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Error code reference

Miele Dishwasher Error Code F11

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

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What the F11 error code actually means

Your Miele dishwasher is showing F11 because it tried to drain the water after a wash cycle but the water did not leave the tub like it should. This usually means something is blocking the drain, such as a kinked hose, a clogged filter, or a faulty drain pump. You should check for standing water in the bottom of the tub and inspect the drain hose and filters before running the cycle again.

Diagnostic procedure

The full F11 procedure

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1
First diagnostic step
Check the drain hose for correct positioning (kinked or blocked).
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Most common causes of F11

Ranked by how often they cause this code
  1. 1Kinked or blocked drain hose
  2. 2Clogged filter or sump
  3. 3Failed or obstructed drain pump
  4. 4Blocked household drain or standpipe
  5. 5Heater relay K1/1 fault triggering secondary F11

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Questions people ask 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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