Skip to main content

Free Shipping on Domestic Orders $75+

Maytag Washing Machine Drain Pump Replacement

Video Guide
This guide was transcribed from a YouTube video.

What you need

    • Unplug the washer before removing any covers or touching the pump wiring.

    • Turn off the water supply if you need to move the washer or disturb the fill hoses.

    • Keep the pump connector and nearby wiring dry throughout the repair.

    • Set a large bowl and towels under the front of the washer to catch water from the pump and hoses.

    • If the tub is full, expect much more water than the pump body alone can hold.

    Ask FixBot

    Add Comment

    • Check for an FO2 code, water left in the tub, or a Drain and Spin cycle that counts down without pumping.

    • Debris in the pump can rub the impeller and cause drain errors or pump failure.

    • Replace the drain pump if cleaning debris doesn't restore draining, or if the pump has failed from age.

    • Use the washer model number to confirm the replacement pump matches before installing it.

    Ask FixBot

    Add Comment

    • Use a 1/4 inch nut driver to remove the three screws from the lower front cover.

    • Open the lower drawer, lift it, and remove it from the washer.

    • Set the screws aside where they won't get lost.

    Ask FixBot

    Add Comment

    • Place a large bowl directly under the drain-pump area.

    • Squeeze the two clips on the nearby connector retainer and move it out of the way.

    • The lower drawer has drain holes, but don't rely on it to catch the water.

    • Keep towels nearby because the pump can still drain water even if the tub looks empty.

    Ask FixBot

    Add Comment

    • Remove the screw through the rubber grommet if your pump uses one.

    • For a pull-tab mount, press the pump upward and pull the front tab forward to release it.

    • Slide the rear rubber feet off the mount and pull the pump forward.

    • Unclip the pump wire from its holder.

    • Squeeze the two tabs on the connector cover, lift the cover, and unplug the pump connector.

    • Keep the electrical connector dry and unplugged until all hose work is finished.

    Ask FixBot

    Add Comment

    • Position the loose pump so the cleanout cover points toward the bowl.

    • Slowly loosen the cleanout cover to start draining water.

    • Don't remove the cleanout cover all at once if the tub is full.

    • Empty the bowl as needed until the water stops flowing.

    • Retighten the cleanout cover if you loosened or removed it.

    Ask FixBot

    Add Comment

    • Use pliers or tongue-and-groove pliers to squeeze the first hose clamp.

    • Slide the clamp back on the hose.

    • Work the hose off the pump fitting.

    • Repeat the clamp and hose removal for the second hose.

    • Remove the drain pump from the washer.

    • The hose clamps are usually the hardest part of this repair because access is tight.

    Ask FixBot

    Add Comment

    • Compare the replacement drain-pump and filter assembly with the old pump before installing it.

    • Confirm the pump matches the washer model number.

    • Check the mount layout before installation.

    • The rear tabs fit under the back legs, the front mount fits under the rubber loops, and the pull tab locks over the front mount.

    • Common compatible numbers for this pump style include 280187, 8181684, and 285998.

    Ask FixBot

    Add Comment

    • Slide the rear mounting tabs of the new pump into the back slots.

    • Press the front feet into the front mount.

    • Pull the front tab into place so it locks over the pump mount.

    • A little movement is normal because the pump sits on rubber mounts.

    Ask FixBot

    Add Comment

    • Use pliers or tongue-and-groove pliers to compress the clamp on the rear hose.

    • Slide the rear hose fully over the rear pump fitting before releasing the clamp.

    • Release the clamp only after the hose is fully seated.

    • Compress the clamp for the second hose and slide that hose fully over the front pump fitting.

    • Release the second clamp after the hose is fully seated.

    • Fully seated hoses help prevent leaks at the pump housing.

    Ask FixBot

    Add Comment

    • Plug the pump connector back into its matching socket.

    • Close the connector cover.

    • Clip the wiring back into its retainer so it stays away from the pump and hoses.

    • Reinstall the clips that hold the connector retainer in place.

    Ask FixBot

    Add Comment

    • Leave the lower access cover off so you can see the pump during testing.

    • Dry the area under the pump and hoses with a towel.

    • Restore power and run a cycle that fills briefly and drains.

    • Watch both hose connections, the cleanout cover, and the pump housing for leaks.

    • Expect some air noise or cavitation when the new pump first primes.

    • The washer should pump water out strongly after the pump primes.

    • Unplug the washer before touching the pump area if you see a leak.

    Ask FixBot

    Add Comment

    • Cancel the test cycle and unplug the washer.

    • Reinstall the lower drawer or access cover.

    • Use a 1/4 inch nut driver or Torx screwdriver to reinstall the three screws.

    • Run a Drain and Spin cycle and confirm the FO2 code doesn't return.

    Ask FixBot

    Add Comment

Conclusion

Run one complete wash and drain cycle after the repair, and check the floor under the washer for any signs of water. Repair didn't go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.

Cancel: I did not complete this guide.

eCuration

Member since: 05/19/17

476,944 Reputation

385 Guides authored

0 Guide Comments

Add Comment

View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 4

Past 7 Days: 15

Past 30 Days: 101

All Time: 101