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Whirlpool Washing Machine Error Code F21

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

Long drain — water not draining in the expected time

💰 DIY cost: $0–$90 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $150–$280 Save $150+ by doing it yourself
Whirlpool Washing Machine error code F21 on the display panel
How the F21 code appears on a Whirlpool washing machine display

What Does Error Code F21 Mean on a Whirlpool Washing Machine?

Long drain — water not draining in the expected time.

F21 means the washer took too long to drain. Standing water remains in the tub. The drain pump filter, drain hose, and pump are the usual culprits; excessive suds from non-HE detergent can also trigger it.

What Causes Error Code F21?

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

  1. 1
    Clogged drain pump filter / trap 45% of cases
  2. 2
    Kinked or blocked drain hose 25% of cases
  3. 3
    Excess suds from non-HE detergent 15% of cases
  4. 4
    Failed drain pump 15% of cases

How to Fix Whirlpool Washing Machine Error Code F21

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

    Clean the drain pump filter

    Open the lower-front access panel, place towels and a pan, and slowly remove the filter cap to drain water and clear debris.

    ⚠️ Water will spill — have towels ready.
  2. 2

    Check the drain hose

    Confirm the hose is not kinked and is inserted no more than 4.5 inches into the standpipe with a proper high loop.

  3. 3

    Run a clean cycle with HE detergent

    If suds are the cause, run a rinse/drain and switch to HE detergent.

  4. 4

    Test the drain pump

    If the filter and hose are clear, test the pump for continuity and replace if failed.

    🔩 Whirlpool drain pump ($40–$90)

How to Reset Error Code F21

Clear the blockage, then run a Drain & Spin. F21 clears once draining completes.

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

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

If the pump and hose are clear and F21 persists, the main control board drain relay may have failed.

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

Related Error Codes

F20
No water detected entering the machine
⚠ Medium Severity
F9E1
Drain failure — cycle paused, water not draining
⚠ High Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code F21 appears on these other brands too. See every brand that shows F21 →

Bosch logo
Bosch Washing Machine F21
Motor fault — drum not spinning or motor running abnormally
Kenmore logo
Kenmore Washing Machine F21
Slow drain — pump is draining but too slowly

Find Replacement Parts

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

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

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

More Whirlpool Washing Machine Error Codes

F8E1 Low water fill detected — water inlet problem F5E2 Door lock failure — latch cannot engage F1E1 Main control board failure SUD Excessive suds detected — too much detergent F0E2 Dispenser cannot dispense detergent or additive F7E1 Motor speed error — motor not reaching target RPM

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Whirlpool Washing Machine when error F21 appears? +
It is not advisable. The washing machine may still power on, but running it while F21 is active can worsen the drainage fault or damage related parts. Treat it as a soon-as-possible repair.
What most commonly causes F21 on a Whirlpool Washing Machine? +
Across reported Whirlpool washing machine repairs, the most frequent is clogged drain pump filter / trap (45% of cases), kinked or blocked drain hose (25%), then excess suds from non-HE detergent (15%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
F21 keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored F21 fault; if it returns, the drainage problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — clean the drain 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 Whirlpool Washing Machine error F21? +
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.

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