ApplianceErrors.com

Frigidaire Washing Machine Error Code E21

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 10, 2026
⚠ High Severity 🔧🔧 Moderate DIY

Drain time exceeded — water not draining

The most common cause of the E21 error on a Frigidaire washing machine is pump filter clogged (~50% of cases); start with: clean the pump filter.

💰 DIY cost: $0–$90 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $150–$280 Save $150+ by doing it yourself
Frigidaire Washing Machine error code E21 on the display panel
How the E21 code appears on a Frigidaire washing machine display

What Does Error Code E21 Mean on a Frigidaire Washing Machine?

Drain time exceeded — water not draining.

The Frigidaire washer didn't pump the water out within the programmed drain time, so it halts to avoid a flood and leaves the tub full. A clogged pump filter, a kinked or blocked drain hose, or a worn drain pump are the usual causes.

What Causes Error Code E21?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

  1. 1
    Pump filter clogged 50% of cases
  2. 2
    Drain hose kinked 25% of cases
  3. 3
    Standpipe blocked 15% of cases
  4. 4
    Pump motor failure 10% of cases

How to Fix Frigidaire Washing Machine Error Code E21

🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Est. time: 30–60 min
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Clean the pump filter

    Open the lower front access panel, drain into a tray, then unscrew and rinse the pump filter of lint and debris.

    ⚠️ Have towels ready — water will spill.
  2. 2

    Check the drain hose

    Make sure the hose runs in a high loop, isn't kinked, and the standpipe or sink drain isn't blocked.

  3. 3

    Test the drain pump

    With the filter clear, check the pump motor for continuity and listen for it humming without pumping.

    🔩 Multimeter 🔩 Frigidaire drain pump ($40–$90)
  4. 4

    Replace the drain pump

    If the pump fails its continuity test or is seized, fit a new drain pump and clear any debris from the volute.

    🔩 Frigidaire drain pump ($40–$90)

How to Reset Error Code E21

After clearing the blockage or replacing the pump, run a Drain/Spin cycle to confirm the water pumps out and E21 clears. If it returns, recheck the filter and hose for trapped debris.

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

Symptom guide: Washer won't drain →

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

If the filter and hose are clear and a new pump still won't drain, the control board's pump relay or the wiring to the pump has failed — have a technician test the board.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $150–$280

Related Error Codes

E11
Fill time exceeded — water not filling
⚠ Medium Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code E21 appears on these other brands too. See every brand that shows E21 →

Bosch logo
Bosch Washing Machine F21
Motor fault — drum not spinning or motor running abnormally
Electrolux logo
Electrolux Washing Machine E21
Drain error — water not pumping out fast enough

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your Frigidaire Washing Machine:

🔩
Search PartSelect
Frigidaire Washing Machine repair parts
🔧
Search RepairClinic
Step-by-step video guides

External links — ApplianceErrors.com is not affiliated with these retailers.

More Frigidaire Washing Machine Error Codes

E41 Door open — lid or door not properly closed E45 Door lock control board failure E13 Water leak in tub or air leak in the pressure-sensor air bell E23 Drain pump relay failure on the control board E42 Door will not unlock at the end of the cycle E43 Control board communications fault

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Frigidaire Washing Machine when error E21 appears? +
It is not advisable. The washing machine may still power on, but running it while E21 is active can worsen the drainage fault or damage related parts. Treat it as a soon-as-possible repair.
What most commonly causes E21 on a Frigidaire Washing Machine? +
Across reported Frigidaire washing machine repairs, the most frequent is pump filter clogged (50% of cases), drain hose kinked (25%), then standpipe blocked (15%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
E21 keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored E21 fault; if it returns, the drainage problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — clean the pump filter, then check the drain hose — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a moderate job — a multimeter and some disassembly are usually involved.
How much does it cost to fix Frigidaire Washing Machine error E21? +
A DIY repair typically runs $0–$90 in parts, versus $150–$280 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $150. Expect the work to take roughly 30–60 minutes.

Sources & References

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 10, 2026.

← All Frigidaire Washing Machine Error Codes ← All Frigidaire Error Codes