What does ND on a Maytag washer mean?

A Maytag front load washer is engineered to handle extra dirty loads and has special control features that let you decide when and how to wash your laundry. Even better, this washing machine displays errors on a control panel when it isn’t working as required.

One of the most common ones is the ND error code. So, what does an ND error on a Maytag washer mean, and how do you clear it?

When the ND error code displays on the panel, your clothes may be cleaned in the washing machine. In this article, you will learn what this error code means and how you can clear it off by draining the Maytag Neptune drain pump.

What is the error code ND?

The error code ND on a Maytag washer stands for Not Draining. This means that your washer cannot drain water during its cleaning cycle. As a result, there is dirty water in the drum sometimes, and the washer has stopped spinning.

In addition, a clogged drain pump prevents water from flowing and causing water flooding in the washer.

How do you clear the error code on a Maytag washer?

Now that you’ve understood why an ND error code appears on your Maytag washer, let’s get into the troubleshooting details.

Start by draining the Maytag Neptune drain pump. If it doesn’t work, then check for a clogged or kinked drain hose. If the drain hose is in good condition, check whether a cloth is stuck in the drain pump.

Socks and small clothes sometimes get stuck in the pump during the cleaning or drying cycle, making the washer stop spinning. The cloth may also damage the pump’s impeller, and you will have to replace the whole pump.

READ: How to troubleshoot Maytag washer problems

Where is the drain pump on a Maytag washer?

The drain pump is located at the back of the Maytag washer. Unscrew the panels at the back of the washer, and lift and slide the panels to reveal the drain pump on the left side. Its purpose is to drain all the water from the washer drum and force it out through the drain hose.

Inside the drain pump is an impeller that continually spins when the pump is normally spinning. When the impeller spins, it pulls water from the washer drum and pushes it out through the drain hose. When the drain pump or impeller is ruined, water gets clogged in the drain hose and fills the front washer load.

How do you manually drain a Maytag washer?

Before you inspect or check the drain pump or hose, you must manually drain the water to minimize leaks. Here is how you can manually drain water out of a Maytag Neptune washer:

Pull the washer away from the wall or any power supply and unplug it from the socket.
Fetch any remaining water in the washer drum.
Remove the drain hose from the wall or sink drain and empty the remaining water into a bucket.
Fix the open end of the drain hose to prevent unnecessary spillage while you troubleshoot the Neptune washer.

How to unclog a drain hose

A clogged drain hose is why your Maytag Neptune washer is not working. There may be kinks or blockages from debris or a trapped piece of clothing obstructing the hose from draining the water properly.

If the blockage is not visible outside the hose, you need to inspect its internal part using the following procedure:

Unscrew the two mounting screws clamping the washer’s front panel and remove it. Pull out the panel edges before removing the top.
Place a towel under the drain hose before disconnecting it from the drain pump.
Once the water has been drained, check the hose for blockages and remove them with pliers.
If you cannot see any blockages, separate the hose from the tube end to check and remove any debris.
Connect the inner hose to the pump and tab.
Return the washer’s front panel.
Connect the outer hose to the drain, ensuring that the end of the hose is 30 to 96 inches above the floor for proper draining.
Connect the Neptune washer to the water and power supply before pushing it back to the wall.

How to clean a drain pump filter

Another reason your Maytag washer is not draining is because of a clogged drain pump filter. When the water drains out of the pump, the pump filter sieves out dirt that may clog the drain pump. A clogged filter prevents water from flowing to the drain pump and out of the washer.

Follow these steps to unclog a drain pump filter:

First, open the washer’s front panel.
Next, position a towel under the drain pump filter.
Gently turn the filter cap counterclockwise while controlling the water flow rate that drains out of the drain pump.
Remove the pump filter and clean it under running water to remove dirt or debris.
Using a paper towel, wipe off any buildup on the filter housing.
Reconnect the drain pump filter and twist it clockwise to secure it.
Finally, reconnect the washer’s front panel.

Faulty washer components

If the washer still displays the ND error code and is not draining, there may be faulty components. They include the door lock and drain pump.

If so, consult a professional repairer to assist you and help fix the problem. You can also contact Maytag customer service, who will repair the washer if its warranty is still valid.

Fixed the Not Draining (ND) issue on your Maytag washer?

A Maytag Neptune Washer is efficient in washing large or extra dirty loads. However, there are cases where it may fail to drain because of a clogged drain hose, pump filter, or drain pump. You can apply the above troubleshooting methods to drain the excess water from the washer and get the machine working again.

If the error code persists and the water does not drain, your washer has faulty components, such as the drain pump and door look. You should, therefore, contact a professional repairer or Maytag Customer Service to fix your washer and get it draining again.