# How to Fix Maytag Error F34 (Item in Drum)
The F34 error code on Maytag washing machines points to a critical issue during the drain cycle. While the official description is often vague (“Item in Drum”), this error almost universally means the machine has failed to remove the water within the required time limit.
The pressure sensor (or water level sensor) is still detecting water when it should be empty, indicating that the **Drain Pump** is either clogged, damaged, or has failed electronically.
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## Explanation: What Error F34 Means
**F34 is a “Slow or No Drain” Error.**
When the F34 error appears, the washer’s control board (the CCU) initiated a drain cycle but received confirmation from the pressure sensor that the tub was not successfully emptied after several minutes.
In practical terms, this means:
1. A foreign item (sock, coin, debris) is physically blocking the **Drain Pump** impeller.
2. The **Drain Pump** has failed electrically and is no longer running.
3. The main drain hose is clogged or kinked.
## Step-by-Step Fix: Diagnosing and Clearing F34
**Safety First:** Always unplug the washing machine from the wall outlet before attempting any disassembly or internal inspection. Be prepared for several gallons of water to spill when opening the pump access.
### Step 1: Power Reset and Initial Checks
1. **Unplug the Machine:** Disconnect power completely for 5 minutes.
2. **Check the Drain Hose:** Ensure the hose running from the back of the washer to the standpipe or utility sink is not kinked, crushed, or pushed too far down into the standpipe (which can create a siphon issue).
3. **Check the Water Inlet:** Ensure the hot and cold water supplies are turned on.
If the error persists after plugging the machine back in, you must access the drain pump filter.
### Step 2: Access the Drain Pump and Filter
The drain pump is usually located at the bottom front of the machine. Depending on your model (front-load vs. top-load), you may need to tilt the machine back or remove a small lower access panel.
1. **Prepare for Water:** Place towels and a shallow basin near the access area.
2. **Locate the Pump:** Find the pump filter cap or access plug.
3. **Drain Remaining Water:** Carefully loosen the drain plug or cap to slowly empty the remaining water into your basin. *Do not rush this step, or you will flood the floor.*
4. **Remove the Filter/Cap:** Once the water is drained, fully remove the filter cap.
### Step 3: Clear Debris and Test the Impeller
The most common cause of F34 is debris trapped in the pump chamber.
1. **Inspect the Chamber:** Use a flashlight to look deep into the pump cavity. Remove any foreign objects (coins, paper clips, lint, small clothing items like baby socks or underwear).
2. **Check the Impeller:** Once the chamber is clear, manually spin the impeller (the small fan blades inside the pump). It should spin easily and freely.
* **If the impeller is stiff or won’t move:** The pump motor is likely seized or jammed, requiring replacement.
* **If the impeller spins freely:** The pump may still be the culprit if the motor coils have failed electrically, or a small piece of debris is still lodged further back in the outflow tube.
### Step 4: Reassemble and Test
1. Replace the filter cap firmly.
2. Reinstall any access panels.
3. Plug the machine back in.
4. Run a short Drain/Spin cycle. If the water drains properly, the error should be cleared.
### Step 5: Replace the Drain Pump (If Clog Clearing Fails)
If you cleared the visible blockages and the F34 error returns, the drain pump has failed internally and must be replaced.
**Symptoms of a Failed Pump:**
* You hear a low humming sound when the drain cycle starts, but no water moves.
* You hear nothing at all when the drain cycle is commanded.
* The impeller was free, but the machine still trips the F34 code.
Replacing the pump is usually straightforward: Disconnect the power, access the pump, remove the wire harnesses and hoses, unmount the old pump (usually held by a few screws or clips), and install the new unit.
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Check the price for a replacement Drain Pump here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Maytag+Drain Pump&tag=trivian-20