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| Maytag Epiz Z Series Washer and Dryer Side by Side |
Maytag Epic Z F21 Error Code Fix
F21
Flashing message says F21 or F-21 error code which is a Long Drain Time error code. This indicates that you have an obstruction or clog in the drainage system. Normally this will tell you that you probably have a clog in the drain pump. What no one tells it that it’s pretty easy to fix this one yourself.
It really 2 easy steps. Take off 3 screws and then open the drain clean out valve and remove the debris and it’s done.
Well, here’s a little bit more step by step than that.
Looking at the front of the washing machine, below the door there is a solid white metal section. At the very bottom (right along the floor) there are 3 screws that you can access from the front. Take off those three screws and the metal access panel will slip off. There are 2 plastic pins that are lodged in the top of the panel, so it will swing out towards you first. Don’t force it off, or you may damage those pins.
With the access panel removed, it will become quite clear what is next. On the right hand side there is a rather large white drain plug that you need to twist off. If there is still water in the washing machine, then you will need to be careful and have buckets and rags ready, as the water will start draining once you remove the plug and it will drain fast, so get ready!
After a few turns the plug will slide out and there will be a small catch basin / rough filter that is attached that will also come out with it. This is where most of the debris will be located and should be the obstacle that was preventing the washing machine to drain.
Clean it out and remove any lint, waste products etc that have accumulated. Who knows, you might even find some loose change in there too. I found $0.27. The put the plug back in. Make sure that it is tightened completely and totally secure. The machine will leak if this is not secured properly.
Then slide the access panel back in place making sure to get the 2 plastic pins in place without damaging them and then the 3 screws are next. Once those are in place, you are ready to go. Plug the washer back in and turn it on.
Naturally you never want to do any work on an appliance while it is still plugged in, so Safety First – unplug it before you begin. I would also suggest that you turn off both the hot and cold water valves/faucets completely.
Good luck!
Wow! Thanks. I just followed the instructions above and it worked! Took me about 30 minutes. My washer was full of water. When I pulled the cap off I filled both of them. Glad I had them close by. I would recommend you prop up the front end of the water to lessen the out pour when the cap is pulled off. Also, you may need a wrench to turn the cap.
ReplyDeleteIs it possible that debris could have gotten into the second line leading out of the washer? I just followed your steps, and sure enough there were two small socks stuck in the filter. But I've tried using it again and I keep getting the error.
ReplyDeleteIf I have it on empty or with really light clothes it will drain and spin, but if there is heavy items it's not working.
Was you able to figure it out because mine is still have the same problem
DeleteWas you able to figure it out because mine is still have the same problem
DeleteGreat way to save a repair call. It really bugs me that this information isn't in the owners manual. What a stupid place to put a filter that regularly needs servicing...
ReplyDeleteI just followed your instructions. Too easy! I used a large lid from a storage container that worked perfectly for draining the unit. What a clog! I took a picture because I just started laughing when I saw it. Hairpins,rings and chains all wrapped up in a bundle of dense lint. I have 4 girls in the house!
ReplyDeleteGreat how-to guide! I had a barret, band aid and small mesh bag all wrapped up with a mess of lint. The hint to use storage bin lids to catch drainwater was perfect - used two and swapped them out 3 times. Worst part was getting screws back in :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the valuable info. Easy instructions led me to the root of the problem. I, as well, found around 53 cents, hair bands, and lint. Pretty funny. Thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you, thank you!!! I found an ankle sock, $ 0.11, three paper-clips, a broken small chain necklace, lint, and sand in mine.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! This saved us the $89.00 inital assessment fee from a Maytag Vendor and probably over $100 in repairs. The encloser to the filter was hard to screw off so my husband did it for me. Inside was a doggie poop bag, a twoonie, a loonie and tons of lint. The washer works awesome now! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! Worked like a charm!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much! I found $.50 and lego wheel and a zipper with a lot of lent.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this. My husband and I really appreciated the info. Should be with regular maintenance instructions.
ReplyDeleteWe found in our little bundle of junk: a wii control wrist band, fishing weights, a couple washers, and a bunch of change. The guys in our family need to empty their pockets before throwing their shorts in the laundry! ( :
Thank you so much! it was about a 10 minute fix. I found 2 bobby pins, a drywall screw, 2 earrings, a ring, small stones, a staple, and $1.27! It's amazing that trap can hold so much.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU! THANK YOU!!! My husband and I were dreading calling a repair man. So easy!
ReplyDeleteBe Blessed! :)
Afitz 07-02-13
Thank you, I found a bra pad, sock, several pens, bobby pins, air soft ammo and .36 cents. Love it, I didn't have to pay a dime for a repair man. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteWow - we found a diary key, a necklace, some buttons, a bobby pin, a few coins, and of course, lint! It seems to be running smoothly now. Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteDoes anybody know size of screwdriver head to remove the 3 screws?
