Miele Dishwasher F11 Error: Meaning, Causes & Safe Checks

F11 Check carefully Safe checks first

Quick answer

Miele dishwasher F11 (G 1xxx to G 6xxx models) is a drain fault with water left in the cabinet. Either the non-return valve over the drain pump isn’t positioned correctly, or the pump is blocked. Switch off and unplug, remove the filters, scoop out the water, then clean the valve and pump carefully, watching for glass.

Check your model

This code can mean different things on different model series. Check your manual, or Miele UK support with your model number.

What F11 means on a Miele dishwasher

There is a drain fault: water is left in the wash cabinet.

Applies to: Miele dishwashers in the G 1xxx to G 6xxx series. Check your model number before following these steps.

What you might notice

Likely causes

What you can safely check yourself

Stop and call a qualified engineer if:
  • The code or problem comes back after you’ve done the safe checks on this page.
  • The next step would mean removing a cover or panel, or working on the pump, valves, heater, motor, door lock or wiring. That is a job for a qualified engineer.
  • Water is leaking from inside the appliance or is near the plug or socket. Don’t touch the plug with wet hands or while standing in water. Switch off at the consumer unit instead.
  • The appliance is still under warranty. Contact the manufacturer first, because DIY work can affect your cover.

Work through these in order. Stop as soon as one of the signs above applies.

Clean the dishwasher filters

Before you start
  • Switch off and unplug the appliance at the wall socket before you touch hoses, filters or the back of the machine. Make sure your hands and the plug area are dry.
  • Wear protective gloves. Broken glass and sharp debris can collect in the filter and pump area, and it is hard to see.
Dishwasher filter assembly Twist to unlock, lift out Coarse filter Flat fine filter sits flat in the base Wear gloves: glass collects here. Refit until it locks.
Dishwasher filter assembly. Positions vary by model — check your manual.
  1. Take out the lower basket.
  2. Twist and lift the filter unit out of the base of the tub, then separate the parts as your manual shows.
  3. Rinse every part under running water. Use a soft brush for stubborn debris and nothing abrasive.
  4. Wipe food remains out of the sump area around the filter opening.
  5. Refit the filters so they lie flat and lock in position. On many models arrows line up when they are locked.

Don’t run the dishwasher without the filters fitted.

Clear the drain pump under the filter Take care

Before you start
  • Switch off and unplug the appliance at the wall socket before you touch hoses, filters or the back of the machine. Make sure your hands and the plug area are dry.
  • Wear protective gloves. Broken glass and sharp debris can collect in the filter and pump area, and it is hard to see.
  • Never force a locked door, a stuck filter cap or a seized part. Forcing it usually causes more damage.
  1. Only do this if your manual shows a user-removable pump cover or valve under the filter. Not every dishwasher has one.
  2. With the dishwasher off and unplugged, take out the lower basket and the filters.
  3. Soak up or scoop out the standing water with a sponge or small cup.
  4. Release the pump cover as your manual shows (Bosch, for example, uses a teaspoon to lever it off).
  5. Remove any glass, fruit stones or other debris you can see, and check the pump impeller turns freely.
  6. Refit the cover until it clicks or sits flush, then refit the filters and basket.

For this fault: Miele (G 1xxx–G 6xxx): the drain pump sits under a non-return valve. Press its catch inwards and tip it in to release it, clean it under running water, push a small sponge through the impeller to remove debris, check the impeller turns, then refit the valve flush with the edge so the catch engages fully.

Don’t use an electric screwdriver on the pump cover.

Don’t put your fingers into the pump opening. Use the spoon or tweezers, with gloves on.

Don’t go any further than the cover your manual shows. The pump itself, its motor and wiring are an engineer job.

When to call an engineer

If the checks above don’t clear F11, or any of the stop signs apply, contact Miele or a qualified appliance engineer. Have the model and serial number from the rating label ready, and start with Miele UK support.

Repair or replace?

Most F11 cases are cleared by the safe checks above. If they don’t help, the remaining causes are parts an engineer has to diagnose. We don’t publish repair prices because they vary by area, part and model.

Related problems

Related codes

Different code or symptom? Use the fault finder, see all Miele dishwasher codes, or read how Miele codes work. Not sure it’s safe? Read our safety information.

Sources

Last checked against these sources: .

We write every page in our own words from manufacturer guidance and check it against the sources above. If your manual says something different, follow your manual. How we check.