Does my Maytag dishwasher have a filter that needs to be cleaned?
Yes. Your Maytag MDBTT79AWB dishwasher uses a filter system that should be checked and cleaned when you notice poor cleaning, gritty residue, or slow draining. Cleaning the filter helps restore water flow through the pump and improves wash performance; follow the steps in the MDBTT79AWB owner's manual.
- Turn off power at the breaker (recommended) and open the door.
- Remove the lower rack for access.
- Unlock the upper filter assembly by turning it about 1/4 turn counterclockwise.
- Lift out the upper filter assembly.
- Grasp the lower filter in the circular opening, lift slightly, and remove.
- Rinse filters under warm running water; use a soft brush for stuck-on debris.
- Reinstall the lower filter, then the upper filter; lock the upper filter by turning clockwise.
- Clear food debris, labels, or glass fragments from the sump area.
- Spin the lower spray arm by hand to confirm it moves freely.
- Make sure dishes are not blocking the wash arms during loading.
- If you see standing water or frequent drain issues, inspect the drain path and consider replacing a damaged hose such as the dishwasher drain hose WP99002652.
- If cleaning results are still weak, a worn circulation component such as the dishwasher pump impeller WP99002659 can reduce spray pressure.
| Symptom | Most likely action | What it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Gritty residue on dishes | Clean filter | Restores circulation flow |
| Musty odor | Clean filter and run a cleaning cycle | Reduces trapped soil buildup |
| Slow drain or water left in tub | Clean filter, then check drain hose | Improves draining |
| Poor cleaning after filter is clean | Check spray arms and circulation parts | Restores spray pressure |
A partially clogged filter restricts water movement through the wash system. That can leave soil on dishes, reduce spray-arm performance, and contribute to odors. Keeping the filter clean is one of the fastest maintenance steps to improve dishwasher cleaning.
Last updated: February 2026
How long is the Maytag dishwasher warranty?
Maytag dishwasher warranty coverage depends on the exact Maytag dishwasher model and the warranty terms that came with it. For the Maytag MDBTT79AWB dishwasher, the warranty section in the MDBTT79AWB owner's manual is the right place to confirm the length, what parts are covered, and what situations can void coverage.
Look for these details so you know exactly what is covered and for how long:
- Warranty length (full warranty period vs. limited parts coverage)
- What is covered (parts only vs. parts and labor)
- What is not covered (installation issues, misuse, normal wear)
- Proof of purchase requirements
- How to request service (authorized servicer process)
Many Maytag dishwashers include a standard limited warranty plus additional limited coverage on certain components. Use this as a quick comparison, then confirm the exact wording for MDBTT79AWB in the manual.
| Coverage type | What it usually includes | What you should verify for MDBTT79AWB |
|---|---|---|
| Limited warranty | Defects in materials/workmanship | Time period and whether labor is included |
| Limited parts warranty | Specific components covered longer | Which parts qualify and any exclusions |
Warranty terms affect whether a repair is covered and how you should proceed. For example, if a dishwasher won’t heat or dry, you may be looking at components like the heater element W10283681, but warranty coverage depends on the exact warranty period and exclusions.
- Have your model and serial number ready (MDBTT79AWB)
- Keep your sales receipt or other proof of purchase
- Document symptoms (leaking, not draining, not heating, error lights)
- Avoid DIY disassembly if you plan to pursue warranty service first
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common problem with a Maytag dishwasher?
The most common Maytag dishwasher problems are draining issues, leaks, and poor cleaning performance. On Maytag model MDBTT79AWB, these symptoms usually trace back to a clogged filter area, a restricted drain path, or a wash system issue; our MDBTT79AWB owner's manual troubleshooting section is the best place to match symptoms to checks.
- Not draining: check the drain hose routing for kinks and clogs; confirm the sink/disposer connection is clear.
- Leaking: verify the dishwasher is level and not oversudsing (use only dishwasher detergent).
- Not cleaning well: clean the filter area and check spray arm holes for blockage.
- Not drying: confirm hot water supply (incoming water should be about 120°F / 49°C).
- Won’t start or stops mid-cycle: check door closure and latch engagement.
If your symptom points to a failed component (not just a clog or loading issue), these model-matched parts are common suspects:
| Symptom | Common cause | Example model-matched part |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t run, won’t latch | Door not latching securely | Latch WPW10275768 |
| Poor drying, long heat times | Heater not heating water | Heater element W10283681 |
| Not filling or fills slowly | Water supply restriction or valve issue | Dishwasher water inlet valve W11082871 |
| Not draining (after clearing hose) | Drain path restriction or hose issue | Dishwasher drain hose WP99002652 |
Drain, leak, and wash-performance problems can quickly lead to odors, standing water, and repeat cycle failures. Starting with the simple checks (leveling, correct detergent, clear drain path, proper water temperature) prevents unnecessary part replacement.
- Use Maytag microclean he dishwasher error codes if your control is flashing an error or beeping.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the parts of a Maytag dishwasher?
A Maytag dishwasher like model MDBTT79AWB is built around a fill system, wash system, filtration, heating, and door hardware. The key parts work together to bring water in, spray it through the wash arms, filter soil, heat for cleaning and drying, then drain the tub.
- Water inlet valve: opens to let household water into the dishwasher (common replacement: dishwasher water inlet valve W11082871).
- Circulation system: pump and impeller move water to the spray arms (example: dishwasher pump impeller WP99002659).
- Spray arms and feed components: distribute water over dishes (upper/lower arms, manifolds).
- Filtration and soil handling: traps and routes food soil so it does not redeposit (example: filter flow plate WPW10192799).
- Heating system: boosts wash temperature and helps drying (example: heater element W10283681).
- Drain system: pushes used water out through the drain hose (example: dishwasher drain hose WP99002652).
- Door and latch hardware: keeps the door sealed and the cycle running (examples: latch WPW10275768, latch handle (off-white) WPW10130695).
| System | What you notice when it fails | Example part for MDBTT79AWB |
|---|---|---|
| Fill | No/low water, poor wash | Water inlet valve |
| Wash | Dishes dirty, weak spray | Pump impeller, wash arm components |
| Heat/dry | Water not hot, poor drying | Heating element |
| Drain | Standing water in tub | Drain hose |
| Door/latch | Won’t start, stops mid-cycle | Latch, latch handle |
Knowing which system is involved helps you choose the right repair path. For example, “not drying” often points to the heating system, while “not draining” points to the drain path and hose routing.
Use the exploded views and part lists in the MDBTT79AWB owner's manual to match the symptom to the correct assembly before ordering.
Last updated: February 2026





