In this guide
TL;DR: Check whether your washer provides owner access before trying to clean a drain-pump filter. Slow drainage, a drain error, rattling, or a missing small object can lead you to that part, but a kinked hose, blocked standpipe, failed pump, wiring fault, or plumbing problem can produce similar symptoms.
Find the pump-filter access listed for your model
The manual may call it a drain-pump filter, coin trap, or emergency drain. Some front-loaders provide a lower flap or storage-drawer access; others require a service panel. Top-loaders can use a different arrangement. A similar-looking washer in a video does not establish which procedure applies.
Floor leaks, burning odor, a tripped breaker, or very hot drum water need attention before any access point opens. Leave the washer off, and make sure you can reach the plug without moving it or straining hoses.
Drain retained water before removing the pump filter
An empty-looking drum can still leave water below it. Put towels and a wide shallow pan beneath the access point. Have gloves, a flashlight, and another container ready if the pan is small. Keep children and pets away, switch off and unplug, and let the washer and water cool. The filter must never open while the machine runs or remains connected to power.
- Open the documented owner's door or drawer. Leave a large cabinet panel installed unless the manual explicitly permits owner removal.
- Position the pan beneath the outlet. For a supplied emergency hose, unclip it and remove its plug over the pan; drain slowly, then refit the plug and secure the hose as shown.
- Loosen the filter gradually in the specified direction. Pause for escaping water and empty the pan as needed.
- Remove reachable coins, buttons, lint, or hair and rinse the removable filter. Keep tools out of the pump and leave the impeller alone unless expressly instructed.
- Check the O-ring for dirt, twists, cuts, or missing sections. Clean its sealing surface without stretching it.
- Seat the filter fully in the prescribed direction. Restore the hose and cover before reconnecting power.
If the cap will not turn, contact the maker or qualified service. Extra leverage can worsen a crossed thread or obstruction, or damage a nonremovable design. No drain cleaner, bleach, vinegar, detergent, or washer cleaner belongs in this opening; do not mix products already in the washer.
Watch for leaks when the washer drains again
Use the manufacturer's test or rinse-and-drain procedure, watching the access area when the pump starts. Any leak means stop immediately. A cleared error code cannot explain recurring slow drainage, pump noise, or water around the door.
Maytag describes occasional care for models with owner access, not a monthly rule for every washer. Follow the model's interval. The filter identification guide separates similarly named systems. For additive film or trapped gasket water, use the distinct drawer and door-seal methods.
Pump-filter questions
Why not remove the cap all at once?
Water can remain below an apparently empty drum. Drain through a supplied emergency hose first, then loosen gradually with a pan and towels ready. Pause to empty the pan.
Can clearing the filter fix every drain error?
No. Hoses, the standpipe, pump, wiring, and plumbing can also be involved. Recurring errors, slow drainage, pump noise, or leaks need further diagnosis.