Whirlpool Washer Error Code F21 Fix, Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Introduction and quick promise

Seeing F21 on your Whirlpool washer is annoying, but it is usually solvable fast. F21 means a drain problem; the machine cannot remove water. This guide gives a practical, step by step "whirlpool washer error code f21 fix", from quick DIY checks to signs that mean you should call a professional.

You will get exact actions, tools, and time estimates. Start by unplugging the washer, then check the drain hose for kinks, clear the pump access filter or coin trap, and scoop water into a bucket. I show how to run the washer in diagnostic mode, listen for the drain pump, and test the pump with a multimeter. If the pump hums but does not spin, or if you find broken impellers, replacement is likely. If the unit is under warranty, or if the control board shows faults, stop and call a technician. Follow the steps here, and you will know exactly what to do next.

What does error code F21 mean and why it matters

F21 is Whirlpool’s way of saying your washer took too long to drain, plain and simple. Technically, the control board timed out while waiting for the water level to drop, which usually points to a clogged drain, a kinked hose, a blocked pump trap, or a failing drain pump. Typical symptoms are water left in the tub, the cycle stopping mid way, the machine refusing to spin, a humming pump sound, and the F21 code on the display. Address it now because standing water breeds mold and odors, can ruin clothes, and forces the pump to work harder which may lead to a more expensive failure. If you search for a whirlpool washer error code f21 fix, start by checking the hose, pump trap, and any visible debris immediately.

Safety checklist and tools you will need

Before attempting any whirlpool washer error code f21 fix, unplug the machine and shut off the cold water supply valves. Drain remaining water into a bucket, remove clothes, wear rubber gloves and safety glasses. Keep the lid open so nobody closes it by accident.

Minimal tools you need: Phillips screwdriver, adjustable pliers, 3/8 and 5/16 socket set, multimeter to test the inlet valve, flashlight, towels and a small bucket. Add needle nose pliers and replacement inlet hoses if you plan to swap parts.

Take pictures of wiring before disconnecting, that saves time when reassembling.

Step 1, check the drain filter and pump trap

Start by cutting power and water, unplug the washer and shut off the supply. Place an old towel and a shallow bucket under the front access panel to catch spills.

On most Whirlpool front load machines the drain filter or pump trap is behind a small access door at the bottom front. Open the panel, slowly turn the drain cap counterclockwise to release water, then remove the cap and filter assembly.

Use gloves and a flashlight, pull out lint, stuck socks, hair ties, coins, or small toys. Needle nose pliers or long tweezers work great for coins and keys. Rinse the filter under running water, scrub with a toothbrush if it’s greasy.

Look inside the pump housing, spin the impeller with your finger to confirm it moves freely. Reinstall the filter, tighten the cap, restore power and run a drain or spin cycle. Clearing the filter is a common Whirlpool washer error code f21 fix.

Step 2, inspect and test the drain pump

With the washer unplugged, run a short drain or spin cycle, listen at the front for a humming or chattering from the drain pump. A healthy pump makes a steady whir. Clicking, grinding, or silence when the washer should be draining points to a stuck impeller or failed motor, both common causes of a Whirlpool washer error code F21 fix.

Remove the lower access panel, reach the pump, and inspect the small plastic impeller. Pull out lint, coins, hair ties, and sock corners, then spin the impeller by hand. It should turn freely and snap back to position, not wobble.

For a quick continuity test, disconnect power and the pump wiring, set your multimeter to ohms, and measure across the two pump terminals. You should see a low but finite resistance, not infinite. Infinite reading means open circuit, near zero means a short. Replace the pump if it fails this test.

Step 3, examine the drain hose and household plumbing

Start by unplugging the washer and pulling it away from the wall, then inspect the drain hose for kinks or tight bends where water could be restricted. Unhook the hose and hold it up, make sure the top of the hose sits at roughly 39 inches above the floor, or follow your model’s manual; a too low standpipe lets the tub siphon, a too high one can strain the pump. Next, check the household drain for backups, pour a bucket of water into the standpipe; if it overflows or drains slowly you have a clog. Remove debris with a plumber’s snake or a wet vac, hair and lint are common culprits. Reconnect the hose with a secure loop to prevent siphoning, then run a drain test cycle.

