Drain pump
Common dishwasher and washer water-removal part.
Your Frigidaire washer stopped with E21, and the drum still has water in it. E21 means the drain pump ran longer than expected but still couldn’t remove all the water in time. It’s similar to E20 but indicates the drain is working, just not well enough to finish on schedule.
What This Error Means
E21 is a long drain timeout. The pump is running and water is moving, but the flow is too slow to empty the drum within the machine’s timing window. Frigidaire washers expect the drum to drain within roughly 6–8 minutes. If the pump can’t achieve that, E21 appears.
The difference from E20 is important — E21 means the pump is doing something. There’s a partial restriction, not a complete blockage.
Common Causes
- Partially clogged pump filter — Debris is caught in the filter but not enough to stop flow entirely — just enough to slow it down.
- Lint buildup inside the pump housing — Over time, lint accumulates in the volute (the spiral chamber around the impeller), reducing efficiency.
- Drain hose height issue — The hose is routed too high (above 96 inches from the floor), making the pump work harder.
- Weak or failing drain pump — The pump motor is wearing out. It works, but it’s lost torque and can’t pump at full capacity.
- Restricted drain hose — Partial kink or sag in the hose where lint builds up.
Quick Reference
| Code | Meaning | Severity | DIY? |
|---|---|---|---|
| E21 | Drain time too long — slow draining | Moderate | Yes — clean pump and check hose |
Step-by-Step Fix
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Clean the pump filter thoroughly. Open the lower access panel. Remove and clean the pump filter as described in the E20 guide. Pay special attention to the mesh — lint can embed in it and reduce flow without fully blocking it.
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Check the impeller through the filter opening. With the filter removed, look inside and watch the pump impeller (the plastic fan-like wheel). It should be clean and spin freely. If it’s wrapped in string or hair, reach in with long tweezers or needle-nose pliers and remove the debris.
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Flush the drain system. With the pump filter removed, pour a pitcher of warm water into the drum and run a short drain cycle. Watch how quickly water exits through the pump opening into your drain pan. If it comes out as a steady stream, the pump is fine. If it dribbles, the pump is weak.
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Check the drain hose routing. The hose should not be routed higher than 96 inches (8 feet) above the floor. Measure from the floor to the highest point of the hose. If it’s higher, lower it. Also check for any low points where water could pool and create an airlock.
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Check for a clog in the hose itself. Disconnect the drain hose from the back of the washer and from the standpipe. Run water through it from a garden hose or faucet. If water doesn’t flow freely, there’s a lint clog inside. Run a stiff wire or a drain snake through to clear it.
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Test the drain pump with a multimeter. If the pump is running slowly or making unusual noises, test it for resistance. Disconnect the pump, measure across the two terminals — you should see 100–300 ohms. If it’s open or shorted, replace the pump.
Parts You May Need
- Frigidaire washer drain pump assembly
- Washing machine drain hose replacement
- Long-reach tweezers for debris removal
- Multimeter appliance tester
When to Call a Technician
E21 that returns after a thorough filter cleaning and hose check usually points to a failing drain pump. Pump replacement on a Frigidaire washer is a moderate DIY job — you’ll need to remove a panel, disconnect the pump wiring and hoses, and swap the unit. If you’re not comfortable disconnecting and reconnecting water hoses, a technician can do it in under an hour.