so that all the trapped water-and there will be A LOT-can come out. I take an open garbage bag and lay it around the filter before I open it up, and then I open the filter just a crack so that only a manageable stream of water will come out. When the bag is half full, I close up the pump, dump the garbage bag of water in to the sink, and start again, and keep repeating until all the water is out. Then I clean out the filter, remove whatever was trapped inside, and replace the filter cover. Then I press power, restart the machine for just a second, and then press pause and shut the machine off. The door-closed light will turn off and the door will finally open. It’s a huge pain in the butt, this machine is really frustrating for this reason.

[@andreakirkley9853]

Man I hope this works! I bought this machine and I didn’t even get a load done and it flashed codes. Of course they wouldn’t answer their phone one they got my $$

[@retrotechandelectronics]

good luck

[@sergeouellet387]

Je ne suis plus capable d’ouvrir la porte elle reste bloqué?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

peut-être le solénoïde de la serrure. Débranchez le cordon électrique.

[@TEddy-sc7xw]

How often should this be done?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Depends on what your washing, but if you cant remember when it was done last, you should have done it yesterday.

[@patriciaramirez1398]

Pls show me where socks go running off to?

[@retrotechandelectronics]

An alternate universe that's powered by socks. Those semi viscous gelatinous beings wear crude oil and wash it in special machines in which they loose half of it; being transported to our world deep underground. We refine this petrochemical to produce the power to run the machine to loose the socks. and so the process repeats.

[@ritayork55]

My maytag Neptune is not draining or turning

[@retrotechandelectronics]

See if this video is applicable before attempting a repair.

[@peggymyers9052]

I'm needing to no how to clean top load

[@retrotechandelectronics]

yeah..... i bet there are videos out there for that..

[@sandrahahn2564]

Lots of stuff in it! Cleaned but still not working??? What now

[@oscarmonroys3315]

Fantastic Very helpful --////---$

[@retrotechandelectronics]

Glad to hear!

[@kimchijones323]

He actually starts at 2:50