Appliance Tips
September 4, 2024
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“My whirlpool duet washer shows error code f21.”
“What is the F21 error code on my washing machine?”
“My washer broke – shows an F21 error code.”
Does this look familiar to you?
We get messages like this almost daily. And while it’s unfortunate that your washing machine is malfunctioning – you’re definitely not alone!
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Thousands of people across Richmond BC who’ve purchased a Maytag or a Whirlpool sub-brand washer experience this error code every year.
However, as common as this code is – many appliance owners are at a loss as to what the code means and whether or not they need to call in a washing machine repair Richmond BC service technician or if it’s something they can fix themselves.
That’s why in today’s post, we’re going to help you demystify the F21 error code and provide you with some easy at-home diagnostic / micro-fix solutions that you can try before calling in the cavalry.
What Does The F21 Error Code Mean?
On most Maytag and Whirlpool sub-brand washers, the F21 Error Code signifies an error caused by a drain cycle that exceeds the default 8-minute valve timer.
Effectively, when your washer takes too long to drain, the machine stops the cycle and shuts off the water valves to prevent flooding.
Some of the symptoms you might see alongside the F21 Error Code are:
- Your washing machine stops in the middle of a wash cycle and doesn’t restart.
- The door of the washer stays shut and locked.
- There is visible water in the load and the machine isn’t draining.
What Causes The F21 Error Code?
While the issue itself is pretty straightforward and relatively simple to identify, figuring out the correct culprit takes a bit of work and know-how.
And while you may not be able to resolve the error entirely on your own, you can help any professional appliance repair technician narrow the issues down by going through our error checklist.
Here are the steps you should follow to narrow down the fault:
- Turn the washing machine on and set a cycle to verify that it runs altogether.
- Take a look at the drain hose behind your unit – it shouldn’t be plugged or bent out of shape, preventing water from draining out of the washer.
- Unplug your washing machine and disconnect from power before checking the continuity of the pump to see whether or not the pump shows signs of life and runs.
- Check the inside of the drain pump for any sort of debris, clogs, or objects that may have gotten stuck inside.
- Plug your washing machine back in, power it up, and start a new cycle.
- Monitor for whether or not the cycle finishes or if the washing machine displays an error again.
In most cases, this issue can be narrowed down to a clogged drain pump, or a drain pump that has malfunctioned. In the first case, our technicians would simply clean the debris out of the pump to remove the clog. However, in the second, the part would need to be replaced with a new unit.
What To Do If The Error Persists Or A New Error Appears?
If you’ve followed the steps above and the F21 error code persists, or worse off, another error code starts showing up – it’s certainly time to call in a little help.
Our technicians at Top Appliance Repair Richmond are always readily available and happy to help you take care of the F21 error code that’s plaguing your Maytag or Whirlpool washer. We can book you in for a same-day or next-day service appointment and our professional appliance repair technicians will have the job done professionally, effectively, and affordably.
So if you’d like some help with getting your washing machine fixed in Richmond BC – give us a call today and we’ll book you in!
Jamie Lin
Jamie is an expert appliance repair technician. Having previously worked for some of the top appliance repair companies in Vancouver - Jamie set out on a mission to start Top Appliance Repair Richmond in order to help people across the lower mainland get access to a more comprehensive professional repair service, without having to break the bank as they would with traditional appliance service companies.
