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After our last article (Maytag frontload washer drain filter location), one of our readers asked how they could fix their Maytag Neptune washer when it’s not draining.
And since we value you, our dear reader, in this article, we’ll tell you how you can fix this problem.
One more thing: You can also use these troubleshooting steps to fix other washer models that won’t drain.
Maytag Neptune washer not draining – causes and possible solutions
So, here are the likely culprits for your Neptune washing machine not draining…
The drain hose might not be properly installed
For the washer to properly drain, Maytag recommends the maximum drain hose height not to exceed 96” (244cm).
Other than that, also make sure that you are not pushing the drain hose too far down into the standpipe… To be on the safe side, don’t push it past the elbow.
Quick tip: These drain hose installation instructions help prevent the wastewater from siphoning back into the washer.
The drain hose might be kinked/clogged
Here’s the thing: Kinks/clogs in the drain hose will prevent water from flowing into the standpipe/sink hence why it sits in the washer.
To remedy this problem, disconnect one end of the drain hose and use a shop vac to suck any foreign objects that might be caught in there.
Oftentimes, these clogs could be due to small objects such as socks and lint.
Once you have reinstalled the drain hose, remember to straighten any kinks or twists that might have formed.
The drain pump filter might be clogged – for front-load washers
As the name suggests, this filter traps lint and other foreign objects (such as coins, pins, and socks) which prevents them from reaching the drain pump.
When the filter gets full, it will block water from flowing into the drain pump until you clean it.
Fortunately, you can easily access and clean the drain filter with the help of our previous guide (Maytag front-load washer drain filter location and how to clean it).
Foreign objects might be stuck inside the drain pump
Even on washers that have drain filters, it’s still possible for a few small foreign objects to find their way into the pump.
Just to be a little more specific, these objects will get caught inside the impeller which prevents it from spinning.
Removing these foreign objects will be the key to getting your pumping and draining again.
Quick tip: If you’re not sure of the drain pump location in your washer, worry not as you can use the owner’s manual to help you locate it. If you don’t have a copy of the manual, you can search for it online.
Now, once you get access to the impeller, be sure to remove any objects that might be obstructing it.
Either the drain pump or the control board is defective
The good news is that you can quickly tell which part is faulty by testing them.
To test the pump, use a multimeter to test for continuity between the pump terminals.
If there’s no continuity, it means your drain pump is faulty hence you will need a new pump.
Next, turn your multimeter to the lowest ohms of resistance setting and measure the resistance across these two terminals.
If the pump is good, you should be getting a reading that is within this range: 18.5 to 21.5Ω.
If you’re getting a reading that is out of this range, it’s a good sign that the pump is bad hence needs replacing – order a replacement drain pump on Amazon.
Moving on…
Try to observe if the pump’s wire harness connector has worked itself loose due to the constant water vibrations.
The best solution to this is to disconnect and reconnect the connector.
Additionally, check for any possible breaks on the wires and fix them as necessary – electrical tape will come in handy.
Alternatively, you can test if the wires are good by checking for continuity between the harness connector on the drain pump’s end and the connector on the control board’s end.
If there’s no continuity, it’s an indication that the wire connection is bad hence you will require a new one.
Additional drain pump and control board tests you should perform
Test for resistance on the J11 connector on the control board – between pins 1 & 2.
If the resistance is not between 18.5 and 21.5Ω ohms, it means the control board is defective.
Subsequently, you will need an original replacement board.
However, if the reading is good, proceed to reconnect the wire connector to the control board.
Next, set the multimeter to volts (AC) and insert the probes into the wire connector that goes into the drain pump.
Now try to run a drain cycle – if all is good, you should get a reading of around 120v AC.
However, if the reading you’re getting is way out of this range, it means the control board is defective.
And again, the best solution to this will be to get a new board – see current control board prices.
Maytag Neptune washer not draining completely (not draining fully)
The most common causes (and solutions) for your Maytag washer not draining fully are:
- You are overloading your washer: This will reduce the machine’s spin speed hence why it is leaving wet clothes at the end of the cycle.
In this case, running a Rinse & Spin cycle will remove the excess water.
However, we recommend that you avoid overloading the washer as it might damage its internal parts.
- You are using the wrong wash cycle: Cycles such as the gentle and delicate have slow spin speeds.
As a result, using these cycles for heavy laundry such as towels will leave your load wetter than usual.
So, confirm that you are using the right cycle for your laundry.
- You are using too much detergent (or the wrong detergent type): This might result in the formation of excess suds which can cause the washer to run at a reduced spin speed, resulting in wet loads.
Here, the best solution is to make sure you are using the right amount and type of detergent.
So, refer to your washer’s manual to be sure of which detergent to use
Maytag Neptune washer not draining – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is my Maytag Neptune washer not draining?
The most common causes for Maytag Neptune washer not draining are:
- The drain hose is kinked or if it exceeds 96” high.
- Presence of clogs in the drain filter.
- Foreign objects are stuck in the drain pump.
- Either the drain pump or the control board is defective
Now, to know how to fix these problems, refer to the step-by-step instructions that we have discussed above.
Why does my Maytag Neptune washer hold water?
If your Maytag washer is holding water after a cycle, it means that it is unable to drain. And, here’s what might cause this problem:
- The drain hose exceeds 96” (244cm) in height or it is twisted.
- The drain filter might be full of clogs
- Foreign objects might be caught in the drain pump
- The drain pump might be faulty
- The control board could be defective
Maytag Neptune washer not draining – parting words
If you own an older Maytag Neptune washer that uses a timer, it could be that the timer is faulty.
And, this is resulting in the washer not advancing to the drain cycle.
That’s why, getting a new timer might be your solution.
ALSO READ
How to factory reset Maytag top-load washer [step-by-step]
