Whirlpool Washer F21 Error Code: What It Means and How to Fix It

Last updated: October 5, 2026 · Codes covered: F21, F02 · Sources

F21 on a Whirlpool front-load washer means it's taking too long to drain. It's an older code, found on Whirlpool front-loaders including Duet models, and the cause is usually something you can fix yourself: a kinked or clogged drain hose, too many suds, or a clogged pump filter. If none of those are the problem, the drain pump may have failed.

Whirlpool lists F02 alongside F21 with the same meaning, so the fixes below apply to both.

What the F21 code means

Whirlpool says F21 (and F02) means drain times are longer than expected. Water isn't leaving the drum fast enough, so the washer stops and shows the code. Sears PartsDirect's guide to Whirlpool Duet Steam washers describes F21 as "will not drain": the washer failed to drain within 8 minutes.

Newer Whirlpool front-loaders show a two-part long-drain code, F9 E1, which Whirlpool also describes as a drain problem. Whirlpool doesn't say F21 and F9 E1 are the same code, so if your washer shows F9 E1, follow the advice for that code in our Whirlpool washer guide.

How the code looks can vary by model, so check the error code section of your user manual.

Likely causes (most common first)

1. Kinked drain hose. Common after the washer has been moved or pushed back against the wall.
2. Clogged drain hose, standpipe, or utility sink. Lint, debris, or a slow household drain can back water up.
3. Too many suds. Whirlpool says non-HE detergent, or more than the recommended amount, can cause excess suds that lead to drain problems.
4. Drain hose installed wrong. Whirlpool says the hose shouldn't go more than 4.5 inches into the drainpipe, shouldn't be taped in, and needs an air gap.
5. Clogged drain pump filter. Socks, coins, and lint can collect in the filter at the pump.
6. Clogged drain holes in the door seal. Whirlpool notes these small holes can slow draining if they're blocked.
7. Failed drain pump, wiring, or control problem. If the drain path is clear and the code keeps coming back, the pump or its wiring is the likely cause.

How to fix it, step by step

Work through these in order. Run a Drain and Spin (or Rinse and Spin) cycle after each step to check.

1. Clear the code. Whirlpool says to press Pause/Cancel. If that doesn't clear it, unplug the washer (or switch off its breaker) for 5 minutes, plug it back in, choose your cycle again, and press Start.
2. Straighten the drain hose. Pull the washer out gently and make sure the hose isn't kinked or crushed behind it.
3. Check for clogs. Disconnect the hose end and check it's clear. Make sure the standpipe, drainpipe, or utility sink is draining freely. Whirlpool says to remove any blockage from the hose, drainpipe, or sink.
4. Fix the hose setup.
   • Use the U-shaped hose form that came with the washer, and secure the hose. See your installation instructions.
   • Whirlpool says the hose shouldn't extend more than 4.5 inches (113 mm) into the drainpipe or laundry tub, or water can siphon back.
   • Don't tape or seal the hose into the drainpipe. It should be loose but secure, with an air gap.
   • Whirlpool gives 96 inches above the bottom of the washer as the maximum drain hose height.
5. Use the right detergent. Use only HE detergent, measured to the label. If you see lots of suds in the drum, run a Rinse and Spin with no detergent.
6. Clean the door seal drain holes. Wipe out the folds of the rubber door seal and clear the small drain holes at the bottom.
7. Clean the drain pump filter, if your model has one you can reach.
   • Where it is depends on the model. Whirlpool says that on some models it's behind the bottom drawer at the front. Check your manual.
   • Unplug the washer first.
   • Put towels and a shallow pan on the floor, because water will come out.
   • Follow your manual to drain the water slowly before removing the filter.
   • Clear out lint, coins, and anything else, then put the filter back firmly.
   • Some front-loaders have no access door, and the filter is reached by removing a panel. If that's your washer and you're not comfortable doing it, call a pro.
8. Stop if F21 keeps coming back. If the hose, drain, and filter are all clear, see "Test the part" below or call a pro.

Test the part

If the drain path is clear, the part most likely to have failed is the drain pump. Sears PartsDirect's Duet advice is to clear the pump's filter first, then replace the pump if it won't drain when activated. Here's a basic unplugged check.

1. Unplug the washer and turn off both water taps. Pull the plug or switch off the breaker.
2. Drain the drum using your manual's steps, with towels and a pan ready.
3. Check the pump opening. With the filter out, look for anything wrapped around or jammed in the impeller (the small fan inside). Clear it out.
4. Reach the pump's wires. That usually means removing a lower front or back panel, which varies by model. Check your manual or the tech sheet, and watch for sharp edges.
5. Photograph the wires, then pull the connector off by its housing, not the wires.
6. Check for continuity. Set your multimeter to the lowest ohms setting and touch a probe to each pump terminal. Some resistance means the motor winding is intact. Infinity or "OL" (open) means the pump has failed and needs replacing.
7. Don't chase an exact number. The correct reading varies by model, so only compare against your washer's tech sheet if it lists one.

A pump can pass this test and still be weak or jammed. If it shows continuity, the filter and hose are clear, and F21 keeps coming back, stop and call a pro. Checking whether the pump gets power means live voltage testing, which isn't a DIY job.

Safety notes

When to call a pro

Call Whirlpool service or a qualified appliance technician if:

• F21 keeps coming back after you've checked the hose, drain, detergent, and filter.
• Water stays in the drum and you can't drain it safely.
• Your model has no filter access door and you'd rather not remove panels.
• You hear the pump humming or buzzing but no water moves.
• The pump shows an open circuit, or you see damaged wiring.
• Your washer is under warranty. Check the terms before opening any panels.

Whirlpool US support: 1-866-698-2538 (as listed on Whirlpool Product Help).

FAQ

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