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Whirlpool Washer F21 and F02: What They Mean and How to Fix Them
Seeing F21 or F02 on your Whirlpool front-load or Duet washer? Here is what Whirlpool says the codes mean, the drain checks you can safely do yourself, and when to call a technician.
What Does Whirlpool F21 Mean?
On Whirlpool front-load washers, including many Duet models, F21 and F02 mean the drain time is longer than expected. Whirlpool points to the drain hose, the drainpipe and excess suds from too much or non-HE detergent, and says to call for service if the code stays on after the checks. Source: Whirlpool F21 / F02 support page (opens in a new tab).
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Common Signs With F21 or F02
You may notice one or more of these along with the code.
What Causes Whirlpool F21 and F02?
These are the causes Whirlpool lists and the parts a technician checks.
How to Fix Whirlpool F21 and F02
Try these steps in order. Don’t open a front-load drain filter until you have towels and a pan ready for the water behind it.
Check the drain hose and drainpipe
Straighten kinks, clear any clog and make sure the drainpipe or sink drains freely. Use the U-shaped hose form.
Use the right detergent
Use only HE detergent in the recommended amount. Excess suds can cause draining problems and leaks.
Clear the code and restart
Press Pause/Cancel. If needed, unplug the washer for 5 minutes, plug it back in, reselect the cycle and press Start.
When to Call a Technician
Schedule a repair if:
- F21 stays on after the checks
- The drain pump hums but won’t drain
- The door won’t unlock with water inside
- The drain filter is clear but slow
Related Whirlpool Washer Pages
Whirlpool washer repairMore help, including other Whirlpool codes:
Whirlpool washer F9E1 error codeWhirlpool washer F8E1 / LF error codeWhirlpool washer F5E2 / F5E3 error codeWhirlpool dryer AF / F4E3 error codeWhirlpool dishwasher F9E1 error codeAll Whirlpool appliance repairWhirlpool front-load washer code listWritten estimate first
Need Help With Whirlpool F21?
ALAS technicians repair Whirlpool front-load and Duet washers that won’t drain and give you a written estimate before any repair.
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- 90-day warranty, 6 months for members
- Open daily, 8 AM–8 PM
Whirlpool Washer F21 and F02 FAQs
Whirlpool says F21 and F02 mean the washer’s drain time is longer than expected. Check the drain hose and drainpipe, use HE detergent, then clear the code. If it stays on, Whirlpool says to call for service.
Both are slow-drain codes. F21 and F02 appear on older front-load and Duet displays, and F9E1 on newer models. See our F9E1 guide for newer washers.
Unplug the washer first. If your model has a drain pump filter behind the lower front panel, your Use & Care Guide shows how to drain the water into a pan and clean the filter. Expect more water than you think.
Yes. Whirlpool says excess suds can cause draining problems and leaks. Use only HE detergent in the recommended amount, and run a rinse with no detergent to clear them.
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