Miele Dishwasher F11 Error Code

Quick Answer

Miele F11 indicates the dishwasher cannot drain water properly. Usually, this is caused by a clogged filter, a piece of glass stuck in the drain pump, or a blocked non-return valve. Check the sump area for debris before calling a technician.

When I see F11 on a Miele, I'm not panicking. This code fires when the pressure switch doesn't detect the water level dropping after the pump runs. Usually it's just gunk. Ignore it long enough though and you're looking at a burned-out pump motor or water on your kitchen floor. Most of the time you can fix this yourself in under 20 minutes without any parts.

MieleDishwasherSeverity: moderateDifficulty: intermediate85% DIY Success

Time to Fix

15–45 min

Difficulty

intermediate

Parts Cost

—

Tools Needed

Phillips #2 screwdriver, Needle-nose pliers

What Does the F11 Code Mean?

OK so here's the deal with F11. Your dishwasher tried to drain and the water just... didn't move. The pump's running but something's physically in the way. It's almost never the motor itself. Honestly, 80% of the time it's a toothpick, a cherry pit, or a wad of grease stuck in the filter or the non-return valve. Cheap fix if you catch it early.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Debris in filters or pump70%

Drain hose or sink clog20%

Failed drain pump motor10%

Symptoms You May Notice

Standing water in the bottom of the tub, usually a half inch to a full inch deep, still sitting there 30 minutes after the cycle ended.
The machine beeps repeatedly at the end of the wash, F11 shows on the display, and it won't start a new cycle until you clear it.
You hear the drain pump running, that distinct high-pitched whine from the base, but the water level just doesn't move at all.
Cycle stops mid-wash during the first drain phase, right after the pre-rinse, before the main wash even kicks in.
Faint burning smell coming from the base of the machine if the pump's been running hot trying to force water through a solid blockage.

Can you reset a Miele dishwasher to clear the F11 code?

After clearing the blockage, press and hold the Start/Stop button for 3-4 seconds until the display resets. On some models you'll need to turn the program dial to Off first, then back to a cycle. If the water drained out completely, the F11 should disappear. Run a short Quick Wash cycle to confirm. If the code comes back within the first two minutes, you've still got a blockage somewhere or the pressure hose going to the sensor is clogged with mineral deposits.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriverNeedle-nose pliersDigital multimeterSmall bowl and old towels for standing waterFlashlight or headlampOld toothbrushWooden skewer or blunt probe for clearing impeller

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

ComponentComponent Under Test

Expected Range100–300 ohms

ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is F11 a common issue on Miele dishwashers?

Yeah, honestly it's one of the top three calls I get on Miele machines. Because Miele builds to such tight tolerances, even a small amount of debris in the sump can restrict enough flow to trigger the drainage sensor. The good news is it's usually just maintenance, not a parts failure. Clean those filters every couple months and you'll see this code way less often. Most people who call me for F11 have never cleaned the filter in the two or three years they've owned the machine.

Can I use a drain cleaner to fix an F11 error?

Don't do it. I know it's tempting when you've got a bottle of Drano under the sink, but caustic drain cleaners will eat the rubber seals and gaskets inside your Miele pump system. And Miele parts aren't cheap. A new pump assembly runs $150-$200 all-in for parts alone. Just pull the filters out and clean them by hand. Takes 10 minutes and costs nothing.

Why does my dishwasher stop with F11 right at the start of the cycle?

So Miele machines always kick off with a short drain cycle, maybe 30-60 seconds, to clear any residual water from the last run. The pressure switch is watching for the water level to drop during that window. If nothing moves, it throws F11 before the fill cycle even starts. It's actually useful because it tells you the blockage is bad enough that water can't move at all. Usually means the non-return valve is completely sealed shut with debris.

How do I know if my drain pump is actually dead and not just jammed?

Clear every blockage you can find first, because a seized pump and a jammed pump look identical from the outside. If you've cleaned everything, fished debris out of the impeller housing, the impeller spins freely by hand, and you're still getting nothing but a faint hum or click when the drain cycle runs, that's a strong indicator the motor's gone. Confirm it with your multimeter. Open circuit reading means it's done, go get the part.

How much does it cost to fix an F11 error on a Miele dishwasher?

If it's just a clogged filter, it costs you nothing but 10 minutes. If the non-return valve is cracked or damaged, that part is usually $15-$30. A full drain pump replacement is where it gets real, the OEM pump runs $80-$120, aftermarket compatible ones go for $50-$60. Add $100-$150 labor if you're having a tech do it. Honestly, replacing the pump is pretty doable as a DIY repair if you're comfortable with basic appliance work, maybe 45 minutes once you've got the part in your hands.

Models Known to Experience F11 Errors

This repair applies to most Miele dishwashers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

G 4228 SCU, G 5575 SCVi, G 6365 SCVi, G 5915 SC, G 4225 SCU Plus, G 7155 SCVi SF, G 6725 SCVi

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 17, 2026