Whirlpool Duet is a popular range of combined washers and dryers, particularly preferred by those living in smaller properties and young professionals. While the Duet is a durable, convenient, and high-quality appliance, like any appliance it can experience issues.
If your Whirlpool Duet is displaying an F21 error code, this means that your washer is experiencing drainage issues. The water is draining from the drum slower than it should, or perhaps not draining at all. Although that sounds alarming, there are some simple fixes you can try to solve the issue and get your Whirlpool Duet functioning once again.
Reset your washer
Although the F21 error code technically means that your washer has a drainage issue, your washer may be displaying this code erroneously. This can happen if your home’s power supply experiences a power surge, or if your Whirlpool Duet experiences a software glitch. To clear the error:
- Disconnect your Whirlpool Duet from the power.
- Wait two full minutes.
- Plug the appliance back in.
- Run a test cycle to see if the error recurs. If it works as normal, it was just due to a glitch, but if the error happens again it’s a genuine issue that needs to be resolved.
Clean out the drain pump filter
The drain pump filter can trap lint, hair, and other debris that may accidentally end up in your washer. If it’s not cleaned out regularly it can start to block the pump and prevent proper drainage. Whirlpool recommends that you clean out the filter once every six months for optimal performance – here’s how to do it:
- Open the cover of the drain pump filter. This is located in the bottom right corner of your Whirlpool duet.
- Put a pan in place to catch any residual water and use the small black hose to drain the drum.
- Unscrew the drain pump filter, making sure you have an old towel in place to catch any spills.
- Remove any large clumps of lint or hair by hand and rinse the filter thoroughly under running water to clean away any remaining grime.
- Put the filter back in place, ensuring you screw it in tightly and that the screw is threaded properly.
- Replace the cover, then run a test cycle to check if the issue is fixed.
Check the drain hose position
The drain hose removes the dirty water from your Whirlpool Duet and directs it either into a standpipe or laundry tub. If the drain hose is incorrectly positioned, the tub of your washer won’t be able to drain properly. The drain hose can also become pinched or kinked, which can also impede water flow. This is a relatively easy fix, so it’s a good place to start if your Duet displays the F21 error code.
- Make sure you can see the entire length of the dishwasher drain hose. You may need to move your Whirlpool Duet away from the wall to do so.
- First, check to see if there are any kinks in the length of the hose. If there are, straighten out the kinks to allow water to flow to the drain.
- Check the positioning of the drain pipe in either the standpipe or laundry tub. The end of the pipe should be between 30 inches and 96 inches from the floor.
- Once the hose is in position, use a cable tie or clip to secure it in place.
- Return the washer to its position and run a test cycle to see if the error code has cleared.
Check drain hose for clogs
Once you’ve ruled out a position issue with your drain hose, the next step is to check it for clogs. This can occur when debris that should have been caught by the drain pump filter makes its way into the drain hose and forms a clog.
- Make sure that the drum has been drained via the small hose located next to the drain pump filter.
- Pull the Whirlpool Duet away from the wall to gain access to the hose.
- Spread an old towel on the floor to catch any residual water that may spill out when you remove the drain hose.
- Disconnect both ends of the drain hose.
- Use a length of wire or a drain snake to clear any clogs.
- Run water through the drain hose to ensure it can flow freely and no clogs are remaining.
- Replace the drain hose, ensuring it is tightly attached to avoid leaks.
- Run a short test cycle to ensure that the washer is draining as normal and that the error code doesn’t recur.
Clear obstructions from the drain pump
Like the drain pump filter, the drain pump impeller can also get clogged by debris that ends up in the washing machine. Coins, small toys, or even baby socks can end up in the wrong place, and once the impeller is blocked your washer won’t be able to drain. This fix is a little more complicated than the others in this guide, so only attempt it if you’re confident – otherwise, it is better to call in a professional.
- Disconnect your Whirlpool Duet from its power source and remove the necessary panels to access the drain pump.
- Check the pump’s impeller for blockages. The impeller looks like a small fan and is the most common location for foreign objects to get lodged.
- Remove any obstructions and check to make sure the impeller can spin freely.
- Put the washer back together, restore power, and run a test cycle to ensure that the error code has gone.
Check your home’s plumbing
If you’ve gone through all the steps on this list and your washer still isn’t draining, it may be time to call in a plumber. There could be an issue with your home’s plumbing which needs to be resolved before your washer will function properly. This is likely to be the case if you’ve noticed other drains backing up, or if you’ve noticed water pooling in the laundry tub when your washer tries to drain.