Miele Dishwasher: not draining

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Miele dishwasher is not draining, you're likely facing standing water at the bottom of the unit. This issue can be accompanied by error codes like F11, or you might hear unusual humming or gurgling sounds during the drainage process. Common causes include a clogged drain filter, a blocked drain hose, or a malfunctioning drain pump. Identifying the problem early can help avoid further complications.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Miele Models

  • Error code F11 specifically indicates a drainage fault and can be triggered by clogged filter, hose, or pump issues

Possible Causes

Clogged drain/filter assembly

How to Identify: Standing water after cycle; visible food debris around the bottom filter; improved or resolved drainage after cleaning.

Part: Drain filter and sump area

Blocked or kinked drain hose

How to Identify: Standing water persists after filter cleaning; hose visibly bent, twisted, or clogged; water flows after hose flushing.

Part: Drain hose

Drain pump obstruction or failure

How to Identify: Unusual noises (humming during drain cycle; debris in pump impeller; no water movement even with clear filter and hose.

Part: Drain pump/impeller

Air gap or garbage disposal blockage

How to Identify: Dishwasher drains slowly or not at all when connected to disposal; clearing disposal improves drainage.

Part: Air gap or disposal connection

Control board or electrical issue

How to Identify: Persistent drain failure despite clearing mechanical blockages; error codes unrelated to obvious debris; multimeter tests indicate electrical faults.

Part: Control board/electrical system

DIY Solutions

Clean drain filter and sump area

Easy 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: gloves, soft brush, warm water
  1. Turn off and disconnect power
  2. Remove bottom rack and locate filter
  3. Twist and lift filter assembly, rinse under warm water
  4. Use a brush to remove debris, then reinstall filter
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before accessing interior

Inspect and clear drain hose

Moderate 20-45 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, bucket, flexible brush
  1. Turn off power and pull dishwasher from cabinet
  2. Disconnect drain hose at both ends
  3. Flush hose with water and use brush to clear clogs
  4. Reattach hose with proper high loop or air gap positioning
⚠️ Safety First: Be prepared for spilled water

Clean air gap or garbage disposal inlet

Easy 10-15 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, brush
  1. Remove air gap cover and clean debris
  2. Check hose connections to air gap and clear blockages
  3. Run garbage disposal to clear connected drain path
⚠️ Safety First: Turn off disposal power before clearing

Professional Repairs

Drain pump replacement or repair

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

Control board or electronic diagnostic/repair

Estimated Cost: $200 - $600+

When to Call a Professional

Drain still not working after clearing filter, hose, and pump area
Error codes persist indicating internal faults
Unusual noises continue after mechanical clogs are cleared

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean filter: Clog-related drainage issues
    Frequency: monthly
  • Check drain hose positioning: Blockages and backflow issues
    Frequency: quarterly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Miele Dishwasher not draining?
Common causes include a clogged drain/filter, blocked drain hose, or a failing drain pump.
How do I fix Miele Dishwasher not draining myself?
You can clean the drain filter, inspect the drain hose, or clear the air gap.
How much does it cost to fix not draining?
Professional repairs for drain pump replacement range from $150 to $400.
When should I call a technician for not draining?
If DIY solutions fail or if there are electrical issues, it's best to consult a technician.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Blockage in drain hose (2 mentions)
  • Faulty drain pump (2 mentions)
  • Broken plastic propeller in drain pump (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Cleaned out water and checked for blockages in the drain and impeller

    Success rate: 17.0%

  2. Moving the dishwasher drain beyond the u bend

    Success rate: 17.0%
Analysis based on 6 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Miele dishwasher doesn't always drain
  2. Plastic propeller broken on dishwasher drain pump, do I real...
  3. Miele G2220 Dishwasher F70 fault
  4. Miele G6620SC Dishwasher not draining
  5. Miele dishwasher doesn't drain - replaced check valve, pump ...
  6. Miele dishwasher F11

Community Discussions

F11 error, not draining, water pooling

Cleaned out water and checked for blockages in the drain and impeller; found a blockage in the drain hose.

DIY View on Reddit →

doesn't always drain

Moving the dishwasher drain beyond the u bend may resolve the issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

wasn't draining

User is seeking a replacement for a broken plastic propeller in the drain pump.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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