Appliances Error Code
Appliances
Whirlpool / Maytag Washer
F21 | Long drain
Industry
Appliances
Canonical
/appliances/washer/whirlpool/maytag-washer/error-codes/f21/
Last Updated
Feb 25, 2026
Summary
This code indicates that the washer did not complete the drain cycle within the expected time.
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What This Code Means
F21 appears when the appliance detects that water remains in the drum beyond the programmed drain duration. The control board monitors water level reduction during draining. If the level does not drop within a defined time window, the system halts progress. This code signals a drain-time monitoring condition. It does not automatically confirm pump failure.
Where Users Usually See This Code
- Toward the end of a wash cycle
- Before the spin cycle begins
- On the control panel display
Why This Code Appears
- Drain time exceeded threshold
- Water level does not decrease as expected
- Protective timeout activated
What Typically Happens Next
- Cycle pauses
- Spin function does not initiate
- Water may remain in drum
What This Code Is Not
- It is not a fill issue
- It is not a heating error
- It is not a door lock problem
Troubleshooting Checklist
- □ Wait to see if the appliance retries
- □ Restart the cycle after reset
- □ Observe whether the issue repeats
Notes And Edge Cases
Heavily loaded cycles may slightly extend drain duration. Some models attempt brief retries before displaying the code.
Related Codes
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