It's probably the main control -- which on the old ones is a mechanical timer that runs the fill, motor, spin, etc.

It could also be that the solenoid valve is defective and not shutting off the water flow, but that's not my first guess since it's not filling when it's unplugged.

It may be time to consider a new washer. You may have gotten your money's worth out of this one.

Can't provide a fully-informed answer without the *model number* of the appliance involved.

Uninformed answer ... water inlet valves are both electrical and mechanical devices. The problem is electrical (maybe not directly related to the valves, some other component in the fill circuit could be the fault) if unplugging the machine prevents the erroneous filling. The problem is mechanical if unplugging doesn't prevent it but turning off the water supply faucets does.

You said the filling stopped at a given small level in the tub when you unplugged the machine. Reconnect the power to see if it then continues.

If you have an old Maytag and everything else works fine I would repair this and keep it as long as possible. New ones are nothing like what you have.

Hi sparky823

I've had my LG front loader for about 10 years and wouldn't go back for anything - especially not back to the bad old days of a maytag top loader.

>>>"How do I get the water out? How do I prevent the water from coming back? "<<<

If the machine continues to fill after plugging back in (as dadoes suggested you try), then shut off the water valves. Run the spin cycle. Unplug the washer as the spin cycle finishes.

>>>"What does it all mean?? "<<<

It means it is time for you to decide whether: (1) to pay somebody to come check out your washer to find out if the washer is fixable (it probably is) and how much it will cost to fix or (2) to just go directly to researching replacement washers.

Jake, plenty of folks like a traditional top loader. I would never consider an older Maytag a **bad old days top load maytag**

OP....unless you want to change to a HE front loader get your Maytag fixed.

Found this thread on the Maytag refill problem.

https://www.doityourself.com/forum/electric-large-kitchen-home-appliances/461555-maytag-washer-adding-water-after-cycle-done.html

Was a defective water temp control.

ci_lanto, that incident is referring to a very specific kind of temperature switch on a specific model of Maytag washer (which is actually a Whirlpool direct-drive). The last iteration of direct-drives had some models with automatic water level sensing which was a circuit incorporated into the water temp selector switch (which also had ATC circuitry). That switch was known to be flaky and the machine exhibited odd behavior when it went bad. Other types of temperature switches without the special water level control function included in them can't cause the after-spin fill issue.

It's possible Jerri Blank's Maytag is of this design ... but that can't be confirmed without the model number.