Written by
Marcus Lindqvist Appliance Care EditorPublished October 26, 2026
VERIFIED
Error codeE21
ApplianceWasher
E21 and the drain pump
E21 points at the drain pump. On an LG washer-dryer combo it appears when the tub is slow to empty, which can be due to a blockage along the drain path. Front-load LG washers display it as well.
Checks from the LG help library
Behind the machine, make sure the drain hose is not bent into a kink.
Run through the hose itself for clogs or caked-on debris.
Wash out the drain pump filter, clearing every trace of residue.
Inspect the water inlet valve.
Extra advice for front-load models
Whenever the pump filter yielded debris, a tub clean cycle should come next. Excess foam is another trigger, so add less detergent. A second E21 suggests the washer may need repair service.
For an E21 that keeps coming back, call (415) 223-7887 and ask about LG washer repair for San Francisco and Bay Area homes. Have the model number ready, plus a list of the hose and filter checks you did.
Model compatibility: LG reuses codes across series and model years, so E21 may mean something different on another appliance or generation. Confirm this against your model’s documentation and record your full model number before acting.
Plain language
What this code means
The drain pump reports an error because draining the tub takes longer than expected.
Important safety warning. Do not attempt repairs involving electrical components, gas, water lines, refrigerant or sealed systems. Unplug the appliance if it is safe to reach the outlet, and leave internal diagnostics to a qualified technician.
Seeing this code on your LG appliance?
Book a specialist visit for a clear estimate and approval before any repair.
You submit a request with your appliance model and symptom, we confirm an appointment window, and a technician performs an on-site diagnosis. You then receive a clear estimate and decide whether to proceed before any repair begins.
Yes. We provide an upfront estimate after diagnosis. No parts are ordered or installed until you approve the work, so there are no surprise charges.
Replacement parts are selected for the exact model and confirmed with you before ordering or installation.
Service areas are listed on the Locations page. Contact us with your ZIP code to confirm current coverage for your address.
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Book a repair online or call us — clear estimates and approval before any repair work begins.
