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Error code reference

Miele Dishwasher Error Code Drain

Drain fault

Miele codesMiele dishwasher codes

Drain fault - the dishwasher cannot drain water, caused by clogged triple filter, blocked drain pump or non-return valve, or kinked drain hose.

First step from the service manual

Clean the triple filter in the wash cabinet.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What Drain means on a Miele dishwasher

The Drain fault on a Miele dishwasher indicates that the control system has detected a failure to evacuate water from the wash cabinet within the expected time frame. The drain system relies on a pump motor to force water out through the drain hose and into the household drain connection. When the pump cannot move water effectively, or when a blockage prevents water from exiting the machine, the control board registers this fault and halts the cycle to prevent overflow or pump damage.

The most frequent cause of this fault is a clogged triple filter assembly located at the bottom of the wash cabinet. Food debris, grease, and mineral deposits accumulate in this filter over time and restrict water flow to the drain pump. If the filter is clear, the fault may originate at the drain pump itself, where debris has entered the pump housing and jammed the impeller. A blocked or fouled non-return valve, which prevents backflow from the drain line, can also restrict outflow enough to trigger this error.

Physical installation issues are another common source of this fault. A kinked or compressed drain hose will reduce or eliminate flow regardless of pump condition. The hose routing should be inspected along its full length, including behind and beneath the unit. If all of these components check out, the drain pump motor itself may have failed electrically or mechanically and will require testing and possible replacement.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of Drain

  1. 01

    Clogged triple filter

    Wiring / connection

    The triple filter assembly at the bottom of the wash cabinet is the most common culprit. Food particles, grease, and debris accumulate in the filter and starve the drain pump of flow. Remove and rinse all filter components under running water.

  2. 02

    Blocked drain pump impeller

    Wiring / connection

    Small debris such as broken glass, pits, or hard food particles can pass through the filter and jam the drain pump impeller. The pump will hum or make no noise at all, and water will remain standing in the cabinet.

  3. 03

    Blocked or faulty non-return valve

    Part replacement

    The non-return valve sits in the drain line to prevent backflow into the machine. If it becomes clogged with debris or the flap sticks in the closed position, water cannot exit even when the pump is running correctly.

  4. 04

    Kinked or obstructed drain hose

    Wiring / connection

    A drain hose that has been pinched, kinked, or crushed during installation or after moving the appliance will block water flow entirely. Inspect the full length of the hose from the pump outlet to the household drain connection.

  5. 05

    Failed drain pump motor

    Part replacement

    If the filter, impeller, valve, and hose are all clear, the drain pump motor itself may have failed. A failed pump will produce no audible operation during the drain phase, and the motor will need to be tested and replaced.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about Drain

What does Drain mean on a Miele dishwasher?
The Drain fault means the dishwasher was unable to pump water out of the cabinet during the drain phase of the cycle. The control system detected that drainage did not complete within the required time and stopped the cycle as a protective measure. Common sources include a clogged triple filter, a jammed drain pump impeller, a blocked non-return valve, or a kinked drain hose. Clearing the blockage will typically resolve the fault.
How do I fix a Drain error on my Miele dishwasher?
Start by removing and thoroughly cleaning the triple filter assembly at the bottom of the wash cabinet, as this is the most common cause. Next, check the drain hose along its entire length for kinks or compression. If water is still standing in the cabinet after these steps, the drain pump impeller or non-return valve may be obstructed and will need to be inspected. A failed drain pump motor will require professional testing and replacement.
Is it safe to use my Miele dishwasher when the Drain error is showing?
You should not run the dishwasher while the Drain fault is active. If water cannot exit the machine, running another cycle risks overfilling the cabinet or forcing the pump motor to run dry, which can cause further damage. Clear the fault and confirm drainage is working before resuming normal use.
How much does it cost to repair a Miele dishwasher Drain fault?
If the fault is caused by a clogged filter or kinked hose, there is no parts cost and the repair is a simple DIY cleaning task. If the drain pump needs to be replaced, parts and labor costs typically range from $150 to $400 depending on the specific model and service rates in your area. A blocked non-return valve is generally on the lower end of repair costs if parts are needed.
Will resetting my Miele dishwasher clear the Drain error?
Resetting the dishwasher may clear the fault code display temporarily, but the error will return immediately if the underlying drainage problem has not been resolved. The control system will detect the drain failure again as soon as the next drain phase runs. The physical cause, whether a clogged filter, blocked pump, or kinked hose, must be corrected before the machine will complete a full cycle without faulting.

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