F11 on a Miele dishwasher means the same thing every time: the machine tried to drain and the water did not leave fast enough, so it stopped and flagged a drainage fault. The reassuring part is that the most common causes are ones you can check in a few minutes, and only the stubborn cases need a technician.
Work the Drain Path in Order
Start at the filter in the base of the tub. A filter packed with food and grease is the single most common cause of F11, and rinsing it clears many cases outright. From there the water travels through the sump, the drain hose, and the drain pump, and a blockage anywhere along that path produces the same code. A kinked hose behind the machine and a small object jamming the pump impeller are both frequent finds.
| Cause | How to Check | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Clogged filter | Twist out and inspect | Rinse and refit |
| Blocked sump | Look below the filter | Clear debris |
| Kinked or clogged drain hose | Check behind the machine | Straighten or clear |
| Jammed drain pump | Object or glass in impeller | Clear the pump |
| Air-gap or disposer blockage | Check the sink connection | Clear the air gap or disposer knockout |
When to Call
If the filter, hose, and visible drain path are clear and F11 returns, the drain pump or a control sensor needs testing, which is a technician job. Our Miele maintenance guide covers keeping the filter clean to prevent F11, and our oven F-code guide covers Miele ovens.
Miele Showing F11?
Book a diagnosis if it returns after cleaning. Diagnostic and travel fees, if applicable, are confirmed before the appointment and before repair approval.