Miele Dishwasher F11: Drainage Fault, Water Left in the Tub (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)
What the code means
Miele's support pages for G 1xxx to G 6xxx dishwashers describe F11 as a drain fault with water left in the wash cabinet, and the operating instructions list it under "Water drainage fault": the dishwasher stops during a program and the Intake/Drain indicator flashes alongside the code (on some models the optical interface flashes and the buzzer sounds too). Miele's technical information for G 1xxx/G 2xxx models explains how the machine decides: after each drain step the circulation pump runs for 2 seconds while the pressure switch checks the water level. If too much water is left, it extends the drain time; if the level is still too high on the next check, it stops the program, stores F11 and runs the drain pump. Note that the same operating instructions show a separate code for water intake problems, so F11 is about water going out, not coming in.
Likely causes
- Clogged filters in the base of the wash cabinet, which Miele lists as the first thing to clean.
- A blocked drain pump, often from glass splinters, bone fragments or other debris, so water flows back into the cabinet.
- A dirty, blocked or incorrectly seated non-return valve (the cover over the drain pump).
- A kinked or looped drain hose.
- A blockage downstream of the dishwasher, in the sink trap, garbage disposal or drain pipe.
- A drain pump or control fault that a technician has to diagnose, if the hose won't drain even into a bucket.
Safe DIY checks
Always switch the dishwasher off and unplug it before removing the filters or reaching into the drain pump. Miele warns of injury from glass splinters, which are especially hard to see in the drain pump, so work carefully and consider gloves. Don't run the dishwasher repeatedly with standing water in it; if the fault won't clear, call Miele Service.
- Turn the dishwasher off and pull the plug (or switch off its breaker) before reaching into the tub.
- Take out the filter combination, clean it under running water, and scoop the standing water out of the cabinet with a small container.
- Press the catch on the non-return valve inward, tip it inward to release it, and rinse it under running water, removing any debris.
- Carefully clear the drain pump underneath: Miele suggests pushing a small sponge through the impeller and removing any foreign objects. Watch for glass splinters, which are hard to see.
- Turn the impeller by hand in both directions to make sure it spins freely.
- Refit the non-return valve straight down from above so it sits flush with the edge and its catch fully engages, then lay the filter combination flat in the base of the cabinet.
- Check the drain hose behind or under the dishwasher for kinks or loops and straighten it.
- Restart the program and check whether the water pumps away.
🛠 When to call a pro
- F11 keeps coming back after cleaning. Miele's service steps check the drain line by disconnecting it from the sink trap, disposal or drain pipe, putting it in a bucket and starting a program. If water flows into the bucket, the blockage is in the house plumbing and a plumber should clear it.
- No water comes out of the hose even into a bucket. The fault is inside the dishwasher, such as the drain pump or its circuit, and Miele recommends contacting Miele Service.
- The drain pump hums but the impeller is broken or won't turn freely after cleaning. The pump likely needs replacing with the part for your model number.
- The dishwasher is under warranty. Contact Miele Service or book a repair appointment online first.
Parts that commonly fix it
Always match the part number to your exact model.
Dishwasher drain pump
Only if the impeller is damaged or the pump won't run after cleaning; match your Miele model number.
Search eBay →Dishwasher cleaner
Helps keep filters and the drain area free of grease and food buildup.
Search eBay →Sources
- Miele USA support, Fault F11 (G 1xxx-G 6xxx): water in the wash cabinet, non-return valve position, cleaning the drain pump
- Miele G 4227 Operating Instructions, Water drainage fault and Cleaning the drain pump and non-return valve
- Miele G 6160 Operating Instructions, Water drainage fault (optical interface, buzzer, Intake/Drain indicator)
- Miele G 1xxx/G 2xxx Technical Information, Fault Code F11: Drainage Fault (detection logic and drain line bucket test), via ManualsLib
Last reviewed 2026-10-24. Always confirm against the manual for your exact model number.