Miele Dishwasher: inlet/drain error

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing an inlet/drain error on your Miele dishwasher? This issue often manifests as a blinking or lit indicator light, and can stop the cycle mid-way. Common causes include clogged drain pumps, blocked hoses, or inlet supply issues. Understanding these problems can help you troubleshoot effectively and restore your dishwasher's performance.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Miele Models

  • Miele manuals explicitly describe the inlet/drain indicator blinking alternatingly and associate it with specific error codes (e.g., F11 for drain issues, F12/F13 for inlet issues) and recommend cleaning pumps, valves, and hoses before service.

Possible Causes

Clogged or blocked drain pump or non‑return valve

How to Identify: Standing water after cycle, humming from bottom of machine, visible debris when accessing pump area.

Part: Drain pump / non‑return valve

Kinked or blocked drain hose

How to Identify: Hose is bent, twisted, or visibly obstructed; error persists after filter cleaning.

Part: Drain hose

Inlet water supply issue (pressure/valve/screen filter)

How to Identify: Dishwasher not filling, error codes like F12/F13 on display, low water flow.

Part: Water inlet valve and inlet filter

Obstruction or debris in internal filters

How to Identify: Slow fill, poor drainage, debris visible when removing filter basket.

Part: Internal filters (sieve/filter assembly)

Activated waterproof safety system due to internal leak

How to Identify: Drain pump runs continuously even with power off, no other obvious blockages.

Part: Waterproof system / float switch

DIY Solutions

Clean drain pump and non‑return valve

Moderate 20–40 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, bucket, towels
  1. Turn off dishwasher and disconnect from power.
  2. Remove bottom rack and access the drain pump cover.
  3. Press catch on non‑return valve to remove and rinse under water.
  4. Remove debris from drain pump and manually turn impeller to confirm free movement.
  5. Reassemble non‑return valve and cover, ensuring parts seat correctly.
⚠️ Safety First: Risk of injury from sharp debris (e.g., glass). Unplug before working inside machine.

Inspect and straighten/clean drain hose

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: bucket, towels
  1. Turn off water supply and power.
  2. Locate drain hose behind dishwasher and inspect for kinks or bends.
  3. Disconnect hose and flush out any blockages with water.
  4. Reattach hose ensuring gentle curves and no tension.
  5. Run short rinse cycle to test.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure water drained into bucket when disconnecting hose.

Check and clean inlet filter and ensure water supply

Moderate 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: adjustable wrench, small brush
  1. Turn off water supply.
  2. Disconnect water inlet hose and remove filter screen.
  3. Rinse filter under water to remove debris.
  4. Reconnect hose, turn on water supply fully, and test dishwasher.
  5. If filling slowly or not at all, verify household water pressure or screen cleanliness.
⚠️ Safety First: Turn off water supply to prevent leaks.

Professional Repairs

Replace drain pump or impeller

Estimated Cost: $80–$250

Replace water inlet valve

Estimated Cost: $60–$180

Diagnose/repair waterproof safety system or float switch

Estimated Cost: $100–$300

When to Call a Professional

After attempting DIY cleaning if error persists
If drain pump hums but doesn’t spin
If water inlet valve test shows no continuity
If waterproof system seems triggered without obvious cause

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean filters and drain pump: Clogs leading to inlet/drain errors
    Frequency: monthly
  • Check drain hose for kinks: Drain blockages and improper drainage
    Frequency: every 3 months
  • Inspect water inlet filter: Inlet flow restriction and related errors
    Frequency: every 6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Miele Dishwasher inlet/drain error?
The inlet/drain error may be due to a clogged drain pump, blocked drain hose, or issues with the water supply.
How do I fix Miele Dishwasher inlet/drain error myself?
You can clean the drain pump, inspect the drain hose for kinks, and check the inlet filter for debris.
How much does it cost to fix inlet/drain error?
Professional repairs for inlet/drain errors typically range from $60 to $300 depending on the specific issue.
When should I call a technician for inlet/drain error?
If DIY solutions do not resolve the issue, or if the waterproof safety system is activated, it’s time to call a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

80%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Clogged drain filter or hose
  • Faulty inlet valve
  • Blocked or kinked drain hose

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check and clean the drain filter and hose. Remove the filter from the bottom of the dishwasher, rinse it under warm water, and ensure no debris is blocking the drain hose.

  2. Inspect the inlet valve for proper operation. If it appears faulty, replace it with a new one. Ensure the power is off before attempting this.

  3. Examine the drain hose for any blockages or kinks. Straighten any kinks and clear any obstructions to ensure proper drainage.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Miele g692sc plus dishwasher stuck un inlet/drain error

Community Discussions

stuck on inlet/drain error

Need to replace the seal due to a large leak.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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