Midea Washer Error Code E21

E21 on a Midea washer means the machine detected a drain timeout fault. After the drain pump starts, the control board expects to see the water level drop within 3 minutes. If no change is detected within that window, the washer stops and displays E21. The issue is almost always a blocked drain hose, a clogged pump filter, a failed pump, or a faulty water level sensor.

Resetting the washer by unplugging it for a minute or two may temporarily clear the E21 code, but the error will return as soon as the machine attempts another drain cycle if the underlying problem has not been fixed. A reset is useful for confirming whether a one-time event caused the code, but it is not a solution for a recurring drain fault. Address the physical cause first before relying on a reset.

Repair costs vary depending on the cause. Clearing a clogged drain hose or cleaning the pump filter costs nothing beyond your time. Replacing a failed drain pump typically runs between $80 and $200 including parts and labor, depending on your location and service provider. A faulty water level pressure sensor is generally a less expensive part, with total repair costs usually falling in the $60 to $150 range when a technician is involved.

Start by checking the drain hose for kinks or clogs and straighten or clear it as needed. Next, locate and clean the pump filter, which is typically behind a small access panel at the lower front of the washer. If the hose and filter are clear, listen to whether the drain pump runs during a cycle. A pump that hums but does not move water may have a jammed or broken impeller, while a completely silent pump may have a failed motor or a wiring issue.

You should not continue running laundry cycles while E21 is active. If the washer cannot drain, water will remain in the drum, and running additional cycles risks overflowing the tub or forcing the pump to run dry. Leave the washer paused or powered off until the drain problem is identified and resolved. Standing water left in the drum for extended periods can also cause odor and mildew buildup.