What does F9 E1 mean on a Whirlpool / Maytag / Amana washer?

F9 E1 means: Long drain error. The most likely parts involved are drain pump assembly, drain pump coin trap / filter, drain hose.

How much does it cost to fix F9 E1?

A typical drain pump replacement costs about $225–$400 nationally, parts and labor included. This is a reference range, not a quote — local prices vary.

How do I get the water out of my washer when it shows F9 E1?

Unplug the washer first and protect the floor with towels. On many front-load models you can drain the water through the small hose or filter behind the lower front access panel. On top-load models, you can bail the water out or lower the drain hose into a bucket below the tub level.

Can I keep using my washer with an F9 E1 code?

It is best not to. The washer will keep stopping with water in the tub, and running it with a clog can strain the drain pump. Clear the problem first, then test with a Drain/Spin cycle.

Error codes › Washer › Whirlpool

Whirlpool Washer F9 E1 Error Code

Long drain error

Also shown on Maytag and Amana washers.

Applies to: Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana Front-Load and Top-Load washers. May also appear as drn, Ld, F21, F02, F9E1.

What's going on

F9 E1 means your washer tried to drain but the water did not leave the tub in the time the washer allows. The most common causes are a clogged coin trap or filter, a kinked or blocked drain hose, or a drain pump that has failed. Start with the simple checks below, and call a qualified appliance technician if the code keeps coming back.

During each drain step, the washer's control watches how long it takes for the water level in the tub to drop. If the water is still there after a set time, the washer stops and shows F9 E1.

This code appears on many Whirlpool, Maytag, and Amana front-load and top-load washers. Codes can mean different things on different model generations, so confirm with your model number and owner's manual.

The code itself is not dangerous, but it matters. Standing water can leak out when you open the door, can leave clothes soaking and smelling, and a pump that keeps straining against a clog can wear out faster.

Likely causes

drain pump coin trap / filter — Coins, hair ties, lint, and small socks can collect in the coin trap or filter. When it clogs, water cannot reach the pump fast enough to drain on time.
drain hose — A hose that is kinked, crushed behind the washer, or clogged inside slows or stops the water. A hose pushed too far down the standpipe can also cause drain problems.
drain pump assembly — If the pump motor is worn out or the impeller is broken or jammed, the pump cannot push water out. You may hear humming with no draining, or no sound at all.

The same code can mean different things on different model generations. Check the model number on your washer's rating plate before ordering parts.

Can you fix it yourself?

Doable for an experienced DIYer with the right part, but many people still call a technician.

Safe things to check first

Unplug the washer or switch off its breaker, then wait a minute and restore power. Run a Drain/Spin cycle to see if the code was a one-time glitch.
With the washer unplugged, gently pull it out and look at the drain hose. Straighten any kinks and make sure nothing is crushing it against the wall.
Check that the drain hose is not pushed too deep into the standpipe or sink, and that the house drain is not backed up or overflowing.
On front-load models with an access door at the bottom front, unplug the washer, lay down towels and a shallow pan, then open the coin trap or filter per your owner's manual to clear debris. Expect water to come out.

When to call a technician

If the hose and filter are clear and the washer still shows F9 E1 or hums without draining, the drain pump is likely the problem. A handy owner can often replace it with the correct part for their model, but call a qualified appliance technician if you are not comfortable moving the washer or working inside it.

What the repair usually costs

$225–$400

Drain pump replacement, parts and labor — national reference range

Confidence: medium (based on 2 cost guides). Plus a service call fee of about $50–$100, often credited toward the repair.

This is not a quote. Prices vary by region and by model.

Repair or replace?

Repair usually makes sense. Even the high end of this repair stays under $500, about half the price of a typical new washer.

A typical new washer costs about $700–$1,300.

Check your washer — free, 2 minutes

Common questions

What does F9 E1 mean on a Whirlpool / Maytag / Amana washer?: F9 E1 means: Long drain error. The most likely parts involved are drain pump assembly, drain pump coin trap / filter, drain hose.
How much does it cost to fix F9 E1?: A typical drain pump replacement costs about $225–$400 nationally, parts and labor included. This is a reference range, not a quote — local prices vary.
Should I repair or replace my washer?: Repair usually makes sense. Even the high end of this repair stays under $500, about half the price of a typical new washer.
Can I fix F9 E1 myself?: Doable for an experienced DIYer with the right part, but many people still call a technician.
How do I get the water out of my washer when it shows F9 E1?: Unplug the washer first and protect the floor with towels. On many front-load models you can drain the water through the small hose or filter behind the lower front access panel. On top-load models, you can bail the water out or lower the drain hose into a bucket below the tub level.
Can I keep using my washer with an F9 E1 code?: It is best not to. The washer will keep stopping with water in the tub, and running it with a clog can strain the drain pump. Clear the problem first, then test with a Drain/Spin cycle.