Whirlpool Washer F21 Error Code – Drain Problem Fix Guide

Common Symptoms

• Washer stops mid-cycle and won’t restart
• Standing water left in drum
• Door remains locked with water inside
• F21, F02, or F9E1 code displayed
• Drain cycle runs continuously without emptying
• Gurgling sounds but no water draining
• Cycle times out during drain

Before You Start

Before attempting any repairs, confirm the following. Many issues can be resolved by completing one of these quick checks.

• Check if there’s standing water in the drum
• Verify drain hose isn’t kinked behind washer
• Make sure you’re using HE (High Efficiency) detergent
• Check if other drains in home are slow (indicates plumbing issue)
• Listen for drain pump motor humming sound

Safety Warnings

Always follow these safety precautions to prevent injury or damage.

• Ensure the appliance is unplugged before starting any repair.
• Always unplug washer before servicing
• Expect significant water spillage when opening drain filter – have towels and pan ready
• Do not force stuck filter cap – may crack housing
• If door is locked with water inside, use emergency drain before forcing door open
• Ensure drain hose is properly secured after cleaning to prevent flooding

Possible Causes

• Clogged drain pump filter (most common)
• Drain hose kinked or bent
• Object stuck in drain pump (coins, socks, lint)
• Drain hose positioned incorrectly (too high or too deep in standpipe)
• Excessive suds from non-HE detergent
• Defective drain pump motor
• Drain hose clogged with lint or debris
• Clogged household drain or standpipe
• Faulty pressure switch
• Control board malfunction

Basic Fix Steps

These steps cover the most common and beginner-friendly fixes. Stop if you’re unsure or if the problem persists.

1. Unplug washer from power outlet (to reset control board)
2. Wait 5 minutes, then plug back in
3. If error clears temporarily, proceed with drain system check
4. Pull washer away from wall to access drain hose
5. Check drain hose for kinks, bends, or pinching – straighten if needed
6. Verify drain hose height is between 30-96 inches from floor
7. Make sure drain hose isn’t inserted more than 4-5 inches into standpipe
8. Check for standing water in standpipe (indicates household drain clog)
9. If using non-HE detergent, this may cause excessive suds – switch to HE detergent
10. Run Drain or Drain and Spin cycle to test

Advanced Repair Steps

Warning: The steps below involve deeper disassembly or electrical components. Proceed only if you are comfortable with appliance repair. Stop immediately if anything seems unsafe.

1. Locate drain pump filter access panel (usually lower front left, behind small door)
2. Place shallow pan and towels under filter area to catch water
3. Slowly unscrew drain pump filter cap counterclockwise (water will drain out)
4. Once water stops flowing, remove filter completely
5. Clean filter of lint, debris, coins, hairpins, or other objects
6. Check inside filter housing with flashlight for additional blockages
7. Use fingers or pliers to remove any visible obstructions in pump housing
8. If pump is accessible from rear panel, remove hoses and check for clogs
9. Flush pump and hoses with hot water to clear remaining debris
10. Check that drain pump impeller spins freely (should rotate with light finger pressure)
11. If pump motor doesn’t hum or make sound when drain cycle starts, pump may be faulty
12. Test pump motor with multimeter (should show continuity)
13. Reinstall clean filter, hand-tighten securely
14. Run Rinse and Spin cycle to verify proper drainage

If the issue persists after completing these steps, the appliance may have a failed control board or wiring issue. At this point, professional service is recommended.

Common Repair Mistakes

Avoiding these common mistakes can prevent further damage and save you time and money.

• Not placing a pan under the filter before opening (causes flooding)
• Over-tightening the filter cap (can crack housing)
• Using regular detergent instead of HE (creates excessive suds)
• Inserting drain hose too deep into standpipe (creates siphon effect)
• Not checking for small objects like coins or socks in pump
• Assuming pump is broken when it’s just clogged
• Forcing the filter if it’s stuck (can damage threads)

If you’re unsure about any step, stop and reassess before continuing.

When to Stop & Call a Professional

Some issues require professional attention to prevent damage or personal injury. Pay attention to the following warning signs:

• If drain pump motor shows no electrical continuity (needs replacement)
• If you find cracks or damage to the pump housing
• If household drains are also backing up (call plumber first)
• If multiple error codes appear after pump cleaning
• If you’re uncomfortable disassembling pump components
• If washer is still under warranty

Always prioritize safety. If in doubt, contact a qualified technician.

Likely Bad Parts

These parts are commonly associated with the error. Inspect them carefully before replacing.

• Drain pump assembly (Part #: W10130913 (drain pump))
• Drain pump filter (Part #: W10536347 (drain hose))
• Drain hose (Part #: W11032770 (drain pump filter))
• Pressure switch
• Control board

Confirm part compatibility with your model before purchasing or installing.

Where to Look: Component Locations

1. 1 Drain pump (Drain pump assembly)
2. 2 Drain pump filter (access panel) (Drain pump filter)
3. 3 Drain hose
4. 4 Pressure switch / water level sensor (Pressure switch)
5. 5 Control board

Community & Expert Fixes

Many Whirlpool and Maytag washer owners discovered that small items like socks or coins bypass the filter and lodge in the drain pump itself. Others found that using the wrong detergent created suds that trigger false F21 errors.

• Multiple Whirlpool owners on Reddit reported finding socks, underwear, or small clothing items lodged in the drain pump that weren’t visible until the pump was fully removed High confidence
• Several users on iFixit noted that using non-HE detergent caused Sud/Sd codes along with F21, requiring multiple rinse cycles to clear suds High confidence
• One repair forum user found that the drain hose had a buildup of lint that acted like a clog even though nothing solid was blocking it – flushing with hot water cleared it High confidence
• Maytag owners frequently report that coins and small objects get past the filter and jam the pump impeller

• reddit.com/r/fixit
• ifixit.com
• partselect.com