Maytag top-load (MVW, Bravos, Centennial) and front-load (MHW, Maxima) washers stop draining for the same five reasons: clogged drain pump impeller (coins, hair pins, underwires), clogged coin trap / filter (front-load), kinked or clogged drain hose, failed lid / door switch preventing spin-drain, or main board pump-relay failure.
Reviewed by Mike Larson, Master Appliance Technician · 18+ yrs in-field · Last reviewed
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Quick answer
Maytag washers fail to drain in this order: (1) drain pump clogged with debris or impeller broken (F21 / F02 / nF / Sd codes), (2) front-load coin trap full (MHW / Maxima only — empties more debris faster than people expect), (3) drain hose kinked or installed too high, (4) lid switch / door lock failed open (washer thinks lid is open, won't pump), (5) main board pump-relay welded. Most repairs land $215–$385 all-in. Flat $149 trip fee waived on approval. 1-year warranty.
Root causes, ranked by what we find
What it is: Coins, hair pins, underwire, or a small sock jam the pump impeller. F21 on Bravos / Maxima, F02 / nF on later models. Pump hums but doesn't move water, or pump runs but tub stays full.
Fix: Clear pump, inspect impeller, replace OEM drain pump if impeller cracked, verify drain flow rate.
Typical all-in: $245–$345 all-in
What it is: Behind the lower-front access panel — a filter that needs cleaning every 6 months. Full filter blocks the pump intake entirely.
Fix: Drain residual water, clear coin trap, inspect for damage, verify drain cycle.
Typical all-in: $185–$245 all-in
What it is: Drain hose kinked behind the washer or installed higher than spec (max 96" on most Maytags) causes back-siphon and pump stall.
Fix: Re-route hose with proper service loop, verify max height, retest drain.
Typical all-in: $185–$285 all-in
What it is: Top-load: lid switch failed = washer won't enter spin or drain. Front-load: door lock failed = same. Often paired with dL or door-related codes.
Fix: Replace OEM lid switch or door lock assembly, verify lock signal to board.
Typical all-in: $215–$315 all-in
What it is: Less common — board sends drain command but pump relay won't close. Confirmed only after pump, hose, and lock test clean.
Fix: Replace OEM main control board, verify drain cycle.
Typical all-in: $345–$485 all-in
Diagnostic order
F21 / F02 = drain time exceeded → pump or coin trap. dL / F5 = door / lid lock → switch.
Front-load: bottom panel off, drain residual via the small hose, unscrew the trap. Loaded with coins / hairpins = clean and retest.
Bravos / top-load: top access via service screws. Open pump cover, inspect impeller for debris and cracks.
Pull washer out 6 in, check for kinks. Verify hose top height ≤ spec.
Continuity check — must close when door / lid is engaged. Won't lock = won't drain on most platforms.
FAQs
F21 is 'drain time exceeded' — the washer tried to drain for too long and gave up. 90% of the time it's a clogged pump or coin trap. Less often a kinked hose or failed pump. Repair $245–$345 all-in.
Yes — on Maxima and other front-load MHW units the coin trap behind the bottom-front panel needs cleaning every 6 months. A full trap stops drainage entirely. We do this on every front-load no-drain call before any pump work.
Drop the drain hose to the floor into a bucket — gravity will get most of it out. Don't run another cycle until we've diagnosed because rerunning a stuck cycle can burn the pump.
Yes — full Maytag lineup including Bravos top-load, Maxima front-load, MHW, MVW, and Centennial. Same diagnostic order; OEM parts on the truck.
$185–$485 all-in. Coin trap $185–$245, pump $245–$345, hose / install $185–$285, lid / door lock $215–$315, main board $345–$485. The $149 trip fee credits to repair.
Yes — drain pumps, coin trap kits, lid switches, door lock assemblies, drain hoses, and main control boards for Bravos, Maxima, MHW, MVW, Centennial, and stacked units.
Related coverage
See all Maytag repair services.
What will this cost?
Trying to decide repair vs. replace? These pages break down real all-in pricing by brand, model class, and failure mode — so you know the number before we knock.
