F21 Drain Problem with empty washer

The Whirlpool washer error code F21 means the washing machine has a "water draining issue", meaning the drain pump itself, or the drain hose is clogged and the washer is having problems draining the water out. In other words, the washer is taking too long to drain the water out of the tub.
Nov. 15, 2016

Whirlpool Washer Error Code F21 - DRAINING ERROR - How ...

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After unplugging the machine, I would start by trying to suck the water out using a wet/dry vac attached to the drain hose going into your wall. You can even use your hand to form the adapter between the hoses. It may take several tries to empty it depending on the size of the vacuum, but it sounds like quite a bit of water in the tub. If this does not work, my guess is that your drain is clogged on the other side of the pump. To clear this, you (and others just needing to know about error codes) should be able to find the error troubleshooting guide the service company refers to taped to the back, inside rear of the machine. You will need to remove the panel at the bottom of the machine by removing some screws and lifting the panel up and out. Use a flashlight to see if the guide is still taped to the inside of the machine. It will give you great information on the error codes. The drain pump assembly is to your right on the Epic series, and possibly other models. If the error codes suggest you have a drain pump issue or clog, you will need several buckets and towels to drain the water. I used two full buckets and did not have water visible in the window. Good luck! My drain pump was bad, and replacing it was easy.

The Sd code appears when sud is detected but it may also indicate draining problem such as blocked drain filter or broken drain pump as signified by the long drain error code F21. The drain pump impeller may be broken or restricted resulting in poor draining or no draining at all or the drain pump motor is faulty. Since the drain hose and filter have been cleaned but the error code still persists, the drain pump likely needs to be replaced. Click on the link below for the detailed troubleshooting instructions.

Troubleshooting Error Code F02/F21 on Kenmore Elite and Whirlpool Duet Front Load Washing

If the drain time exceeds 8 minutes the water valves turn off.
NOTES:After 4 minutes the "Sd" error will be displayed, then
4 minutes later the "F/21" error code will be displayed. Press
PAUSE/CANCEL two times to clear the display.
F21 washer drain time exceeded

Possible Causes/Procedure
1. Check the drain hose and make sure it is not plugged or
kinked.
2. Unplug washer or disconnect power.
3. Check the electrical connections at the pump and make sure
the pump is running.
4. Check the drain pump filter for foreign objects.
5. Plug in washer or reconnect power.
6. If the above does not correct the problem, go to step 7.
7. Unplug washer or disconnect power.
8. Replace the pump.

Hi

Error F21 means F21 error means that the drain time has exceeded 8 minutes; this will turn off the water valves. Error code SD means LONG DRAIN. This error appears when the drain time exceeds 8 minutes and the water valves turn off. After 4 minutes the "Sd" error will be displayed, and then 4 minutes later the F21 error code will be displayed. Press PAUSE/CANCEL two times to clear the display. Please Check the drain hose and make sure it is not plugged or kinked. If the drain hose if fine then unplug the washer and check the electrical connections at the pump and make sure the pump is running. Check the drain pump filter for foreign objects. To access the drain pump and filter remove the front kick panel and trace the drain hose to the bottom of the washer, drain pump would be located there. If you are not able to access it, then replace the back panel as well. Plug in washer or reconnect power. If the issue is still not resolved then you would need to replace the drain pump.
Hope this helps... Please post back if you need more information.

Daniel

Hi

Error F21 means F21 error means that the drain time has exceeded 8 minutes; this will turn off the water valves. Error code SD means LONG DRAIN. This error appears when the drain time exceeds 8 minutes and the water valves turn off. After 4 minutes the "Sd" error will be displayed, and then 4 minutes later the F21 error code will be displayed. Press PAUSE/CANCEL two times to clear the display. Please Check the drain hose and make sure it is not plugged or kinked. If the drain hose if fine then unplug the washer and check the electrical connections at the pump and make sure the pump is running. Check the drain pump filter for foreign objects. To access the drain pump and filter remove the front kick panel and trace the drain hose to the bottom of the washer, drain pump would be located there. If you are not able to access it, then replace the back panel as well. Plug in washer or reconnect power. If the issue is still not resolved then you would need to replace the drain pump.
Hope this helps... Please post back if you need more information.

Daniel

F21 is:
LONG DRAIN
If the drain time exceeds 8 minutes the water valves turn off.
NOTES:
After 4 minutes the “Sd” error will be displayed, then
4 minutes later the “F/21” error code will be displayed.
Press PAUSE/CANCEL two times to clear the display.
Possible Causes/Procedure
1. Check the drain hose and make sure it is not plugged or
kinked.
2. Unplug washer or disconnect power.
3. Check the electrical connections at the pump and make sure
the pump is running.
4. Check the drain pump filter for foreign objects.
5. Plug in washer or reconnect power.
6. If the above does not correct the problem, go to step 7.
7. Unplug washer or disconnect power.
8. Replace the pump.

First check your washer plug to see if the connections are tightly screwed. Next check your filter if you haven't for long.

Remove the 3 screws at the bottom of the front panel under the washer door. Your filter door will be light brown. If you find a hose there it is to drain out excess water (water that could not be drained by your pump) After you hv drained unscrew the cap and remove all the junk inside. Have a large plastic bag to catch junk and water. Refit carefully after cleaning out. If not solved, something shd be blocking your pump, check this out

How abt a nice rating for the free help? Thnks

"F21" is a Long Drain error code. This is an indication that you have an obstruction somewhere in the drainage system. In most cases, this means you probably have a clog in the drain pump. The following link explains:

http://www.fixya.com/support/r1484065-f21_error_code_whirlpool_duet_kenmore

You may have something getting caught in the pump impeller and slowing it down. Included is a follow-on link that explains how to check the drain pump to clean. You may also have to remove the inlet hose that runs from the bottom of the wash tub to the inlet side of the drain pump. Debris can commonly clog in this area as well causing the drain cycle to fail.

NOTE: If these preliminary measures do not correct your problem, you may have to replace the drain pump. It does not take much to damage the pump impeller or motor. Since the error code is generated if the drain cycle exceeds 8 minutes, if the pump is damaged and can't pump at the required volume, the error code will continue to appear until the pump is replaced.

NOTE: The "SUDS" error can commonly occur with the F21 error code as this is can be generated when air is sensed in the drainage system.
If the door won't open it could be jammed due to the program being interrupted.

If you have questions about this repair, or require additional assistance, please let me know. I hope this helps you.

NOTE: If replacing the drain pump is required, the following link explains how:

http://www.fixya.com/support/r401845-replacing_drain_pump_whirlpool_duet

For troubleshooting guidance, the washer comes with a technical data sheet. It should be located behind the lower toe panel directly below the door. If not located behind the panel, it will be affixed to one of the interior cabinet walls. The tech sheet includes diagnostics procedures, troubleshooting tips and the error code list.