Maytag Dishwasher F9 E1: Long Drain, Dishwasher Not Draining (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

What the code means

Maytag lists F9E1 as Long Drain (not draining) in its dishwasher error code table. Whirlpool's technical manual for the KitchenAid and Maytag 24 inch microfiltration dishwashers (W11499711) files it under Function 9, Draining, Error 1, Not draining, and tells technicians to check electrical loads first and mechanical functions second. The same manual says F9E1 is not likely a drain pump electrical problem unless F9E2 is also recorded, and warns not to change the drain pump without confirming it has failed electrically, seized, or broken its chopper blade. Because the control uses the wash motor signal to verify draining, a failed wash motor (F7E1 or F7E4 in the fault history) or a badly clogged filter can also set F9E1. In the service diagnostic cycle, a sensed drain runs for about 5 minutes at most, including retries.

Likely causes

• Clogged filter at the bottom of the tub
• Drain hose kinked, pinched or clogged between the back of the dishwasher and the sink
• Garbage disposer clogged, or its knockout plug never removed after a new installation
• Blocked air gap at the sink, if one is installed
• Drain hose routed on the wrong side or outside the frame, or missing a proper high loop
• Too many suds from dish soap or too much detergent
• Drain check valve stuck, or a clog in the sink tailpiece or trap downstream of the dishwasher
• Less often: a failed wash motor or drain pump (a service diagnosis; look for F9E2, F7E1 or F7E4 in the fault history)

Safe DIY checks

1. Remove the filter from the bottom of the tub and clean it thoroughly under running water.
2. Check the drain hose from the back of the dishwasher to the sink for kinks, pinches or clogs. Maytag says it must be routed on the correct side, inside the frame, with a high loop secured under the counter or a working air gap.
3. If the dishwasher drains into a garbage disposer, run the disposer to clear food. If the disposer is new or was just replaced, make sure the knockout plug in its dishwasher inlet was removed, since a retained plug blocks draining completely.
4. If you have an air gap on the sink, remove its cap and clear any debris following the air gap maker's instructions. If water spills out of the air gap during a drain, the blockage is further down, in the hose or the sink plumbing.
5. To check the hose itself, put a towel and shallow pan under the sink connection, loosen the clamp, detach the hose and flush it with warm water. Use a flexible plastic line or brush for stubborn clogs, never a sharp tool. Check the sink tailpiece and trap too, then reattach the hose and tighten the clamp snugly.
6. If you see suds, turn the dishwasher off and let them settle. Use only automatic dishwasher detergent, never dish soap, and don't overfill the dispenser.
7. Reset the control: unplug the dishwasher for 30 seconds, or turn off its breaker for 30 seconds if it's hard-wired, then restore power and run a short cycle.
8. If water still sits in the tub or F9E1 comes back, schedule service.

Parts that commonly fix it

Always match the part number to your exact model.

Related codes

• F8 E4 Maytag Dishwasher F8 E4
• E07 Bosch Dishwasher E07
• E09 Bosch Dishwasher E09
• E15 Bosch Dishwasher E15
• E22 Bosch Dishwasher E22

All Maytag codes →

Sources

1. Maytag Product Help: F9E1 - Dishwasher (Long Drain; filter, drain hose, disposer, air gap, power cycle, suds)
2. Maytag Product Help: Dishwasher Error Codes - Reading (F9E1 Long Drain - Not Draining)
3. Maytag Product Help: Dishwasher Not Draining (hose check, knockout plug, air gap, troubleshooting snapshot)
4. Whirlpool technical manual W11499711, KitchenAid and Maytag 24 inch microfiltration dishwashers (F9E1 not draining; F9E2 and wash motor checks; 5 minute sensed drain)