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Error code reference

Maytag Washer Error Code 21

Losing water during cycle (siphoning)

Maytag codesMaytag washer codes

Losing water during cycle (siphoning) - added more water during agitation.

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What 21 means on a Maytag washer

Error code 21 on a Maytag washer indicates the control board detected that the fill cycle exceeded 18 minutes without reaching the target water level. The board monitors fill time as a safeguard, and when the timer threshold is crossed before adequate water is sensed, it halts the cycle and posts this code. The root cause is almost always a water supply problem, a faulty water inlet valve, or a malfunctioning pressure switch or its hose.

For homeowners, this means your washer started filling with water but took too long to reach the level it needed, so it gave up and stopped. Think of it like a bathtub that fills too slowly because the faucet is barely open. The machine expected to be full within 18 minutes and wasn't, so it stopped to prevent running indefinitely. The fix usually involves checking that your water supply valves are fully open, inspecting the inlet hoses for kinks, or replacing the water inlet valve if it isn't opening fully. In less common cases, the pressure switch or its air tube, which tells the control board how full the tub is, may be faulty and reporting an incorrect water level.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 21

  1. 01

    Partially closed or low-pressure water supply

    Wiring / connection

    If the hot or cold water supply valves behind the washer are not fully open, or household water pressure is below the minimum required (typically 20 psi), the washer fills too slowly and exceeds the 18-minute limit. No parts are needed if this is the cause.

  2. 02

    Clogged or failed water inlet valve

    Part replacement

    The water inlet valve controls water flow into the tub. Mineral deposits or debris can clog the valve screens, and the solenoid coils can fail electrically, both resulting in slow or restricted fill that triggers the 18-minute timeout.

  3. 03

    Kinked or pinched fill hoses

    Wiring / connection

    If the hot or cold inlet hoses behind the unit are kinked or pinched against a wall, water flow is restricted and fill time increases beyond the allowed limit. This is a no-parts fix if the hoses are not damaged.

  4. 04

    Faulty water level pressure switch or blocked pressure hose

    Part replacement

    The pressure switch monitors tub water level and signals the control board when the correct level is reached. If the pressure hose is clogged, cracked, or disconnected, or if the switch itself has failed, the board may never receive the full signal even if the tub is filling normally, causing the 18-minute timeout.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 21

What does error code 21 mean on a Maytag washer?
Error code 21 means the washer's control board started a fill cycle but the tub did not reach the required water level within 18 minutes. The board halts the cycle to prevent running the pump or motor without adequate water. The most common causes are a restricted water supply, clogged inlet valve screens, or a faulty water level pressure switch.
How do I fix error code 21 on a Maytag washer?
Start by checking that both the hot and cold water supply valves behind the washer are fully open and that the inlet hoses are not kinked. Remove and inspect the inlet hose screens at the back of the washer for mineral buildup and clean them if needed. If supply pressure and hoses check out, test or replace the water inlet valve. If the valve is functioning, inspect the pressure switch hose for blockages or cracks and test the pressure switch itself.
Is it safe to keep using my Maytag washer when error code 21 is showing?
You should not continue running wash cycles with code 21 active. The washer stopped because it could not fill correctly, and forcing cycles without resolving the cause can stress the inlet valve, pressure switch, and control board. Resolve the fill issue before resuming normal use.
Can I clear error code 21 myself or do I need a technician?
Many cases of code 21 are resolved without a technician. Checking supply valves, straightening hoses, and cleaning inlet valve screens are all DIY-accessible tasks. Replacing the water inlet valve is a moderate DIY repair that requires unplugging the washer, removing the back panel, and swapping the valve. If the pressure switch or control board is involved, a technician with a multimeter can diagnose those components more reliably.
How much does it cost to repair error code 21 on a Maytag washer?
If the fix is simply opening a supply valve or unkinking a hose, the cost is zero. A replacement water inlet valve typically costs $20 to $60 for the part, and a DIY repair takes about 30 to 60 minutes. A water level pressure switch runs $15 to $40. If you hire a technician, expect a service call fee of $75 to $150 plus parts, bringing the total to $100 to $250 depending on the component replaced.

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