Maytag Washer F21: Drain Pump Clog or Failure

Quick Answer

Maytag F21 means the washer took more than 8 minutes to drain. Start by cleaning the drain pump filter (access from the lower-right front panel). Check the drain hose for kinks. If both are clear, the drain pump motor may be failing - test it for 5-10 ohms with a multimeter.

F21 is triggered when the washer takes more than 8 minutes to drain. In 70% of cases, a physical clog in the drain pump or drain hose is the cause. Drain pump filter (coin trap) is the first place to check - coins, bobby pins, and socks are the most common culprits. A less obvious cause: the pressure hose - the small rubber tube running from the outer tub to the pressure switch - can clog with detergent residue, making the board think the tub still has water even after it has fully drained. This phantom F21 that keeps coming back is almost always the pressure hose.

MaytagWasherSeverity: moderateDifficulty: intermediate80% DIY Success

Time to Fix

20–60 min

Difficulty

intermediate

Parts Cost

$45 – $95

Tools Needed

Towels, Flat-head screwdriver

Wrong code?

Not seeing F21 on your display?

Select what your appliance is actually doing and we'll take you to the right guide.

not draining

SYMPTOM

suds causing drain clog

same drain timeout, newer code format

E1 F9

identical code, same drain pump

WhirlpoolF21

What Does the F21 Code Mean?

F21 is triggered when the control board's internal timer for the drain phase reaches 8 minutes without the pressure switch signaling that the tub is empty. The pressure switch is connected to the outer tub via a small rubber pressure hose that can clog with detergent residue, causing false full readings even after the tub has drained.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Clogged drain pump filter45%

Kinked or blocked drain hose25%

Jammed pump impeller20%

Failed drain pump motor10%

Symptoms You May Notice

Standing water left in the drum after the cycle
F21 error displayed - drain time exceeded limit
Washer stops mid-cycle during the drain phase
Water visible at the bottom of the drum when door is opened

Can you reset a Maytag washer to clear the F21 code?

After clearing the drain clog, run a Drain and Spin cycle. If it drains successfully with no F21, the repair is complete. If F21 returns, check the pressure hose.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

TowelsFlat-head screwdriverMultimeterPliers

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

Clean drain pump filter

Access the drain pump filter: on front-loaders, remove the lower front panel. On top-loaders, tilt the machine back. Place towels and a shallow pan to catch water. Unscrew the filter cap slowly and remove all debris.

Inspect drain hose

Inspect pressure hose for clog

Test drain pump resistance

Replace pump if resistance fails

ComponentComponent Under Test

Expected Range5–10 ohms

ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name	OEM Number	Estimated Price
Drain Pump AssemblyW10130913 · $45–$95	W10130913	$45 – $95

Verify part fitment for your Maytag model

Repair vs. Replace Calculator

Appliance Age (Years)7 Yrs

Labor Approach

Our Verdict

REPAIR

Estimated Cost: $70 (Parts) vs $550 (New Machine)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I clean the drain pump filter on a Maytag washer?

On front-loaders, remove the lower access panel (usually held by two clips or screws). Place a shallow pan and towels under the filter cap. Turn the filter cap counterclockwise slowly - water will flow out. Once empty, remove the filter completely and clean out all debris - coins, bobby pins, and fabric lint are the most common culprits. Reinstall the filter and press the panel back on.

Can I replace the drain pump myself?

Yes. The drain pump on most Maytag front-loaders is accessible from the front lower panel after disconnecting power. The job involves disconnecting two hose clamps, one wiring connector, and two mounting screws. Most DIYers complete it in 30-45 minutes. Part W10130913 costs $45-95.

What does a bad drain pump sound like?

A failing drain pump usually makes one of two sounds: a loud buzzing or humming sound (motor running but impeller jammed) or no sound at all during the drain phase (motor completely failed). You can also hear a grinding sound if a foreign object is caught in the impeller.

Why does F21 keep coming back after I cleaned the filter?

Recurring F21 after cleaning the pump filter almost always means the pressure hose is clogged. The pressure hose is a small rubber tube connecting the outer tub to the pressure switch. When it clogs with detergent buildup, the pressure switch thinks the tub still has water even after it has fully drained, triggering F21 again. Disconnect and clear the pressure hose.

Related Maytag Washer Error Codes

Code: SYMPTOMMaytag Washer Not Draining Code: 5DMaytag Washer 5D Code: Too Many Suds Code: E1 F9Maytag E1 F9 Error: Long Drain Time Detected

Same Fix on Other Brands

Whirlpool washerF21: Whirlpool Washer F21: Drain Pump Fault

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Maytag shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

Maytag washerMaytag Washer 5D Code: Too Many Suds (Fix It Fast)Maytag washerAll Maytag Washer Error Codes: Complete Lookup Guide Maytag washerHow to Reset a Maytag Washer (3 Methods That Work)Maytag washerMaytag Washer Troubleshooting: Fix 12 Common Problems Maytag washerMaytag Washer LOC Code: How to Unlock the Controls Maytag washerMaytag Washer Not Draining? Here's What to Check

Models Known to Experience F21 Errors

This repair applies to most Maytag washers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

MVWC415EW, MVWB835DW, MHW5500FW, MHW7000XW, MHW6000XW, MHW8100DC, MHW3505FW, MHW5630HW

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 14, 2026