Maytag F21
Drain Problem
Medium severityVerified Diagnostic Guide
SeverityMedium
What Your Machine Is Actually Telling You
F21 means the drain pump couldn't empty water within 8 minutes. Identical to the LD code on newer Maytag models.
Common causes:
1. Clogged filter (40%).
2. Kinked drain hose (15%).
3. Standpipe clog (10%).
4. Pump failure (10%).
5. Broken impeller (10%).
6. Suds (10%).
7. Sensor (5%).
Common causes:
1. Clogged filter (40%).
2. Kinked drain hose (15%).
3. Standpipe clog (10%).
4. Pump failure (10%).
5. Broken impeller (10%).
6. Suds (10%).
7. Sensor (5%).
What You're Probably Seeing Right Now
- Drum full of water.
- Pump humming but water stays.
- Pump silent.
- F21 intermittent.
DIY Fix — From Easiest to Hardest
1
Emergency Drain (5 minutes)
1. Filter access panel (bottom-front).
2. Towels and pan.
3. Open emergency hose.
4. Drain slowly.
2. Towels and pan.
3. Open emergency hose.
4. Drain slowly.
2
Clean Filter (5 minutes — Fixes 40%)
1. Twist filter cap counterclockwise.
2. Remove debris.
3. Check impeller.
4. Reinstall.
**Clean monthly.**
2. Remove debris.
3. Check impeller.
4. Reinstall.
**Clean monthly.**
3
Check Drain Hose (5 minutes)
1. Straighten kinks.
2. 6-8 inches in standpipe.
3. 24-36 inches height.
2. 6-8 inches in standpipe.
3. 24-36 inches height.
4
Test Pump (3 minutes)
1. Drain Only cycle.
2. Dead? Measure: 5-30Ω.
3. Replace if failed ($25-60).
2. Dead? Measure: 5-30Ω.
3. Replace if failed ($25-60).
When to Call a Pro
- •Drain pump — $100-$250.
- •Plumber — $100-$250.
- •CCU pump relay — $200-$500.
What It'll Cost You
Swipe left to see full table
Frequently Asked Questions: Error F21
What does error code F21 mean on a Maytag washing machine?
Not draining.
What usually causes the Maytag F21 error?
The primary cause is: Pump jam.. It may also be caused by temporary sensor misreadings or wiring connection issues.
How do I reset and clear error F21?
Clean pump. If the error persists, unplug the washer from electrical power for 10 minutes to perform a complete logic board reset.
Is it safe to continue using the machine with error F21?
This code has a Medium severity level. While the machine might run, resolving the issue early prevents long-term wear on internal parts.