# How to Fix Electrolux Error E21 (Pump Blocked)
If your Electrolux washing machine has displayed the error code **E21**, it means the machine is detecting an issue with the draining system. Specifically, the washing machine cannot empty the water fast enough (or at all), leading to a buildup of water inside the drum.
This comprehensive guide will help you understand the error and walk you through the troubleshooting steps necessary to clear the blockage and restore function.
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## 1. Explanation: What Electrolux Error E21 Means
The E21 code signals a **Pump Blocked** or **Drainage Fault**.
### Likely Causes:
* **Obstruction:** Something is physically blocking the drain pump filter, the drain hose, or the internal pump impeller. (e.g., coins, socks, lint balls, hairpins).
* **Kinked Hose:** The main drain hose at the back of the machine is bent, crushed, or improperly installed.
* **Faulty Pump:** The drain pump itself has failed mechanically or electrically and needs replacement.
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## 2. Step-by-Step Fix: How to Diagnose and Clear the Blockage
**⚠ SAFETY FIRST:** Always unplug the washing machine from the wall power outlet before attempting any repairs or accessing internal components. Be prepared for water spillage by having towels and a shallow container ready.
### Step 1: Check the Drain Hose and Plumbing
Before checking the machine itself, inspect the external setup:
1. **Inspect the Hose:** Pull the washing machine away from the wall and check the large corrugated drain hose leading out of the back. Ensure it is not kinked, crushed, or folded sharply.
2. **Check the Standpipe/Sink Connection:** Ensure the drain hose is inserted correctly into the standpipe or sink drain and that the pipe itself is not blocked (e.g., by soap scum or debris from a nearby sink).
If the hose and external plumbing are clear, proceed to the pump filter.
### Step 2: Clear the Drain Pump Filter (The Coin Trap)
The filter is the most common place for blockages to occur. It is usually located at the bottom front of the machine, often behind a small access panel or kick plate.
1. **Locate the Access Panel:** Open the small square or rectangular door at the bottom of the machine.
2. **Drain the Water:** You will see a small plug or hose next to the main circular filter cap. Place a shallow tray under the area. Unscrew the small plug or remove the hose cap to drain the remaining water out of the drum and into your tray.
3. **Remove the Filter:** Once the water is drained, carefully unscrew the large circular filter cap (turning it counter-clockwise).
4. **Clear Debris:** Pull the filter out. Remove any coins, lint, keys, or foreign objects found in the filter basket and the cavity behind it. Use a flashlight to ensure the pump impeller (the small plastic fan blade visible inside the pump housing) is clear and can spin freely.
5. **Reassemble:** Screw the filter cap back in securely, replace the drain plug/hose cap, and close the access panel.
### Step 3: Check the Internal Drain Pump Impeller
If clearing the filter didn’t work, the blockage might be deeper, or the pump may be seized.
1. **Access the Pump:** This step is more advanced. You may need to tilt the machine back or remove the front/back panel (depending on your model) to access the pump assembly, which is usually located near the bottom of the machine.
2. **Inspect the Impeller:** Once you have access to the pump motor (which may require disconnecting the pump hoses), check the spinning impeller again.
* **Test for Movement:** Try to turn the impeller with your finger or a slim tool. If it won’t spin, there is a blockage or the pump motor has seized.
* **Check Electrical Connections:** Ensure the wiring harness attached to the pump motor is secure and not damaged.
### Step 4: Test the Machine
1. Plug the machine back in.
2. Select a **Drain/Spin** cycle (or a short Rinse cycle) to see if the E21 error is cleared and the machine drains properly.
If the error immediately returns, the pump motor is likely defective and needs replacement.
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## 3. Replacement Part Information
If you have performed all the above troubleshooting steps and the E21 error persists, the drain pump motor itself has failed and requires replacement.
Check the price for a replacement Drain Pump here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Electrolux+Drain Pump&tag=trivian-20