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Washing-machine maintenance illustration for Electrolux washer E20, E21 or C2: not draining
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Help · Washing machine

Electrolux washer E20, E21 or C2: not draining

Codes E20, E21 and C2 point to a drainage problem. Check the hose position, pump filter and foam before assuming the pump has failed.

Manufacturer sources consulted

An Electrolux washer showing E20, E21 or C2 has not drained in the expected time. The code does not by itself prove that the pump needs replacing: a hose inserted too deeply, an incorrect drain height, a kink, debris in the user-accessible filter or excess foam can all slow the water. Work from the installation outward. First confirm the drain hose follows the appliance instructions, then inspect the filter only after unplugging the machine and allowing hot water to cool. A short drain test after each correction is more informative than changing several things at once. If water remains trapped, the pump is unusually noisy or the code returns with a clear hose and clean filter, stop and request service rather than opening the cabinet.

Models covered

Safety first

  • Unplug before opening the filter and wait until retained wash water is cool enough to handle safely.

What the symptom may indicate

Restricted drain pathA kinked hose, blocked siphon, dirty filter or trapped object can keep water in the drum.
Installation or foam issueIncorrect hose height, excessive insertion or too much detergent can disrupt level sensing and drainage.

Checks in the right order

  1. Check hose position

    Confirm the hose is not kinked and is not pushed more than 10 cm into the drain.

  2. Confirm drain height

    Use the model manual; Electrolux specifies a drain point between 60 and 100 cm above the appliance base.

  3. Clean filter and pump area

    Unplug, let the water cool, drain safely, then clean the accessible filter and visible impeller as described in the manual.

  4. Test one drain cycle

    Refit everything securely and run a short drain test without detergent; record whether the code returns.

Stop and get qualified help when

  • Stop for a leak, burning smell, damaged cable, inaccessible blockage or a code that returns after the documented checks.

Next step

Repair, replace a part, or arrange a diagnosis?

Use the checks and stop conditions above to choose a cautious next step. A symptom alone never proves that the appliance has failed.

Resolve it without buying anything

Complete the 4 user-accessible checks in order. If normal operation returns and no warning sign remains, no replacement is indicated.

Replace only the confirmed part

If the checks isolate a worn or blocked component, match its complete reference to the exact appliance model before ordering.

This guide does not identify a replacement part. Do not order a generic component from the symptom alone.

Arrange a diagnosis before replacing the appliance

Stop at any warning sign listed above. A qualified diagnosis should confirm that repair is unsafe, unavailable or uneconomical before an appliance replacement is considered.

Sources used

  • Electrolux — Electrolux identifies E20, E21 and C2 as drainage faults and documents hose, height, filter, pump and foam checks.

Last checked: 30 August 2026