The F21 error means long drain time — water took more than 8 minutes to drain from the drum.
The Whirlpool washer displays the F21 error and halts the current cycle until the underlying problem is fixed.
Check these in order. The first cause accounts for the majority of F21 errors.
The most common cause. The pump filter catches lint, coins, and debris. When blocked, the pump can't move water fast enough and the control board times out after 8 minutes.
The drain hose height matters — it must exit between 39 and 96 inches above the floor. Below 39 inches causes siphoning; above 96 inches means the pump can't push water out.
Using non-HE detergent or too much detergent creates foam that the pump can't drain efficiently. The machine adds extra rinse cycles and eventually errors if it can't clear the suds.
If the filter is clear and the hose is correct, the pump impeller may be jammed or the pump motor may have failed. A buzzing sound during drain with no water movement confirms this.
Follow these in order. Stop as soon as the error clears.
Always cut power before accessing the drain pump filter.
The filter is behind the small access panel on the lower front of the machine. Place a shallow pan under it. Unscrew the filter cap slowly — water will drain out. Remove the filter, rinse it thoroughly, clear any debris from inside the filter housing, and reinstall.
The drain hose should exit the machine and go up to a standpipe or utility sink at 39–96 inches above the floor. Measure and reposition if outside this range. Check for kinks.
Restore power and run a Rinse+Spin. This tests drainage without the complication of suds from detergent. Watch whether water drains within a few minutes.
If the cycle still stalls on drain, listen for buzzing at the pump location (front lower area). A buzzing pump with no water movement means the impeller is jammed or the motor has failed — clear any debris from the impeller or replace the pump.
For warranty service, contact Whirlpool support ↗ or a certified appliance technician.