Miele Dishwasher: drain light flashing

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Miele dishwasher's drain light is flashing, it indicates a drainage or intake issue. This often results in the program stopping and water remaining in the basin. Common causes include clogged filters, blocked drain pumps, or kinked hoses. Addressing these issues promptly is essential to restore your dishwasher's performance.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Miele Models

  • Miele’s official support specifically links flushing filters, cleaning the non-return valve, and checking hoses to the flashing drain light symptom

Possible Causes

Clogged or soiled filter combination

How to Identify: Visible debris in the bottom filter area, slow draining water, dishwasher stops mid-cycle

Part: Filter assembly

Foreign objects blocking drain pump or non-return valve

How to Identify: Objects like pits, glass shards found after removing non-return valve; drain pump impeller won’t turn freely

Part: Drain pump and non-return valve

Kinked or blocked drain hose

How to Identify: Drain hose bent or pinched behind dishwasher, water not exiting system

Part: Drain hose

Low water flow/pressure or intake hose issues

How to Identify: Dishwasher fails to fill properly before draining; intake/drain light also flashes in tandem

Part: Water inlet hose and valve

WaterProof system activated due to leak

How to Identify: Dishwasher keeps the drain pump running, indicator light flashing even after disconnecting power

Part: WaterProof safety system/floater

DIY Solutions

Clean filter assembly and remove debris

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: gloves, soft brush, container to scoop water
  1. Turn off and unplug the dishwasher
  2. Remove lower rack and access filter assembly
  3. Turn handle, remove and rinse filters under running water
  4. Use a soft brush to remove debris and reinstall filters properly
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off to avoid electrical hazard

Check and clear drain pump and non-return valve

Advanced 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver set, container to catch water, gloves
  1. Turn off and unplug the dishwasher
  2. Remove the filter assembly and scoop out standing water
  3. Press catch and remove non-return valve, rinse and remove debris
  4. Inspect and manually turn drain pump impeller to free obstruction, reinstall parts
⚠️ Safety First: Be cautious of sharp objects and glass shards

Inspect and straighten drain hose

Easy 5-10 minutes
Tools Needed: none
  1. Pull dishwasher slightly out from cabinet
  2. Inspect drain hose for kinks or sharp bends
  3. Straighten hose to eliminate restrictions and confirm no visible blockages

Professional Repairs

Replace faulty drain pump or non-return valve

Estimated Cost: $80 - $250 for parts, $150 - $400 with labor

Repair water inlet issues or low pressure correction

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150 for parts, $150 - $300 with labor

Service WaterProof System or internal leak

Estimated Cost: $200 - $500

When to Call a Professional

If DIY clearing of filters, pump, and hoses doesn’t stop the drain light
If drain pump impeller is damaged or won’t turn after clearing debris
If internal leak triggers the WaterProof system

Preventive Maintenance

  • Monthly clean filter and inspect drain pathway: Blockages leading to flashing drain light and drainage faults
    Frequency: monthly
  • Check drain hose position and condition: Kinks and blockages restricting drainage
    Frequency: quarterly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Miele Dishwasher drain light flashing?
Your drain light may be flashing due to clogged filters, blocked drain pumps, or issues with the drain hose.
How do I fix Miele Dishwasher drain light flashing myself?
You can clean the filter assembly, check the drain pump, or inspect and straighten the drain hose.
How much does it cost to fix drain light flashing?
Professional repairs typically range from $150 to $400, depending on the issue and labor.
When should I call a technician for drain light flashing?
Consider calling a technician if DIY fixes do not resolve the issue or if you suspect complex internal problems.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Clogged drain filter or hose
  • Faulty drain pump
  • Blocked or kinked drain hose

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and clean the drain filter and hose. Remove the bottom rack, unscrew the filter, and clean it under running water. Check the drain hose for blockages and clear any debris.

  2. Test the drain pump for functionality. Access the pump by removing the lower spray arm and filter. Check for any obstructions and ensure the pump motor operates when powered.

  3. Inspect the drain hose for kinks or blockages. Disconnect the hose from the dishwasher and sink, then check for any bends or clogs. Replace if necessary.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Miele Dishwasher: Drain light appears and starts flashing af...

Community Discussions

Drain light appears and starts flashing after a min and stops cycle

The issue was related to a pump or injector, leading to a decision to replace the appliance.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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