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Whirlpool · Washing Machine

Whirlpool Washing Machine F21 Error Code

Drain cycle taking too long

What this error means

F21 is Whirlpool's long-drain fault on Duet and similar front-load washers. The drain pump ran longer than about eight minutes without emptying the tub. The washer pauses and locks the door until water is removed or the fault clears.

Common causes

  • Pump filter packed with lint, coins, or bobby pins
  • Drain hose kinked behind the washer or pushed too deep into the standpipe
  • Excess suds from non-HE detergent slowing pump flow
  • Failed drain pump motor or impeller seized by debris

Step-by-step fixes

  1. 1Unplug the washer for five minutes, then open the lower front access panel and drain the emergency hose into a shallow pan
  2. 2Twist out the pump clean-out filter, rinse debris, and reinstall firmly
  3. 3Straighten the drain hose and confirm water flows freely at the standpipe during a Spin/Drain test
  4. 4Run a Rinse & Spin cycle with half the usual HE detergent if suds were visible before the error

When to call a technician

Schedule service if the pump hums during drain but water never moves—the impeller or pump motor likely needs replacement.

Affected models

  • Whirlpool WFW560CHW
  • Whirlpool WFW9620HW
  • Whirlpool WFW9150FW
Easy15 min

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