Miele Dishwasher Not Draining

Common Symptoms

• Water sitting in the bottom of the dishwasher after the cycle ends
• F11 or F12 fault code on the display or flashing indicator lights
• Dishwasher stops mid-cycle and will not continue
• Gurgling sounds during the drain phase but no water exits
• Error resets but returns after the next wash cycle

Most Likely Causes

1. 1

   Clogged Triple Filter System (Most Common)

   Miele dishwashers use a three-stage filter: a coarse mesh filter, a fine filter, and a micro-filter. Food particles, grease, and label fragments accumulate over time and restrict water flow through the drain. A fully blocked filter will trigger F11 immediately at the drain phase.

2. 2

   Kinked or Blocked Drain Hose

   The drain hose runs from the drain pump to the sink drain or garbage disposal. If it has been kinked during installation, pinched behind a cabinet, or partially blocked by debris, water cannot exit even if the pump is working correctly.

3. 3

   Drain Pump Impeller Debris

   Small items — broken glass, fruit pits, toothpicks, or bits of bone — can pass through the filter and lodge in the drain pump impeller, preventing it from spinning. The pump motor may hum but fail to move water.

4. 4

   Garbage Disposal Knockout Plug Not Removed

   If your Miele was recently connected to a new garbage disposal, the factory knockout plug inside the disposal inlet must be removed before connecting the drain hose. If the plug is still in place, water has nowhere to go and F11 will appear on every cycle.

5. 5

   Failed Check Valve at Drain Pump

   A one-way check valve prevents drained water from siphoning back into the tub. If this valve cracks or sticks closed, the pump cannot push water through. The valve is located at the drain pump outlet and can be visually inspected for debris or deformation.

Quick DIY Checks

1. 1SAFETY FIRST: Press the power button to turn off the dishwasher and unplug it from the wall outlet (or switch off the circuit breaker) before any internal access.
2. 2Remove the lower rack. Twist the coarse filter counterclockwise and lift it out along with the fine filter beneath it. Rinse both under running water using a soft brush. For stubborn grease, soak in warm soapy water for 5 minutes.
3. 3Remove the flat micro-filter from the floor of the tub (it lifts straight out). Hold it up to a light — it should be transparent. If clogged, gently scrub it under running water with a soft brush. Do not use steel wool or abrasive pads.

Repair vs Replace

Recommended Tools & Parts

• Miele Drain Pump

  Replacement drain pump for G 5000 and G 7000 series dishwashers. Verify your model number (printed on the door frame sticker) before ordering.

  $60–$120

  Buy on Amazon →

• Miele Filter Set (Coarse + Fine + Micro)

  OEM triple-filter set for Miele dishwashers. Replace if the micro-filter mesh is torn or the fine filter housing is cracked.

  $20–$45

  Buy on Amazon →

• Check Valve / Non-Return Valve

  One-way valve at the drain pump outlet that prevents backflow into the tub. Replace if cracked or sticking.

  $10–$25

  Buy on Amazon →

• Digital Multimeter

  Used to test the drain pump motor winding resistance (should read 50–200 Ω depending on model). Confirms whether the pump motor is open-circuit before ordering a replacement.

  $15–$30

  Buy on Amazon →

Links are Amazon affiliate links (tag: fixitfastai-20). Prices are estimates.

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