Miele Dishwasher: pump running continuously

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Miele dishwasher's pump running continuously? This issue often indicates that the anti-flood safety system has been triggered due to water in the base tray, or a faulty float switch is preventing proper operation. Discover common causes and solutions to resolve this frustrating problem quickly.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Miele Models

  • Miele official support lists ‘Drain pump running with door open’ as a documented symptom, suggesting built‑in safety and control behaviors. (JustAnswer

Possible Causes

Anti‑flood safety system activated due to water in base tray

How to Identify: Pump runs even when dishwasher appears empty, may stop after tilting machine and draining base tray water; base pan water observed on tilting.

Part: Flood/swim‑type float switch and base tray

Stuck or faulty float switch inside tub or at base

How to Identify: Float inside dishwasher may not move freely or indicate water level properly, causing continuous drain signal.

Part: Float switch assembly

Clogged drain path causing improper water detection

How to Identify: Blockages or food debris in filters or hoses may confuse sensors/control into repeated drain commands; observed flow issues.

Part: Drain hose, filters, sump area

Control board or relay fault

How to Identify: Pump runs with no other symptoms or error codes, persists after resets and float checks; wiring damage may be present.

Part: Control board/relay circuitry

DIY Solutions

Check for water in base tray and reset

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, towels
  1. Open dishwasher door and loosen front bottom access panel screws.
  2. Carefully tilt dishwasher forward and check for water in base tray onto towels.
  3. If water present, drain and dry base tray completely.
  4. Turn off power at breaker for 5–10 minutes to allow control reset.
  5. Restore power and test if continuous pump operation stops.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before tilting to avoid electrical hazards.

Inspect and free the internal float switch

Moderate 20–40 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, flashlight
  1. Turn off power to dishwasher.
  2. Remove lower rack and locate internal float assembly.
  3. Check that float can move freely and is not blocked by debris.
  4. Clean around float and test movement; reassemble and power on to test.
  5. If float seems stuck or defective, consider replacing float switch assembly per manual instructions.
⚠️ Safety First: Power must be off when accessing internal components.

Clear filters and check drain hose

Easy 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: warm water, brush
  1. Remove bottom filter assembly and rinse under running water.
  2. Inspect drain hose for kinks or blockages; clear any debris.
  3. Reinstall filters and secure hose connections.
  4. Run short test cycle to see if issue persists.
⚠️ Safety First: Power off before removing hoses.

Professional Repairs

Replace faulty float switch or anti‑flood sensor

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

Control board/relay replacement

Estimated Cost: $200 - $500

When to Call a Professional

Continuous pump operation persists after DIY float and base tray checks
Signs of internal leaks or water in dishwasher base pan
Error codes relating to safety/flood conditions persist

Preventive Maintenance

  • Regularly clean filters and inspect float assembly: Blockages and float sticking that can mislead water level sensing
    Frequency: monthly
  • Check for minor leaks or moisture under dishwasher: Anti‑flood triggers causing continuous pump run
    Frequency: quarterly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Miele Dishwasher pump running continuously?
Common causes include water in the base tray, a stuck float switch, or a clogged drain path.
How do I fix Miele Dishwasher pump running continuously myself?
Check for water in the base tray, inspect the float switch, and clear filters and the drain hose.
How much does it cost to fix pump running continuously?
Professional repairs can range from $80 to $500, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for pump running continuously?
If DIY solutions don't work or if the issue is complex, consider calling a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

65%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty float switch causing continuous pump operation
  • Clogged drain causing the pump to run continuously
  • Malfunctioning control board incorrectly signaling the pump

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace the float switch if defective. Check for debris and ensure it moves freely. Disconnect power, remove the float assembly, and test continuity with a multimeter.

  2. Clear any clogs in the drain hose or filter. Remove the bottom spray arm and filter, then clean thoroughly. Ensure the drain hose is not kinked or blocked.

  3. Test and replace the control board if it is malfunctioning. This involves removing the dishwasher's front panel, disconnecting the old board, and installing a new one.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Miele dishwasher pump constantly running after cycle

Community Discussions

pump constantly running after cycle

The issue may be related to the electronics card that controls the pump.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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