The F9 error on your Maytag Washer means the machine has detected a drain problem — it isn’t emptying the water from the tub within the time it expects. Check the drain hose and pump filter before calling for service, as this is often a quick DIY fix.

Error code F9
Meaning Long drain time / drain error detected by the control board
Severity Medium — the washer won’t complete a cycle until water drains properly
Time to fix 15–45 minutes
Tools needed Bucket or towels, pliers, flashlight

What the F9 error means

The F9 code means your Maytag washer’s control board has timed out waiting for the tub to drain during a cycle. Modern Maytag washers monitor drain speed using a pressure sensor, and if the water level doesn’t drop fast enough, the machine stops and flags F9 rather than risk overflowing or damaging the motor. This is almost always a physical blockage or a mechanical fault somewhere in the drain path, not a control board failure.

Common causes

  • Clogged drain pump filter full of lint, coins, or small clothing items
  • Kinked, crushed, or blocked drain hose
  • Drain hose pushed too far into a standpipe, causing siphoning issues
  • Faulty or seized drain pump motor
  • Blocked household drain pipe or standpipe backing up water
  • Failed pressure sensor (water level switch) giving a false reading

How to fix the F9 error

  1. Power down and unplug the washer. Always disconnect power before accessing the pump or hoses to avoid electric shock.
  2. Check the drain hose for kinks or clogs. Pull the washer away from the wall, straighten the hose, and check for crushed sections or debris blocking the flow.
  3. Clean the drain pump filter. Locate the small access panel at the front bottom of the machine, place a towel underneath, and remove any lint, coins, or debris trapped inside.
  4. Inspect the standpipe or household drain. Make sure the drain hose isn’t inserted too deep and that the household plumbing isn’t blocked or backed up.
  5. Test the drain pump. Listen for a humming noise with no water movement during the drain cycle — this usually signals a worn pump motor that needs replacing.
  6. Restart the cycle. Plug the washer back in, run a short rinse and spin cycle, and confirm the water drains fully without the F9 code reappearing.

If the F9 error persists after clearing blockages, it’s worth checking whether the issue is linked to sensor faults covered in the Maytag Washer F1 Error Code: Causes and Fixes guide, since control board communication problems can sometimes present similar symptoms. Water level and pressure switch issues, as explained in the Maytag Washer F2 Error Code: Causes and Fixes article, are also worth ruling out. If you’ve recently dealt with heating problems, the Maytag Washer F3 Error Code: Causes and Fixes page has useful troubleshooting steps. For motor-related drain pump failures, compare notes with the Maytag Washer F5 Error Code: Causes and Fixes guide.

FAQ

Can I fix the F9 error myself without calling a technician?
Yes, in most cases. Cleaning the drain pump filter and straightening the drain hose resolves the issue without any special tools or parts.

Why does my Maytag washer show F9 even after I cleared the filter?
If the code returns, the drain pump motor itself may have failed, or the pressure sensor could be giving a false reading — both usually require a replacement part.

Is it safe to keep using the washer while it shows F9?
No. The cycle won’t complete properly and standing water can damage the motor or cause mould, so fix the drain issue before running another load.