mypros+
Error code reference

Miele Dishwasher Error Code F11

Drainage fault; water is present in the appliance and is not being drained off

Miele codesMiele dishwasher codes

Drainage fault; water is present in the appliance and is not being drained off. Also registered if heater relay K1/1 is not activated after F51 check.

First step from the service manual

Check the drain hose for correct positioning (kinked or blocked).

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

MyPros+ Max

Get the full diagnostic procedure for F11.

  • Step-by-step tests with expected resistance, voltage, and continuity values
  • Wiring diagram references and connector pinouts from the OEM service manual
  • Verified part numbers when replacement is required
Get the full procedure

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass

What F11 means on a Miele dishwasher

The F11 error code on a Miele dishwasher indicates a drainage fault, meaning the appliance has detected water that is not being evacuated from the tub within the expected time frame. The drain system on these machines involves a drain pump, drain hose routing, and a sump area where standing water accumulates before being expelled. When the control board does not detect successful drainage within its programmed window, it halts the cycle and logs F11 to alert the user or technician.

The most immediate physical cause to investigate is the drain hose itself. A kinked, clogged, or improperly routed drain hose will block water from exiting the appliance entirely or slow drainage to the point where the timeout triggers. Beyond the hose, the drain pump can fail due to a foreign object lodged in the impeller, a burned-out motor winding, or a seized pump body. The sump filter and coarse filter should also be inspected, as heavy debris buildup can restrict flow before water even reaches the pump.

F11 has a secondary trigger condition that is less obvious: the code will also register if heater relay K1/1 is not activated following an F51 check. This means a relay-level electrical fault in the heating circuit can contribute to or cause this drainage error code, making it important to consider the control board and relay condition when drain components check out normal. In these cases, the fault is electrical rather than mechanical, and diagnosis shifts toward relay continuity and board-level testing.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of F11

  1. 01

    Kinked or blocked drain hose

    Wiring / connection

    A drain hose that is bent sharply, pushed too far into the standpipe, or clogged with debris will prevent water from exiting. Check the full length of the hose from the pump outlet to the drain connection and confirm it is routed without tight bends.

  2. 02

    Clogged filter or sump

    Wiring / connection

    Food debris, grease, and foreign objects can accumulate in the coarse filter, fine filter, and sump area, restricting water flow before it reaches the drain pump. Remove and clean all filter components thoroughly.

  3. 03

    Failed or obstructed drain pump

    Part replacement

    A foreign object such as a broken glass shard, a label, or a small utensil can jam the pump impeller and prevent it from spinning. If the pump motor itself has failed, it will need to be replaced to restore drainage.

  4. 04

    Blocked household drain or standpipe

    Wiring / connection

    If the sink drain or standpipe the dishwasher connects to is clogged, water cannot exit regardless of how well the dishwasher pump is functioning. Run the sink tap and observe whether the connected drain flows freely.

  5. 05

    Heater relay K1/1 fault triggering secondary F11

    Part replacement

    If an F51 check was previously run and heater relay K1/1 did not activate, F11 can be registered as a downstream result of that relay failure. In this scenario the drain system may be physically intact, and diagnosis should focus on the relay and control board.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about F11

What does F11 mean on a Miele dishwasher?
F11 on a Miele dishwasher indicates a drainage fault, meaning the machine detected water in the tub that was not successfully drained within the expected time. It can also appear when heater relay K1/1 fails to activate following an F51 check, making it possible for an electrical issue to trigger this code even when the drain hose and pump are functioning correctly. Standing water visible in the bottom of the tub typically confirms an active drainage problem.
Can I fix the F11 error myself without calling a technician?
In many cases, yes. Start by inspecting the drain hose for kinks or blockages and confirm it is not inserted too deeply into the standpipe. Then remove and clean the filters and sump area inside the dishwasher tub. If those steps do not resolve the error, checking the drain pump for jammed debris is also something a confident DIYer can attempt, though motor replacement and control board diagnosis are better left to a qualified technician.
Is it safe to use my Miele dishwasher when F11 is displayed?
You should not continue running the dishwasher while F11 is active. Standing water in the tub can harbor bacteria and may spill when the door is opened. Running additional cycles without resolving the drainage fault can also stress the pump motor and potentially worsen the underlying problem.
Will resetting the dishwasher clear the F11 error?
A reset may clear the fault code temporarily, but if the underlying cause has not been corrected, the error will return as soon as the machine attempts to drain again. Resolve the drainage issue first, then reset the appliance. If the code reappears immediately or on the next cycle, further diagnosis of the pump, hose, or relay is needed.
How much does it cost to repair an F11 error on a Miele dishwasher?
Repair costs vary depending on the root cause. Clearing a blocked hose or cleaning the filters costs nothing beyond your time. If the drain pump needs to be replaced, parts and labor typically range from $150 to $400 depending on your location and the specific model. A control board or relay fault can push costs higher, potentially ranging from $300 to $600 or more for parts and professional labor.

Related Miele dishwasher codes

All Miele dishwasher codes
View all 59 Miele dishwasher codes

78,000+ service manuals · 160,000+ error codes · 55+ brands

Get Started

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass