Why is there standing water in my Maytag dishwasher?

It’s likely caused by a clogged filter, blocked drain hose, or malfunctioning drain pump.

Can I unclog the dishwasher myself?

Yes—start by cleaning the filter and inspecting the hose. If it still won’t drain, a technician may be needed.

Should I run the garbage disposal first?

Yes. If the dishwasher connects to a disposal, running it can help clear the drain line.

How do I reset my Maytag dishwasher?

Unplug the unit or switch off the circuit breaker for 1-2 minutes. This may reset minor software or control errors.

When should I call a technician?

If you’ve cleaned the filter and checked the hose but the problem continues, it’s time to call a professional—especially if the drain pump or control board is involved.

Maytag dishwasher not draining

If your Maytag dishwasher is leaving standing water in the bottom of the tub or your dishes aren’t fully clean, drainage problems may be to blame. This is one of the most common dishwasher issues and is often caused by a clog, blockage, or faulty component. Below, we’ll walk through the top causes and how to troubleshoot them.

Key reasons for the problem:

50% of reported issues are the

Clogged Drain Hose

30% of reported issues are the

Faulty Drain Pump

15% of reported issues are the

Air Gap Blockage

5% of reported issues are the

All Other Causes

Diagnostic and troubleshooting steps

Maytag dishwasher not draining? Follow the steps below to troubleshoot common issues like a clogged drain hose, blocked air gap, or a faulty drain pump.

Step 1:

Check the Filter and Drain Basket

Remove the bottom rack and inspect the filter for food buildup or clogs. Rinse under warm water and scrub gently with a soft brush.

Step 2:

Inspect the Drain Hose

Look behind the dishwasher or under the sink for a blocked, kinked, or disconnected drain hose. Straighten it and flush with water if needed.

Step 3:

Check the Garbage Disposal Connection

If the dishwasher connects to a disposal, run the disposal to clear any clogs. If it’s a new install, ensure the knockout plug was removed.

Step 4:

Listen to the Drain Cycle

A humming noise without drainage may point to a failed pump. If it’s silent or struggling, a professional may be needed to replace the pump.

Step 5:

Reset the Dishwasher

Turn off the power at the breaker for 1–2 minutes or unplug the unit. Restart the dishwasher and see if it completes the drain cycle.

Step 6:

Get a Home Warranty for Unexpected Appliance Issues

From strange noises to total power loss, warranty providers like Liberty Home Guard cover a wide range of sudden problems.

Key actions for homeowners

Clean the dishwasher filter every few weeks to prevent buildup.
Avoid overloading dishes, which can block the drainage flow.
Always run the garbage disposal before using the dishwasher.
Use dishwasher-safe detergents to reduce soap scum residue.
Schedule regular maintenance to keep internal components functioning well.

Most common repairs needed to fix a maytag dishwasher

When your Maytag dishwasher isn’t draining, certain repairs are more commonly required than others. Below are the most frequent fixes:

Clean the dishwasher filter every few weeks to prevent buildup.
Avoid overloading dishes, which can block the drainage flow.
Always run the garbage disposal before using the dishwasher.
Use dishwasher-safe detergents to reduce soap scum residue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there standing water in my Maytag dishwasher?
It’s likely caused by a clogged filter, blocked drain hose, or malfunctioning drain pump.
Can I unclog the dishwasher myself?
Yes—start by cleaning the filter and inspecting the hose. If it still won’t drain, a technician may be needed.
Should I run the garbage disposal first?
Yes. If the dishwasher connects to a disposal, running it can help clear the drain line.
How do I reset my Maytag dishwasher?
Unplug the unit or switch off the circuit breaker for 1–2 minutes. This can reset minor software errors.
When should I call a technician?
If you've cleaned the filter and checked the hose but the problem continues, it's time to contact a professional, especially if the pump or control board is involved.

Want to view more?

The Most Consumer Centric
Home Warranty Provider.

Homeowners across the country recommend Liberty Home Guard Home Warranty above all others.
Don’t just take our word for it—Liberty Home Guard Reviews speak for themselves!

Had a fantastic experience with JP L...

Had a fantastic experience with JP Luna during a recent service call. He was professional, efficient, and went above and beyond to...

Pace Appliance

I'm so glad I switched to Liberty. T...

I'm so glad I switched to Liberty. They were quick to respond to my request and covered the work that needed to be done.

Debra Dockins

Dante Vega customer service rep at l...

Dante Vega customer service rep at liberty home warranty handle all my new work orders assuring me a steady work flow for the comp...

Nat Stew

Liberty home guard sent Reynaldo fro...

Liberty home guard sent Reynaldo from RRB Plumbing. He was very patient, understanding, professional and helpful. He fixed the wat...

finstpnjbi

I got the pleasure of dealing with O...

I got the pleasure of dealing with Otis Luna. He was spectacular very knowledgeable and very helpful. I would like to congratulate...

maria elena perez

Best Service ever . Héctor Díaz is...

Best Service ever . Héctor Díaz is an Amazing Agent. So diligent and nice

respalcorpElectric

The young man was very helpful. I ha...

The young man was very helpful. I have three claims pending, and they all have different stages and phases and it’s very difficu...

Steven Todd

Tony provided great customer service...

Tony provided great customer service! He was attentive and efficient thank you

Angela DiGuiseppi

Great job. Would highly recommend th...

Great job. Would highly recommend the technician!! And fast: our dryer needed repair on a Friday and by the following Tuesday we h...

Larry Feinstein

The support-person was very knowledg...

The support-person was very knowledgeable and gave me the information I needed to make my decision. Suppoet-person was Tony Torres...

John Mangan