## How to Fix Amana Error F21 (Drain Pump Issue)
The Amana F21 error code is one of the most common issues reported by users. Thankfully, it is usually straightforward to diagnose and repair, often without needing professional service.
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### 1. Explanation: What Does Amana Error F21 Mean?
The F21 error code indicates a **Drain Pump Issue**.
Simply put, your washer is trying to pump the water out of the drum, but it is taking too long (typically more than 6–8 minutes). The Control Board (the washer’s main computer) registers this slow drainage as a fault and locks the machine to prevent flooding or damage.
**The most common causes for the F21 error are:**
1. **Clogged Drain Filter/Pump:** A sock, coin, pet hair, or other foreign object is blocking the pump impeller or the drain hose. (Most likely cause)
2. **Kinked or Blocked Drain Hose:** The hose running from the back of the washer to your standpipe or sink is crushed or clogged.
3. **Faulty Drain Pump:** The pump itself has failed, lost power, or is damaged internally and needs replacement.
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### 2. Step-by-Step Fix: How to Diagnose and Clear the F21 Error
**⚠️ SAFETY FIRST:** Always unplug your washing machine from the power outlet before performing any inspection or repair. Failure to do so could result in serious electrical shock.
#### Step 1: Drain the Washer Manually
Before opening anything, you must remove the water currently trapped in the drum.
1. **Locate the Drain Filter Access Panel:** This panel is usually a small door or removable kickplate located at the very bottom front of the machine.
2. **Prepare for Water:** Place towels on the floor and have a shallow pan or bucket ready. Even if you think the water is out, several gallons may still be trapped.
3. **Access the Drain Hose:** Behind the panel, you will find a filter cap (often circular) and sometimes a small, thin drain hose with a plug.
4. **Slowly Drain:** If a small hose is present, unplug it and let the water run into your pan. If only the large filter cap is visible, slowly unscrew it counter-clockwise, allowing the water to drain gradually.
#### Step 2: Clear the Drain Pump Filter
Once all the water is out, you can access the pump area.
1. **Remove the Filter Cap:** Fully unscrew the large filter cap you loosened in Step 1 and pull it out.
2. **Inspect and Clean:** Remove any lint, debris, coins, or foreign objects stuck to the filter screen or inside the pump cavity. Use a flashlight to look deep inside the opening for anything blocking the impeller blades.
3. **Check the Impeller:** Once cleared, try to spin the pump impeller (the small plastic fan blade) with your fingers. It should spin freely. If it is stiff or damaged, the pump needs replacement.
4. **Reassemble:** Screw the filter cap back on tightly. Close the drain access door.
#### Step 3: Check the Drain Hose and Plumbing
If the internal filter was clear, the blockage might be further down the line.
1. **Inspect the External Drain Hose:** Pull the washer away from the wall and check the thick drain hose running to your sink or standpipe. Ensure it is not kinked, twisted, or crushed against the wall.
2. **Check the Standpipe/Sink:** Ensure your household plumbing is draining correctly. Pour a large bucket of water down the standpipe (if applicable) to confirm the drain is clear and not backing up.
#### Step 4: Test the Washer
Plug the machine back in. Select a short cycle (like “Drain and Spin”) to see if the error clears. If the washer completes the cycle and drains properly, the clog was the issue, and the fix is complete.
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### 3. Final Diagnosis: Replacing the Drain Pump
If you completed Steps 1–4, and the F21 error immediately returns, the **Drain Pump itself is the likely culprit.**
This means the pump is either receiving power but mechanically failing, or it is electrically dead. Replacing the pump is a relatively simple repair that usually involves tilting the machine back, removing the front lower panel, and unclamping the hoses connecting to the pump body.
**Call to Action:** Check the price for a replacement Drain Pump here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Amana+Drain Pump&tag=trivian-20