Error E21 in Teka washing machines

What does error E21 mean on a Teka washing machine?

Error E21 on Teka washing machines usually indicates a drainage problem: the washer attempts to pump the water out, but detects that the water level does not drop within the safety time limit. That’s why the programme stops, often just before spinning, to prevent damage (for example, trying to spin fast with water still inside).

In practice, E21 often appears together with one or more of these symptoms:

• The washer gets “stuck” and doesn’t reach the spin cycle.
• When the cycle ends (or stops), you find water left in the drum.
• You hear the pump humming continuously, working in pulses, or you don’t hear it draining at all.
• The error appears after washing items that shed lots of lint (towels, small rugs, workwear) or after washing clothes with objects in pockets (coins, clips, etc.).

The most common causes of error E21 on a Teka washing machine are:

• Blocked pump filter (most common): lint, coins, buttons, hairpins, pieces of plastic or fabric debris.
• Drain pump jammed: something has reached the impeller and prevents it from turning, or it turns with difficulty.
• Kinked or pinched drain hose: the hose is crushed behind the washer or routed incorrectly.
• Slow or blocked household drain: the trap/pipe is partially or fully blocked (the washer pumps water out, but the drain can’t take it away).
• Water level control issue: pressure switch or pressure tube with dirt/partial blockage, causing the board to “think” there is still water.
• Electrical faults: loose connector, damaged wire, or the pump receiving power intermittently.

In short: E21 almost always appears because the washer cannot drain the water normally. That’s why the fix focuses on checking the filter, pump, hoses and the household drain, in that order.

How to fix error E21 on your Teka washing machine

Before you start: switch the washer off and unplug it. Keep a low bucket, a shallow tray and towels nearby, because water usually comes out when you open the filter.

1. Do a quick reset and try “drain”
   • Unplug the washer for 1–2 minutes.
   • Plug it back in and select a drain/pump out programme (or a short rinse).
   • If it drains normally, it may have been a one-off blockage (but you should still clean the filter).
2. Remove the remaining water (if there’s a lot)
   • If the drum is very full, scoop some water out with a jug to avoid flooding.
   • Some models have an emergency drain hose next to the filter: use it if available.
3. Thoroughly clean the pump filter
   • Open the lower front service flap.
   • Place a container underneath and slowly turn the filter cap (water will come out).
   • Remove the filter and clear lint and objects: coins, elastic bands, hairpins, buttons, etc.
   • With the filter out, carefully check that the pump impeller can turn and is not jammed.

   This step alone solves most E21 cases.

4. Check the drain hose (rear)
   • Pull the washer forward slightly and make sure the hose is not kinked, crushed or overly stretched.
   • Make sure it isn’t pushed too far down into the standpipe (sometimes it can “siphon” and cause issues).
   • If you suspect internal build-up, disconnect it from the drain and flush it to confirm it’s clear.
5. Check the household drain
   • Disconnect the hose and pour water into the trap/pipe where it normally connects.
   • If the water drains slowly or backs up, the issue is in the home drain system.
   • In that case, clearing the trap or pipe is usually necessary for the washer to drain correctly again.
6. Run a short cycle and watch the drain phase
   • With everything clean and reconnected, run a short rinse.
   • During draining you should hear the pump running smoothly and see a steady flow of water.
   • If the pump sounds pulsed, very weak, or doesn’t move water, it may be failing.
7. When it’s best to contact a technician
   • E21 returns even with a clean filter, a correctly routed hose and a clear household drain.
   • The pump is silent or sounds abnormal (loud humming, strong vibration, intermittent pumping).
   • The washer repeatedly stops with water inside.

   At this point, diagnosis usually focuses on the drain pump, wiring, pressure switch/pressure tube or the control board. Repeatedly forcing cycles can make the problem worse.

8. How to prevent E21 from coming back
   • Clean the filter periodically, especially if you wash towels, fleece fabrics or workwear.
   • Check pockets before washing (coins and small objects end up in the filter or pump).
   • Avoid overloading the drum: it creates more lint and makes it harder for debris to reach the filter.
   • If you notice slower draining or the pump sound changing, check it early before the error returns.

If you tell me the exact model of your Teka washing machine, I can tailor the text to the specific E21 definition for that series (some ranges use slightly different timing thresholds or naming for the code).