What E21 actually means
The machine has tried to empty the drum and the water level hasn't dropped, so it's stopped with a drum full of water.
During the drain part of the cycle the control board watches the water level sensor. If the level hasn't changed after about three minutes of pumping, it shuts the pump off and shows E21. It's a drainage fault, not a leak or an electrical fault in itself.
What usually causes it
- Blocked pump filter — coins, buttons, hair grips and fluff
- A sock or similar item pulled into the drain pump itself
- Drain hose kinked or squashed behind the machine
- Blocked or badly fitted standpipe/sink trap connection
- Failed drain pump, or a break in its wiring back to 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.
- Turn the machine off at the wall and leave it a minute, then try a drain or spin programme on its own.
- Empty and clean the pump filter at the bottom front of the machine (have a shallow tray and towels ready — the drum is still full, so water will come out).
- Pull the machine forward gently and check the drain hose isn't kinked, trapped or crushed against the wall.
- Check the end of the drain hose where it enters the standpipe or sink trap for a blockage or standing water.
- Rinse the filter under the tap and refit it firmly so it seals.
When to call someone
This sometimes clears with the checks above. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire, and it's £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it — £84 in total if it's repaired on the visit with no parts needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
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 ElectriQ washing machine codes
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