What E21 actually means
The machine tried to pump the water out, didn't get the drum empty in the time allowed, and stopped with the water still in it.
On Zanussi washer dryers the E21 code is a drain failure — the control board expects the level to drop to empty within a set period after the pump runs, and it hasn't. It usually shows up at the end of the wash or before the spin, so you're left with a tub of water and clothes that never spun. In our experience the cause is far more often a blockage in the filter unit or sump hose than a dead pump, so it's well worth doing the checks below before booking anyone.
What E21 looks like on a Zanussi washer dryer
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Zanussi 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
- Overfilling, or won't stop filling
- Stops with water still inside
- Fills and drains over and over
- No function at all
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, buttons, hair grips, screws
- Sludge or a sock jammed in the sump hose between drum and pump
- Kinked, trapped or badly routed drain hose
- Blocked sink trap or standpipe the drain hose empties into
- Drain pump worn out or seized, or the pressure system misreading the level
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 for a minute, then switch back on and try a drain or spin programme — a one-off timing glitch will clear.
- Clear the filter at the front bottom of the machine (open the flap, have a bowl and towels ready — expect a litre or more of water) and check the impeller behind it turns freely with a fingertip.
- Straighten the drain hose at the back and make sure it isn't kinked, squashed behind the machine or pushed too far down the standpipe.
- If it drains into a sink trap, check the trap and the spigot aren't blocked with grease — a blocked kitchen waste will stop the machine draining.
- Bail out as much water as you can, then run a spin so you can get the wet washing out.
Common questions about Zanussi E21
What does E21 mean on a Zanussi washer dryer?
The machine tried to pump the water out, didn't get the drum empty in the time allowed, and stopped with the water still in it. On Zanussi washer dryers the E21 code is a drain failure — the control board expects the level to drop to empty within a set period after the pump runs, and it hasn't. It usually shows up at the end of the wash or before the spin, so you're left with a tub of water and clothes that never spun. In our experience the cause is far more often a blockage in the filter unit or sump hose than a dead pump, so it's well worth doing the checks below before booking anyone.
Can I fix Zanussi E21 myself?
There are 5 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, then switch back on and try a drain or spin programme — a one-off timing glitch will clear.
- Clear the filter at the front bottom of the machine (open the flap, have a bowl and towels ready — expect a litre or more of water) and check the impeller behind it turns freely with a fingertip.
- Straighten the drain hose at the back and make sure it isn't kinked, squashed behind the machine or pushed too far down the standpipe.
- If it drains into a sink trap, check the trap and the spigot aren't blocked with grease — a blocked kitchen waste will stop the machine draining.
- Bail out as much water as you can, then run a spin so you can get the wet washing out.
This sometimes clears with those checks. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly.
How much does it cost to repair Zanussi 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.
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