Whirlpool Washing Machine F21 Error Code: How to Fix It

Although it’s always disheartening to see an error code flashing on one of your appliances, it’s important not to panic. Error codes help to pinpoint the location and nature of the malfunction, which is great for speeding up the troubleshooting process. If your Whirlpool washer is displaying an F21 error code, that usually refers to an issue with the drainage speed. Read on to find out the most common causes and solutions!

This guide applies to all popular models of Whirlpool washers, including:

2LA5700XMW0

2LA5700XMW1

2LSR5233BN0

2LSR5233BQ1

2LSR5233BW0

2LSR5233BZ1

3CA2000XMW0

GHW9100LW1

GHW9100LW2

GHW9150PW0

GHW9150PW4

GHW9200LW0

LSQ8243HQ0

LSR7233EQ0

LSR8233EQ0

LXR9245EQ1

WFW72HEDW0

WFW9150WW00

WTW4800XQ2

WTW4800XQ4

WTW5000DW1

Clean the Filter

One common culprit behind a Whirlpool washer that isn’t draining is a clogged filter, also known as a lint trap. On most Whirlpool front loader models, the lint trap is designed to catch excess lint, hairs, and any small items that may end up in your washing machine, such as coins or small toys. When the filter is clogged, drainage is impeded, which will trigger your Whirlpool washing machine to display the F21 error code. Here’s what to do:

• Unplug your washer
• Locate the lint filter. In most models this is located at the bottom front of the washing machine behind a small panel. If you’re having trouble finding it consult your Whirlpool manual. 
• Open the panel to gain access to the filter and drainage hose. 
• Place a small, shallow pan next to the washing machine, then unclip the end of the drainage hose and drain away all residual water in the tub. 
• Once the drum has drained, unscrew the lint filter cap. Have an old towel on hand in case some residual water spills out when the cap is removed. 
• Pull out the filter and take it to your sink. Clean away any lint, hair, and debris by hand, then scrub the filter with a small, soft brush to ensure it’s perfectly clean. 
• Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe out the filter housing, ensuring it’s free of grime and debris. 
• Reinsert the filter (make sure it’s tightly in place to avoid leaks) and replace the front panel. 
• Restore power to your Whirlpool washing machine. If the error code has cleared, then run a short test cycle to make sure that the error doesn’t recur. If it does, move on to the next step in our guide. 

Inspect the Drainage Hose

Another common culprit behind the F21 error code is a drainage hose issue. The drainage hose removes water from the washer tub and directs it to your home’s drainage system. If the hose becomes clogged, bent, or otherwise damaged, then water won’t be able to efficiently drain from your washing machine, triggering the F21 error code.  

Check Hose Positioning

Hose positioning is the first thing you should check as it’s the easiest to fix. Check the following:

• Look for twists, kinks, or bends in the hose. All loops should be big enough to allow water to flow smoothly. 
• Make sure the hose isn’t pinched between the washer and the wall. 
• Check the hose height. It should be placed between 30 and 96 inches from the floor, to avoid dirty water from siphoning back into the drum. If this occurs, the washer won’t be able to effectively drain. 
• If you identify any issues, adjust the hose. Use cable ties to secure the hose in place so the issue doesn’t happen again. 
• Once the positioning is fixed, run a test cycle and check to ensure that the error code doesn’t recur. 

Check Hose for Clogs

If the hose positioning appears to be fine, you’ll need to check for clogs in the hose itself. This can be messy, so ensure you have old towels at the ready to soak up any dirty water that may be inside the hose. 

• Disconnect the drainage hose, first from the back of the washer then from the drainage end. Your hose may be either placed in a drainpipe or may drain into a laundry tub. Catch any residual water with old towels to avoid water damage. 
• Run water through the drain hose to see if there are any clogs. If it doesn’t flow freely, something is obstructing the hose. 
• Use a long, thin brush or a length of wire to clear any clogs or debris stuck in the hose. Run water through the hose again to ensure that it’s properly cleared. 
• Once clear, reconnect both ends of the hose. Restore power to your washing machine and run a test cycle to make sure the problem has been fixed. 

Inspect the Drain Pump

If you’ve ruled out the most common causes of the F21 error code, there may be an issue with the drain pump itself. Working on the drain pump requires a little more DIY knowledge, so if you’re not comfortable with this, you may prefer to call in a technician.

The drain pump works to expel water from the drum during the rinse cycle, and if the pump gets obstructed or clogged, it won’t be able to function correctly. Here’s what to do:

• Unplug your Whirlpool washing machine. 
• Access the drain pump. You can refer to your Whirlpool manual for specifics on how to access the pump in your model. 
• Use the secondary drainage hose to drain any residual water from the drum. 
• Inspect the pump for obstructions. These will commonly be found in the pump impeller, which looks like a small, plastic fan. If there are any foreign objects lodged in the impeller, remove them and put the washing machine back together. 
• If there are no obstructions but the pump appears damaged, it will need to be replaced. Source a replacement part and install it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 
• Put your washing machine back together, restore power, and run a test cycle to ensure the F21 error code has been resolved.