Maytag · Washer Moderate

F21 — Long Drain / Drain Error

F21 on a Maytag (Maxima and other front-loaders, Whirlpool platform) means the washer took too long to drain.

Keep using it?
Yes, with caution
DIY difficulty
Easy
Typical cost
$40-80
Verified against
producthelp.maytag.com ↗

The fix

Drain pump

Long drain (front-load)

$40-80 moderate difficulty 60 min Tools: screwdriver, nut driver, pliers

Diagnose first: Clear the pump filter/trap at the bottom-front of the washer first — coins, hair clips, and lint clog it. Drain into a shallow pan, it WILL spill water.

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How to fix it

  1. Unplug, open the front-bottom panel, and clean the drain pump filter (towel for water).
  2. Check the drain hose for clogs and kinks.
  3. Replace the drain pump if needed.

Why it happens

Typical signs: Water left in the drum · Long pause then F21 · Often preceded by "Sd"

  • Clogged drain pump filter Coins/lint in the front-bottom filter. #1 cause.
  • Clogged/kinked drain hose A blockage at the standpipe.
  • Failed drain pump A pump that will not move water.

Related repair guides

Washing Machine Won't Drain — Causes and How to Fix It →

More Maytag washer codes

E1 F9 E1 F9 — Long drain time F0E1 F0E1 — Load detected during cleaning cycle F1E1 F1E1 — Main control board failure F22 F22 — Door lock fault (front-load) F2E1 F2E1 — Stuck key on user interface F33 F33 — Pump driver / electrical fault

All Maytag codes → All washer codes →

Always unplug an appliance before servicing it. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a qualified technician. Verified against manufacturer documentation: producthelp.maytag.com.