Step 4, check the pressure switch and air tube

Unplug the washer first, then locate the pressure switch assembly, usually near the top control housing or at the tub side. The pressure switch senses water level through a small rubber air tube. If that tube is pinched, clogged with lint, or full of water, the switch will not register fill level and you can get a whirlpool washer error code f21 fix failure.

Detach the tube, look for cracks or water inside, then blow through it or use compressed air to clear obstructions. With the tube reattached, lightly pinch it while the machine is on to see if the washer detects the change. If the switch does not change or a multimeter shows no continuity across switch terminals when pressure is applied, replace the pressure switch. Visible diaphragm damage, corrosion, or persistent F21 after cleaning also mean swap the part.

Step 5, reset, run diagnostics, and manually drain if necessary

Start with a hard reset. Turn the washer off, unplug it or switch the circuit breaker off, wait 60 seconds, then restore power. After power is back, select a basic cycle and press Start to see if the code clears.

Run the built in drain or diagnostics next. Most Whirlpool machines have a Drain and Spin or Rinse and Spin option, so choose that and start it. For model specific service diagnostics, check the sticker with the model number and follow the manual procedure.

If the washer will not drain, power it off and unplug first. Put towels and a shallow pan under the pump area. For front load models, remove the lower access panel, open the small drain hose or filter cap slowly to let water flow into the pan. For top load models, scoop or use a wet vac. Inspect the pump for debris once drained. This is a practical whirlpool washer error code f21 fix.

When to replace parts, how to find the right components

Start with simple checks, then replace only if tests fail. If the washer will not drain, pull the drain hose and pump filter for debris. If the pump hums but does not spin, test pump motor for continuity with a multimeter; zero or infinite resistance means replacement. For the pressure switch, find the small rubber tube that runs to the tub, remove it, blow gently into it; you should hear a click or see the switch change on a multimeter. Cracked hoses or water inside the tube mean replace the hose and clean the switch.

Find model specific part numbers on the washer tag, usually behind the door or on the back panel, then enter that model into Whirlpool parts, PartSelect, or RepairClinic. Typical cost ranges: pump $30 to $120, pressure switch $15 to $70, drain hose $10 to $25, plus labor if you hire a repair tech.

Preventive maintenance to avoid F21 in the future

Small habits stop most pump clogs and cut the chance you see whirlpool washer error code f21. Follow this simple routine.

1. Monthly, clean the pump trap and remove coins, hair, and lint, run a drain only cycle to flush debris.
2. Quarterly, inspect inlet and drain hoses for kinks, buildup, or loose clamps; blow out the drain hose if needed.
3. After each heavy load, check pockets, use a mesh bag for lingerie, and leave the door slightly open to dry the drum.
4. Yearly, run a cleaning cycle with washer cleaner or two cups of white vinegar, and consider pro service.

When to call a professional, and what to expect

If you cleaned the pump filter, checked hoses for kinks, and ran the basic troubleshooting in this guide but the code returns, call a technician. Bring a note of what you tried and the exact error message, for example F21 or long drain.

A pro will run diagnostics mode, read error history, test the drain pump and motor with a multimeter, inspect wiring and the control board, and measure current draw on components. Typical on site diagnostics take 30 to 60 minutes. Expect a service call fee of $75 to $150, labor $50 to $120 per hour, and total repairs usually $150 to $500 depending on parts.

Conclusion and quick action checklist

When you see Whirlpool washer error code F21, start with the fastest fixes. Unplug the washer for one minute to reset the control board, then run a drain or spin cycle. Often a reset plus clearing a clogged drain hose gets the machine working again.

Quick action checklist:
Unplug for one minute, then restart.
Check drain hose for kinks or blockages.
Remove debris from the pump or coin trap.
Listen for the drain pump; no sound means pump fault.
Run diagnostic mode, record any follow up codes.
Call a technician if the code returns after these steps.

Final tip, avoid full loads until resolved, and have your model number ready for parts or service.