Whirlpool washer F21 error code
- Washer
Whirlpool washer F21 indicates the drain cycle exceeded its time limit — water is leaving too slowly or not at all. Front-load Whirlpool and Maytag washers share this code family. The pump filter (coin trap) and drain hose routing cause most F21 errors; the drain pump itself fails less often on machines under ten years old.
Reviewed August 2025 · sources below
Safe to keep using?
Use caution
This issue may worsen during use — limit operation and address promptly.
- • Turn off the water supply before disconnecting hoses.
5 product recalls may apply
Brand-level matches — verify your model.
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5 product recalls may apply
Brand-level matches — verify your model.
- Notice
Whirlpool Recalls Stacked Commercial Clothes Dryers Sold Under the ADC Brand Due to Fire Hazard (Recall Alert)
Sep 2023 · Confirm your model
- Notice
CPSC, Whirlpool Corporation Announce Recall of Dishwashers
Feb 2005 · Confirm your model
- Notice
CPSC, Whirlpool Announce Recall of Washer and Gas Dryer Units
Jul 2002 · Confirm your model
- Notice
Dishwasher Recalled by Whirlpool
May 1996 · Confirm your model
- Notice
CPSC, W.C. Wood Co. Announce Recall Of 345,775 Freezers
Feb 1996 · Confirm your model
Next step
Still seeing F21?
Show a photo or describe the symptom. Answer a few safety-first questions and see whether a part is needed.
Free guided checks · No account required · Don’t open live electrical, gas, or refrigerant equipment
How to fix F21
- Unplug the washer and locate the pump filter behind the lower front panel — place towels under the access door.
- Drain into a pan, remove the filter, and clear debris from the pump impeller.
- Inspect the drain hose for kinks and confirm it is not inserted more than 4.5 inches into the standpipe.
- Reinstall the filter, restore power, and run Drain & Spin with an empty tub.
- If F21 persists, test the drain pump (W10876600 on many models) — humming with no flow means a failed pump.
Call a pro when: Call a pro if water leaks from the filter after install or the tub still holds water after pump replacement.
What F21 means
Long drain — water not draining in time.
Video: how to fix F21
Buy the replacement part
Likely causes
Many codes resolve with cleaning, resetting, or reconnecting.
Check: Power-cycle the appliance and check for obvious blockages or loose connections.
Est. cost: $0–$0
Wear or electrical failure of an internal part.
Check: If basic checks fail, the faulty component likely needs replacement.
Est. cost: $0–$75
Guided repair checklist
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0 of 5 checks recorded
Recommended next action
Start with this check before considering replacement parts.
Check 1 of 5
Unplug the washer and locate the pump filter behind the lower front panel — place towels under the access door.
Did the repair resolve the issue?
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Questions about F21
What does F21 mean on a Whirlpool front load washer?
F21 on a front loader means the washer did not drain. Clean the pump filter behind the lower panel and check the drain hose.
How do I reset a Whirlpool washer F21 error code?
Clear the filter and hose, then unplug for 5 minutes. F21 returns if water still cannot leave the tub.
What does F21 mean on Whirlpool washer?
F21 is a long-drain fault — the washer could not empty the tub in time.
How do I reset Whirlpool F21?
Clear the drain path, unplug for 5 minutes, and run a spin cycle. F21 clears after successful drainage.
Do I need a pump for F21?
Not always — clean the filter first. Replace the pump only if it fails to move water after the path is clear.
Is F21 the same on Maytag?
Yes — Maytag front-load washers use F21 for the same drain timeout fault.
What is an F21 or F02 error code on a front load washer?
F21 is a long-drain timeout — the washer could not empty the tub in time. F02 is a related drain fault on some Whirlpool models.
Whirlpool F21 on specific models
Other Whirlpool Washer codes
Prevent this problem next time
- Follow manufacturer maintenance schedule
- Address small issues before they worsen
Sources
Manufacturer meaning
Long drain — water not draining in time.
FixApplianceCode guidance
Start with basic checks for Whirlpool F21 before ordering parts.
Source type: Part database
Source: ModelPartFinder + FixApplianceCode editorial
Last reviewed: 2026-11-05
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