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  1. Repair
  2. Maytag
  3. Maytag Dryer
  4. Dryer not draining

Maytag dryer not draining

Common reasons your Maytag dryer is not draining

The most common reasons your Maytag dryer is not draining are an open heating element, defective electronic control board or a faulty thermal fuse.

  • 54%

    54% of the time it's the
    Heating Element

  • 22%

    22% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 16%

    16% of the time it's the
    Thermal Fuse

  • 8%

    8% of the time it's the
    Something else

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    Most common repairs needed to fix a Maytag dryer

    Heating Element Replacement

    When your condensing or ventless dryer is not draining, an open heating element could be causing the problem. The electronic control board on a condensing dryer will sense an open heating element and typically halt all dryer operations. The drain pump won’t get power from the electronic control board to drain condensate water when the control board detects a problem with the heating element. When your dryer isn’t draining, have a Sears Home Services Technician visit your home and fix the dryer.


    Electronic Control Board Replacement

    If a condensing or ventless dryer is not draining, a defective electronic control board may be failing to send electric current to the drain pump motor. A failed relay on the control board won’t allow current to flow to the drain pump to drain condensate. A problem with internal control board logic could be preventing the control from detecting conditions inside the dryer. When your dryer isn’t draining, have a Sears Home Services Repair Expert visit your home and fix the problem.

    Thermal Fuse Replacement

    In a condensing or ductless dryer that’s not draining, a faulty or blown thermal fuse could be causing the problem. The thermal fuse is a safety device that trips when the dryer overheats. The electronic control will typically halt all dryer operations when the thermal fuse blows so the drain pump won’t pump out condensate water. When your dryer isn’t draining, schedule a Sears Home Services Technician to visit your home and fix the problem.

    What to expect when you experience a Maytag dryer not draining issue

    How is the not draining problem fixed?

    Correcting most not draining problems usually involves replacing the heating element, electronic control board or thermal fuse. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

    Sears Home Services recommendations for a dryer that is not draining

    When the dryer is not draining it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts, we recommend scheduling Maytag dryer repair with a local Sears Home Services professional who can perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dryer failures.

    What to look out for with a dryer not draining diagnosis

    Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dryer problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

    What our customers say about us

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    Excellent service from Daniel

    Daniel provided excellent service and was very quick to perform the repair. I have nothing good to say about the warranty program and the LACK of customer service and the inability to contact a human being to talk.


    Tammy M, Hilton, NY

    Satisfied customer

    Excellent technician Very thorough and detail oriented Would be happy to have him work on appliances again He managed to find our ranch headquarters in the middle of the desert


    Rose W, Las Cruces, NM

    Dryer service

    He was professional and polite. I didn't call back later that afternoon, although he replaced a thermostat the smart dry timer doesn't work as I was still having the same issue. The lady said she would email him and have him return. Never heard from anyone else.


    Terry F, Oklahoma City, OK

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    Glossary Terms

    Natural gas is a fossil fuel used primarily for heating, cooking, and electricity generation. It's a hydrocarbon gas mixture consisting mainly of methane, but it also contains smaller amounts of other hydrocarbons and sometimes sulfur compounds.

    A gas dryer is a laundry appliance that uses natural gas or propane to generate heat to dry clothes.

    A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.

    A furnace is a major appliance that heats air distributed throughout a home or building via a ductwork system.

    Additional possible Maytag dryer symptoms you may experience

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