ReplyDeleteThank you! Easy fix, saved me a service call and $$$!!!!! Like many ,I was surprised what was collected there!!! I put it all back together and washer works like new!!!!;)
ReplyDeleteThe three screws are a 1/4" socket or nut driver. I had to do it twice, hoping I don't have to do it a third time. I had a $1.10 in change, hair pins and Legos.
ReplyDeleteCool!Thanks, I found $30 and some change.
ReplyDeleteI did this and it still is flashing the code.
ReplyDeletewhat do I do if the code is still flashing after I clean that drain
ReplyDeletewhat do I do if the code is still flashing after I clean that drain
ReplyDeleteI did this and it still is flashing the code.
ReplyDeleteMine to
DeleteMine to
DeleteWhat's a f 20 error
ReplyDeleteWhat's a f 20 error
ReplyDeleteF-20 error is a water pressure issue. Not enough pressure will cause this. http://frontloadwasherguide.blogspot.com/2011/06/maytg-epic-z-series-f-20-error-code-fix.html?m=1
ReplyDeleteI recently cleaned the trap and its doing the code again, :{ any suggestions
ReplyDeleteThis was awesome, thanks for the instructions. Lint, earrings, rocks, lego, and a whopping $10.12 in the bottom drain. Like others said... have towels ready. Bonus. Machine running more quietly again.
ReplyDeleteMy machine kicks an F21 error and nothing in the drain, does this over and over. Takes like 5 hours to do a load of laundry-when I take off end cap, all that comes out is water, any ideas? I hate this washer!
ReplyDeleteHas anyone figured out why the f21 kicks on even after I cleaned out the trap? I cleaned it out last night and had a lot of change and misc items in there enough to seem like that was the issue. I put everything back together and started a load and it seemed to work fine. But I woke up this morning and the code was flashing again. Could this be a pump issue? Any advice would be appreciated, thanks
ReplyDeleteI had that as well. Changed the pump and it's better. I suspect I waited too long to clean the trap and hose and the pump burned out.
DeleteThanks for the instructions. I had a lot of lint and dirt, but only found .21 cents and won't get rich quick this way. One thing I noticed is that the cap will separate from the filter basket and there was a lot of dirt and lint inside there as well. As a bonus, when I removed the front plate I found a pamphlet taped inside with all the error codes and remedies. Nice place for it :(
ReplyDeleteHoly cow, If I can ever get these three screws off, I am NEVER putting that panel back on. Didn't know what size they were, so went through a lot of trial and error before I found the 1/4" clue on this website. Borrowed a ratchet set, but the screws are just ever so slightly angled towards the floor, and there is very little clearance so even the ratchet wrench can't get at the right angle to unscrew 2 out of three of them. I have my washer and dryer stacked, so I'm not looking forward to jacking them up with a car jack to get the screws to come straight out. I really hope there is a lot of money in that trap!!!
ReplyDeleteI wish I can see the answers to some of these replies. We cleaned out everything as two other people did,checked the propeller on the pump. When it first did the first rinse, it came out extremely fast and hard. Hadn't heard it like in a long time. Thought it was fixed, but got the two different codes going I to the rinse cycle with water still in the drum. Any ideas?
ReplyDeleteHad that same code, and this was a quick clear, easy guide. Thanks for putting it together! Cured my washer machines ailments
ReplyDeleteI got the F21 error code also. Came to this site, cleaned my drain pump filter, found 91 cents along with a nail and leaves...these items were covering the drain holes and was throwing that error out....FIXED ran a load and works great..read a statement that error codes were behind bottom panel that you take off in front ....error codes and how to diagnose and fix...this would of cost us a lot of money....thanks so much
ReplyDeleteI mean to say that this error could be caused if you have an issue further along with the drainage. I live in the country and if one of the drainage pipes for the washer gets blocked up from the county running mowers over the ditch or something like that, it gives this issue and then someone has to go out and unclog it.
ReplyDeleteThis was really helpful. Took 30 minutes and fixed the issue. Found over $15.00 in change so it was a significant blockage. Thanks again
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post. Blogs like these are very useful for people who are into home appliance service. Our washing machine service centers has benefited from this post. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post. Was searching all over the net for a service issue and finally landed on this post and it was very helpful. We run a washing machine service center so was very helpful for us.
ReplyDeleteVery informative post. Posts like these are very useful and particularly for people who are running washing machine service center. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThank you!!!! Three nails, a hairpin, a popsicle stick, a guitar pick and $1.47.
ReplyDelete