Does this guide apply to your appliance?

Match the brand, device type and complete display code. The same code can mean something different on another product family or market; a series name does not confirm every model in that series.

No exact model number is recorded here. Confirm the code in your appliance manual before following a check.

Likely causes

  • Kinked, crushed, blocked, or incorrectly positioned drain hose
  • Blocked standpipe, sink connection, or household drain
  • Blocked drain filter or pump area
  • Jammed or defective drain pump
  • On some models, a pressure-sensor, wiring, or control-board fault

What to try

Check the drain hose and household drain

Easy
  1. Switch off the washer, unplug it, and allow any hot water to cool.
  2. Inspect the drain hose for kinks, crushing, blockage, or incorrect placement.
  3. Check the standpipe or sink connection for a blockage.
  4. Restore the hose and drain connection according to the washer’s model-specific instructions.
  5. Run a drain or spin test and check whether E21 returns.

Source for this check: owner.electrolux.com

Clean the accessible drain filter or pump area

Moderate
  1. Unplug the washer and confirm that the water has cooled.
  2. Only if your model has an accessible drain filter, place a shallow container and towels beneath it.
  3. Drain the water gradually, then remove and clean the filter and pump area as described for your model.
  4. Reinstall the filter securely and check for leaks.
  5. Run a drain or spin test.

This step is marked caution. Stop if you are not qualified to continue.

Source for this check: api.electrolux-medialibrary.com

Arrange professional service if E21 returns

Professional

This is a service referral, not a do-it-yourself repair procedure.

  1. Stop using the washer if E21 returns after the hose, household drain, and accessible filter or pump area are clear.
  2. Do not dismantle the washer or perform electrical tests yourself.
  3. Contact Electrolux or a qualified appliance technician and provide the full model number and the E21 code.
  4. Ask the technician to assess the drain pump, wiring, pressure-sensor system, and control board as applicable to the model.

This step is marked professional. Stop if you are not qualified to continue.

Source for this check: www.manualslib.com

The code returned or the check did not help?

Avoid repeated resets and do not select a replacement part from the code alone. Record the exact code, full model number, when it appeared, and the checks you tried with their results. Share these details with the manufacturer or service technician.

Disconnecting power does not establish that internal components are safe to touch. This guide does not authorize opening electrical components or bypassing safety devices.

Related error codes

Electrolux E10Electrolux Washing Machine Error Code E10: Water Supply Fault Electrolux E11Electrolux Washing Machine Error Code E11: Fill Timeout / Water Supply Fault Electrolux C1Electrolux Washing Machine Error Code C1: Water Fill Fault Electrolux E20Electrolux washing machine E20: drainage problem Electrolux E22Electrolux washing machine error E22: drainage timeout during drying Electrolux E23Electrolux Washing Machine Error Code E23: Drain Pump Triac Malfunction

Useful guides

Washing Machine Will Not Drain: Safe Checks Before Booking a TechnicianA blocked filter, kinked hose, plumbing restriction, unbalanced load, or excess suds can stop a washer from dr... Why Your Washing Machine Shakes or Moves—and Safe Leveling ChecksShaking can come from an uneven load, shipping bolts left in place, or an unstable floor. Try these safe check... Too Much Foam in Your Washer: Safe Steps to TakeExcess suds can lengthen a cycle, interfere with spinning and leave laundry wet or poorly rinsed. Check your d...

References