Slow drain

Clean the pump filter thoroughly — for E21 the lint is partially blocking flow rather than fully sealing it, so the trap can look deceptively clear
Check the drain hose for a partial kink or a soft internal collapse that narrows the bore
Remove the pump and inspect the volute and impeller for a film of lint that slows the water without stopping it
Measure pump motor resistance — should be 5-20 ohms; a reading at the high end hints at worn windings
Listen for the pump straining — a labored, changing hum indicates failing bearings dragging the impeller
Back-flush the drain line to the standpipe to clear a slow build-up the pump is fighting against
Pro Diagnostic Tip
E21 means the drain eventually completes but takes too long — the opposite of E20, which is a total blockage that never clears. Suspect a worn pump impeller or a lint film that moves water slowly rather than a hard obstruction. Electrolux Perfect Steam front-loaders shed more lint into the pump than non-steam models, so a partially fouled impeller is the usual E21 culprit long before the motor itself fails.
Repair Difficulty
Moderate — Some Experience NeededEstimated Repair Cost
$80–$220
Parts + labor. Free diagnosis with repair.
Parts That May Need Replacement
Bearing puller set ($120), drum spider wrench ($85), multimeter ($85), and diagnostic software. Our technician arrives with $3,000+ in professional tools — your diagnostic is free.
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Electrolux error code E21 indicates: Slow drain. This is a medium-severity issue affecting your washer.
Clean the pump filter thoroughly — for E21 the lint is partially blocking flow rather than fully sealing it, so the trap can look deceptively clear Then, Check the drain hose for a partial kink or a soft internal collapse that narrows the bore Then, Remove the pump and inspect the volute and impeller for a film of lint that slows the water without stopping it There are 3 more steps — see the full troubleshooting guide above. This repair typically requires professional tools and expertise.
Besides the error code on the display, common signs include: Cycles run noticeably longer than normal; A little water is left in the drum after the drain; The pump runs for extended periods each cycle. If you notice any of these symptoms, check your washer's display panel for error code E21.
Repair costs for Electrolux E21 typically range from $80 to $220 depending on the specific cause and parts needed. EasyBear offers free diagnosis when you proceed with the repair. Call (415) 795-7300 for a same-day appointment.