What E21 actually means
The machine has tried to pump the water out and failed to empty in the time it allows, so it has stopped mid-cycle — usually with water still in the drum.
On AEG washer dryers the control board gives the drain pump a set window to clear the water before the next stage. If the water level hasn't dropped in that window, the cycle is halted and E21 is stored as the fault. The overwhelming majority of the time it is a physical blockage rather than a failed pump — the pump filter, the sump hose between the tub and the pump, or the drain hose itself.
What E21 looks like on a AEG washer dryer
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a AEG washer dryer, E21 usually shows up as one or more of these:
- Machine not draining
- Water left in the drum at the end of the cycle
- Stops mid-cycle full of water
- Standing water in the bottom
- Not filling with water
- No water going in
- Takes for ever to fill
- Stops right at the start of the cycle
Recognise any of those? That is this fault, and the rest of this page explains what causes it and what you can check yourself.
What usually causes it
- Blocked pump filter — coins, hair grips, buttons, fluff
- Sump hose blocked (often a sock or a build-up of gunge) between drum and pump
- Kinked, trapped or badly routed drain hose
- Blocked sink trap or standpipe the drain hose empties into
- Worn or jammed drain pump, or a fault on the control board
What you can safely check yourself
Work through these in order. Anything beyond this — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the machine plugged in.
- Switch off at the wall and leave it a minute, then restart — clears the odd one-off reading.
- Empty and clean the pump filter behind the flap at the bottom front. Have a shallow tray and towels ready, as the drum water comes out through it.
- Feel round inside the filter housing for anything solid — the impeller should turn freely by hand once the machine is unplugged.
- Check the drain hose along its length for kinks, or for being crushed behind the machine when it was pushed back.
- If the hose runs into a sink trap or standpipe, check that isn't blocked — run the kitchen tap and see it drains freely.
Common questions about AEG E21
What does E21 mean on a AEG washer dryer?
The machine has tried to pump the water out and failed to empty in the time it allows, so it has stopped mid-cycle — usually with water still in the drum. On AEG washer dryers the control board gives the drain pump a set window to clear the water before the next stage. If the water level hasn't dropped in that window, the cycle is halted and E21 is stored as the fault. The overwhelming majority of the time it is a physical blockage rather than a failed pump — the pump filter, the sump hose between the tub and the pump, or the drain hose itself.
Can I fix AEG E21 myself?
There are 5 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Switch off at the wall and leave it a minute, then restart — clears the odd one-off reading.
- Empty and clean the pump filter behind the flap at the bottom front. Have a shallow tray and towels ready, as the drum water comes out through it.
- Feel round inside the filter housing for anything solid — the impeller should turn freely by hand once the machine is unplugged.
- Check the drain hose along its length for kinks, or for being crushed behind the machine when it was pushed back.
- If the hose runs into a sink trap or standpipe, check that isn't blocked — run the kitchen tap and see it drains freely.
This sometimes clears with those checks. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly.
How much does it cost to repair AEG E21?
£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Tried the checks and it's still showing E21?
This sometimes clears with the checks above. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly. Then it wants someone who can open it up.
What it costs, before you call: the price is the same whatever the fault turns out to be — £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Our own engineers, not a call centre. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — most washer dryer faults are seen same day or next day.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
Outside our area? The explanation above still stands — take it to a local engineer and tell them the code. Knowing it saves them time and you money.
Other AEG washer dryer codes
- AEG E61 — The machine has run its heating stage for the maximum time a…
- AEG E73 — The machine has lost faith in the temperature reading from t…
- AEG E00 — E00 isn't a fault at all — it's the machine telling you no e…
All AEG fault codes and repairs →