Kenmore Washer Error Code E21

E21 means the washer detected that water is not draining out of the tub fast enough during the drain cycle. The control board tracks drain time and throws this fault when it takes too long. The problem is usually a clogged drain hose, a blocked pump filter, or a faulty drain pump. Checking the drain hose for restrictions and verifying 120 VAC at the drain pump are the first diagnostic steps.

It is not recommended to continue running the washer while E21 is active. If water is not draining properly, the machine may leave standing water in the drum, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. Running repeated cycles without resolving the drain issue can also put additional strain on the pump motor and other components.

A reset may temporarily clear the E21 code, but it will return as soon as the washer attempts another drain cycle if the underlying problem has not been fixed. Resetting is not a repair and should only be used after you have addressed the root cause. To reset, unplug the washer for a few minutes, then restore power and run a drain or spin cycle to confirm the fault does not reappear.

Many E21 errors can be resolved without a technician by clearing a kinked drain hose or cleaning a blocked pump filter, both of which require no special tools. If those steps do not resolve the fault and you need to test for voltage at the drain pump or replace the pump, a basic multimeter and some mechanical comfort are helpful. If you are not comfortable working around live voltage, a qualified technician should handle the electrical testing.

If the fix is simply clearing a clogged drain hose or cleaning the pump filter, the cost is minimal, typically just your time. If the drain pump itself needs to be replaced, parts generally range from $30 to $100 depending on the model, with professional labor adding another $75 to $150. If the control board is the source of the problem, repair costs can be higher.