What does F21 mean on a Whirlpool washer? It means to say the Whirlpool washer is not able to drain water effectively. The problem occurs if debris and dirt clog the drain hose and drain pump that also causes water to become stagnant.
The washing machine loses its ability to drain water out. Once this error occurs, it will take a long time to drain water from the tub.
Other common problems include a clogged drain hose, a kinked drain hose, and not using HE detergent. But if the error still stays on display, call for professional service. Let them look closely at the other conditions as mentioned. It may be helpful to know where to buy lid switches for the washer.
Reset Its Error Code
Try to press Pause or Cancel when you see the F21 error, which stops the present wash cycle. Next, press the button for drain/spin if the water is there in the washer tub. Now, this forces the secondary process of the drain to remove the water in the tub. After you see the water drains out already, you begin a new wash cycle again. Finally, press the “Start” button to fix the problem.
Clean The Washer Drain Hose
The issue maybe with the drain hose if you still get the F21 error. Take a towel and place it on the floor to protect it from a water leak. Get the drain hose disconnected from the back. Clean the drain hose entrance. Remove the hose with your hand to shake it to dislodge and remove the clogs.
When you try to connect again, straighten the drain hose. Any twist or bend in the hose causes drain problems. It may also be a good idea to know how to clean washer drain hoses.
Check Drain Facility or Standpipe
Install the drain hose properly into the standpipe or drain facility. The water will drain out properly. Problems with the drain facility or standpipe result in the F21 error code. Follow the steps below in how to troubleshoot it.
#1. Drain hose connected to the standpipe
Measure the distance beginning on top of the drain hose down to the whirlpool washer. Then, disconnect the drain hose if the distance is more than ninety-six inches and place it in a lower part of the standpipe. And firmly secure it.
#2. Drain hose inserted into the standpipe
Pull the drain hose upwards if you push it too far in the standpipe. Give it an air gap between the drain and the drain hose, thus preventing clogging issues. That’s when the error will go away.
Use The Right Detergent
The Whirlpool washer is power-efficient. However, it requires high-efficiency detergent, too. Use only a HE detergent because, if not, the excess foam will form during the wash cycle. The foam clogs up the drain hose, now causing the F21 error code.
Settle for a new spin or dry cycle that removes the excess soap and foam that resolve the issue. But, again, look at the instruction and use only the right amount when you wash it.
Check The Faulty Motor
The F21 is the result of a faulty motor. Check the drain pump to get an adequate power supply while the drain cycle begins. Allow the drain pump to get the 120-volt voltage as it operates.
It could be that the supply control board sdoes not send an adequate power supply to the drain pump for it to start.
Let the drain pump get the proper power supply. And then troubleshoot to look for the issue through the pump. Next, dismantle the pump to find any possible blockage. Use electrical equipment like a multimeter for any mechanical or electrical problems. Finally, replace the faulty drain pump with another one.
Error Codes On Whirlpool Washer
Here are the error codes you will see on the Whirlpool washer.
- Sd or Sud- too many suds are there in the washer
- F7 E1- sensing error in the motor speed
- LO FL or F8 E1- sensing low water flow
- F5 E2- door not locking accurately
Proper Reset of Whirlpool Washer
Unplug the Whirlpool top load washer for about two minutes. Afterward, plug it back in, and wait for thirty seconds before you start it again. This will do a hard reset on the washer, and it begins after reconnecting it again. You may also be interested to know the Whirlpool Smart Cabrio WTW8700EC washer review.
Where You Can Find The Reset Button
A reset feature is common for a new washer enabling you to restart it after experiencing a fault or error code. A button is also there you can push to reset the motor. In a washer with no reset button, unplug the washer and plug it back into reset.
Effective Way To Clear The Whirlpool Washer Error Code
Press the cancel or pause button when you remove the cord. Do it twice, but once with the power button. If there is still a code display, unplug the Whirlpool washer. Disconnect its power for 1 minute. Items go under detection during a clean washer cycle. Remove the items in the drum and start the clean washer cycle again. You may also be interested to read how to remove control panel from the Whirpool duet sport.
It’s A Wrap!
Now you have learned what does F21 mean on a Whirlpool washer. You have to follow the steps like resetting the error code, cleaning the washer drain hose, checking the drain facility, using the suitable detergent, checking the faulty motor, and more!