Miele dishwasher error F11 – When the drain causes problems

Imagine you’ve put all the dishes in your dishwasher after a big party and you’re looking forward to finally having some peace and quiet. But then you notice an error message on the display of your dishwasher: Miele dishwasher error F11. This error code is a common problem that many Miele dishwasher owners experience, and it can take a while to fix. Mainly because there can be several causes for it at once.

Miele is primarily known for manufacturing high-quality, durable appliances, including, of course, dishwashers. However, as with all technical appliances, problems can occur. The error codes are there to help you identify and fix the problem. Error code F11 more or less specifically indicates a problem with the water drain. But don’t worry, with some handyman skills and the right instructions, you can fix the problem yourself and get your dishwasher working again.

Miele dishwasher F11: one error, many causes

The Miele dishwasher F11 error indicates that something is wrong with the water drain. This error can occur when the water in your dishwasher doesn’t drain properly or when it gets blocked on its way to the sewer. In this case, for example, there could be a problem with the drain pump, a clogged filter could be the culprit, or maybe just a small piece of dishware or food got caught somewhere in the pipes.

With a little detective work and sometimes a little manual dexterity, problems of this kind can usually be solved quite easily. But before you start screwing around haphazardly, it’s helpful to understand what exactly error code F11 means and how the problem can manifest itself.

The symptoms are pretty obvious. Your dishwasher can’t pump out the water, and in the worst case scenario, your trusty appliance may also water your kitchen with gurgling sounds. Of course, this is far from ideal, and it’s understandable that you want to fix this error as soon as possible. Moreover, with a bit of bad luck, the error occurs only sporadically and the drain usually works – and sometimes it just doesn’t.

Procedure for a Miele error F11 (or Miele dishwasher: F24)

Fixing a Miele dishwasher error F11 can be challenging, especially if you’re not quite sure where to start. The only thing that will help here is to be patient and start troubleshooting. Just work your way through our guide point by point. That way, you’ll find the culprit quickly and without any major detours.

Miele sink water drain: Checking the filter

The first place to go when troubleshooting an F11 is the dishwasher’s filter. This filter is responsible for holding back larger food debris and other particles that might otherwise clog the drain. However, if the filter is too full or has a large amount of debris caught in it, the water will not drain properly and the F11 error code will be displayed.

1. Before you begin, turn off your dishwasher and unplug it from the wall outlet – better safe than sorry.
2. Open the dishwasher door and pull out the bottom rack to reach the filter.
3. The strainer filter is located in the bottom of the dishwasher. Turn the filter counterclockwise to unlock it, then pull it out upward.
4. Check the filter for clogs. Rinse it under running water and use a soft brush to remove any food debris or other blockages.
5. Place the cleaned filter back in the dishwasher, turning it clockwise to lock it in place. Reset the bottom rack and close the dishwasher door.
6. Put the dishwasher back in and run a short rinse cycle to see if the problem is fixed and the water is draining again.

Check the drain hose

Another common reason for Miele dishwasher error F11 is a clogged or kinked drain hose. The drain hose is responsible for draining the dirty water from the dishwasher. However, if there is a blockage or the hose is kinked, the water will not be able to drain, triggering the F11 error code.

1. Familiarize yourself with the location of the drain hose on your Miele dishwasher, you can usually find it on the back of the unit. So, in the suboptimal case, you will need to detach the appliance from the kitchen front (usually via a screw fitting) before inspecting it and pull this out completely so that the dishwasher is free standing.
2. Check the hose for kinks. If you find a kink, carefully straighten the hose without damaging the waste hose. If you are concerned that it may kink again when you install the unit, use a kink protector or retaining elbow from the hardware store.
3. If the hose is clogged or you suspect that, you should remove it and rinse with running water. If necessary, you can also use special brushes for this or simply a long object to loosen deposits with it. Simply loosen the clamps that hold the hose in place and carefully pull it off. When cleaning, however, take care not to damage the material under any circumstances.
4. Place the hose back on the dishwasher’s drain connection and secure it with the clamps. Make sure it is tight and has no kinks.
5. Put a bucket ready and put the other end of the waste hose in there. Reconnect the device to the mains and start a short rinse cycle to see if the problem is fixed.
6. After that, you can reconnect the waste hose to the drain and reinstall the dishwasher in your kitchen.

Cleaning the sump

The accumulation of food debris and other particles can clog the filter and also the sump, which can also trigger the F11 error. A clean filter and sump are critical to proper dishwasher operation.

1. Open the dishwasher door and remove the bottom rack of dishes to access the filter area.
2. Turn the filter counterclockwise to unlock it, then lift it out.
3. Check the filter for damage. If the filter is damaged, replace it with a new one.
4. Then take an examining look into the opening where the filter is normally located. Clean the interior, that is, the so-called sump with a damp cloth or sponge from any food residues and debris.
5. Place the filter back in the dishwasher and start a short rinse cycle to see if the error is corrected.

Checking and cleaning the drain pump

The drain pump is an essential part when it comes to pumping the wastewater out of the unit. If the pump is blocked or not working as it should, the Miele dishwasher error F11 will also be displayed.

1. Access to the drain pump may vary depending on the model. In most cases, it is necessary to remove the bottom front panel of the dishwasher. To do this, you loosen the screws holding the bezel in place and remove it.
2. Depending on the appliance, access via the side or the bottom may also be necessary. Here you should disconnect your dishwasher from all connections (do not forget to close the faucet) and pull it out of the kitchen counter. Therefore, ideally refer to the repair or user manual before embarking on this adventure.
3. Once the drain pump is accessible, check it for obvious blockages such as food debris or foreign objects. Ideally, you will find the culprit there and can remove it.
4. Turn the rotor manually afterwards to make sure that the pump can rotate freely and without much effort. If it doesn’t, it’s almost certainly the pump itself that’s the problem, and it’s likely due for replacement.
5. If you’re handy and technically proficient, replacing the sewage pump isn’t much of a challenge either. Disconnect the device in any case from the mains, if that has not already happened. Now loosen the screw connections of the pump and pull it carefully from the hoses. Here can still leak some residual water.
6. Replace the pump with a new, identical model. Orient yourself best to the part number or ask directly to Miele customer service.
7. Reinstall the new pump, connect the hoses and make sure that all connections are tight. Reassemble the front panel and appliance and perform a test run.

Preventive measures against a fault F11

The best defense is good prevention, especially when it comes to technical equipment. A Miele dishwasher is no exception. By regularly inspecting the condition of the seals, pump, and drain hose, you can reduce the occurrence of error code F11 and other similar errors. A look at the Miele error code list could also help you identify potential problems early on. Keeping your dishwasher’s strainers and filters clean is another important preventative measure to ensure proper drainage and avoid drainage problems early on.

And while we all may be tempted at times to squeeze just one last item into an already full dishwasher, you should avoid overloading as this can impede water drainage and lead to drainage failures. Using quality cleaning products can also play a not-insignificant part in preventing buildup and clogs in the drain lines. Finally, regular professional maintenance by a technician could help identify and fix potential problems early on, which can ultimately extend the life of your Miele dishwasher and minimize unwanted surprises like the F11 error. However, the latter is more useful for business use.