Step-by-Step DIY Fix Guide
- SAFETY: Unplug the washer before checking the drain hose.
- Pull the washer away from the wall and inspect the drain hose — straighten any kinks.
- Confirm the drain hose enters the standpipe no more than 4.5 inches deep and is not sealed with tape or a tight fit.
- Run water down the sink or standpipe the hose drains into — confirm the household drain is clear.
- If your model has an accessible pump filter, locate it (consult your owner's manual), place towels beneath it, and clean the filter.
- Plug the washer back in and run a Drain & Spin cycle.
- If water still does not drain, the drain pump has likely failed.
If it's still not draining
- If the drain path looks clear but the code returns, the issue is more likely in the pump path or another less accessible restriction.
- If airflow still seems weak after the basic checks, the fan path or a deeper obstruction becomes more likely.
- drn persists after the drain hose is clear and the household drain is confirmed unblocked
What This Error Means
Error drn on your Maytag washing machine means: The washer attempted to drain but water remains in the tub after the drain cycle completed. This code appears on top-load HE models and is the functional equivalent of F9E1 on front-load models. The washer's self-diagnostic system has detected this condition and paused the current cycle.
The most frequent cause is kinked drain hose preventing water from flowing out. Work through the causes and fix steps below in order — most Maytag washer errors are resolved without a service call.
Many cases of drn can be resolved by the homeowner. The steps below cover the full DIY checks — if they do not resolve the error, a technician is needed.
On front-load models, the pump filter (coin trap) is the first thing to check — it sits behind a small access panel on the lower front of the machine and collects lint, coins, and small items. Cleaning it takes 10 minutes and resolves the majority of drain faults.
Most Likely Cause by Symptom
The Maytag washing machine may stop, pause, or refuse to complete the cycle normally.
Likely cause: Kinked drain hose preventing water from flowing out
Check first: SAFETY: Unplug the washer before checking the drain hose.
Water may remain inside the drum at the end of the cycle.
Likely cause: Drain hose end inserted too deeply into the standpipe (more than 4.5 inches), creating a siphon seal
Check first: Pull the washer away from the wall and inspect the drain hose — straighten any kinks.
Performance may drop because airflow, filtering, or draining is restricted.
Likely cause: Blocked household standpipe or sink drain — the pump is working but has nowhere to send the water
Check first: Confirm the drain hose enters the standpipe no more than 4.5 inches deep and is not sealed with tape or a tight fit.
Common Causes
- Kinked drain hose preventing water from flowing out
- Drain hose end inserted too deeply into the standpipe (more than 4.5 inches), creating a siphon seal
- Blocked household standpipe or sink drain — the pump is working but has nowhere to send the water
- Pump filter or coin trap clogged with lint or debris (on models with a serviceable filter)
- Failed drain pump motor — the pump has seized or an object is blocking the impeller
What Not to Do
- Do not re-run a full wash cycle when the drum is full of undrained water — you will add more water on top of what cannot drain
Model and Display Variation Notes
Model-family notes
- Maytag washing machine display wording and code formats can vary by series.
- If your model behaves differently, check the owner manual before trying any deeper maintenance step.
Display and panel differences
- Panel wording can vary by series, so confirm the exact code pattern before buying parts.
Parts, Tools and Service Options
Common parts
- Drain pump motor ($30–$80)
- Drain hose if damaged or kinked permanently ($15–$35)
Manual and model check
Check your exact model and manual before ordering any Maytag washing machine parts.
Service option
Maytag service visit if the warning returns after the basic checks are complete.
Suggestions in this section are organized to support the troubleshooting flow first. Any future affiliate relationships should be disclosed clearly.
When Not to Keep Troubleshooting
drn persists after the drain hose is clear and the household drain is confirmed unblocked
- Pump is audible but no water drains — possible impeller blockage or motor failure
How to Prevent It Recurring
- Check the drain hose position annually — hoses can slowly shift deeper into the standpipe over time, eventually creating a seal that blocks drainage
Related Error Codes
F9E1
The washer started a drain cycle but could not empty the drum within 8 minutes. The machine has stopped to prevent motor damage and flooding.
Ofb
The washer detected that the laundry load is unevenly distributed in the drum during spin. An out-of-balance load causes excessive vibration that can damage the machine — the washer has paused spin to protect itself.
OL
The washer has detected that the drum is carrying more weight than it is rated for. An overloaded drum cannot agitate or spin properly, leading to poor cleaning and potential motor damage. The cycle will not proceed until items are removed.
Extra notes
- This page is based on Maytag support material and stays conservative where model-specific guidance may vary.
- The goal is to help you identify safe first checks before you move into parts, service, or model-specific manual lookup.
Source and model notes
Last reviewed: 2026-04-08
Based on: Based on Maytag support material and edited into consumer-safe guidance for the exact code family on this page.
View Maytag US Official Support
Model coverage note: Maytag washing machine code meanings can vary by series, control panel, and model family, so use this page as a safe starting point rather than a replacement for the model-specific manual.
Important: FixThisError is an independent guide, not the manufacturer. Use your model-specific manual when the panel wording or behavior differs.
Always disconnect power before inspecting appliances. If unsure, contact a licensed appliance technician.