## How to Fix Maytag Error F21 (Drain Issue)
The F21 error code is one of the most common issues reported on Maytag front-loading and top-loading washing machines. While it can be frustrating, the fix often requires simple physical maintenance rather than replacing expensive components.
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### What Maytag Error Code F21 Means
The F21 error indicates a **drain failure**.
In plain English, the machine detected that the water used during the wash or rinse cycle has not been emptied from the tub within the expected time limit (usually 6 to 8 minutes).
This issue is almost always caused by an obstruction in the drainage system, preventing the drain pump from moving water out of the machine.
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### Step-by-Step Fix: Diagnosing the F21 Drain Issue
**⚠️ SAFETY FIRST:** Before attempting any inspection or repair, **UNPLUG THE WASHER** from the wall outlet. You will be dealing with water, and electrical safety is paramount.
#### Step 1: Check External Draining Issues
Before taking the machine apart, verify the external setup:
1. **Drain Hose Kinks:** Inspect the large corrugated drain hose leading from the back of the washer to the standpipe (or laundry tub). Ensure there are no tight bends, kinks, or objects pressing against the hose.
2. **Standpipe Height:** Verify that the drain hose is not pushed too far down into the standpipe. The hose outlet must have an air gap or be secured correctly; if it’s too low, it can cause a siphon effect or prevent proper draining.
3. **House Drain Clog:** Run hot water down your sink or check another nearby drain (like a utility sink). If other drains are backing up, the problem is in your home’s plumbing, not the washer itself.
#### Step 2: Access and Clear the Drain Pump Filter (The Main Culprit)
This is the most frequent cause of F21. Maytag washers have a filter, or “coin trap,” designed to catch debris before it reaches the drain pump impeller.
1. **Locate Access Panel:** On most models, the drain pump filter is located behind the lower front access panel or “toe kick.” Use a flathead screwdriver or putty knife to pry the panel off.
2. **Prepare for Water:** Even if the tub seems empty, there will be several gallons of residual water trapped in the pump housing. Have plenty of towels and a shallow container (like a cookie sheet or bowl) ready.
3. **Slowly Drain Water:** Locate the small drain plug or hose near the large filter cap. Place your container under it and slowly loosen the drain plug or remove the cap to allow the remaining water to drain into your container.
4. **Remove the Filter Cap:** Once the water is drained, firmly unscrew the large circular filter cap (turn counter-clockwise).
5. **Clear Debris:** Remove any items lodged in the filter, such as coins, keys, lint, socks, or pet hair. Use a flashlight to look inside the pump housing where the filter was seated.
#### Step 3: Inspect the Drain Pump Impeller
Even if the filter was clear, debris might be blocking the spinning component (the impeller) just behind the filter housing.
1. **Check Impeller Movement:** Look inside the pump housing opening. You should see a small fan or propeller blade (the impeller).
2. **Manual Spin Test:** Using a small, protected tool (or your finger, ensuring the machine is unplugged), try to spin the impeller manually.
* **If it spins freely:** The pump motor is likely fine, but something further down the drain path (like the hose to the tub) is blocked, or the pump motor itself has failed electrically.
* **If it is stiff or seized:** There is still debris lodged behind the impeller blades, or the motor bearing has seized. Carefully try to work the debris free.
#### Step 4: Check the Pump Outlet Hose
If the filter and impeller are clear, the clog might be in the large black corrugated hose that runs from the bottom of the tub to the pump inlet. This requires the removal of the machine’s back panel or tilting the machine back to access the bottom.
* Carefully disconnect the hoses from the pump (note which hose goes where) and check them for solid obstructions.
#### Step 5: Replace the Drain Pump
If you have confirmed that:
1. There are no clogs in the filter, impeller, or hoses.
2. The machine is receiving power (i.e., the control board lights up).
3. The impeller does not spin when the machine is set to drain (or the pump makes a low, buzzing noise but moves no water).
…then the pump motor has likely failed and needs to be replaced. Replacing the pump is a modular repair that usually only requires removing a few screws and hose clamps.
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Check the price for a replacement Drain Pump here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Maytag+Drain Pump&tag=trivian-20