Miele Dishwasher Not Draining? How To Fix It 

Miele is one of the most popular dishwasher brands on the market. Whether you’re dealing with a commercial dishwasher or one in your home kitchen, a dishwasher that is not draining properly can cause many problems down the line. 

If you’ve noticed that your Miele dishwasher is not draining well, here is what you need to know about troubleshooting the problem and when you should think about calling a professional. 

Why Is My Miele Dishwasher Not Draining? The Common Signs 

When you want to confirm that your Miele dishwasher is not draining properly, there are some common signs to keep a lookout for:

• Dirty standing water at the bottom of the dishwasher tub after a full cycle
• Loud noises when the water attempts to pump out, including gurgling and hissing
• Food debris, white residue, and dirt left on plates and cutlery after a full cycle
• Error codes on specific Miele dishwasher models

A flashing “DRAIN” light or F11 error code is one of the most common ways to tell that the water is not draining out properly in your Miele dishwasher. In particular, F11 indicates a blockage in the drain pump, with water flowing back into the wash cabinet. The exact error code may depend on your exact Miele dishwasher model. Consult your user manual for further confirmation. 

Miele Dishwasher Not Draining: A Troubleshooting Guide 

There are several parts that can be checked to troubleshoot a drainage issue, including the filter, drain hose, and pump. If one of these parts is faulty, proper drainage will not occur.

After attempting these troubleshooting tips, run a test dishwashing cycle to see if the drainage issue has been resolved. 

1. Check The Filter 

One of the easiest ways to troubleshoot a Miele dishwasher that is not draining, is by checking the filter. In a Miele dishwasher, you can find this filter at the bottom of the wash cabinet, underneath the lower spray arm. This filter is responsible for filtering large pieces of food, oil, and glass from the dirty dishes. 

If this filter is not cleaned at least once a month, it can get clogged, which prevents the water from draining out properly. Use a soft bristle brush to dislodge stubborn debris, and replace the filter once you’ve noticed it torn or damaged.  

2. Check The Drain Hose 

The drain hose connects your Miele dishwasher to the drain pump, carrying out dirty water. A bent, kinked, or faulty drain hose can prevent efficient water flow and because this hose is stored behind or away from the unit, it can be difficult to figure out when it happens. Food particles can also cause blockage in the hose, which limits water flow. 

The drain hose looks like a thin, flexible hose that is typically found under or behind your Miele dishwasher. Check the hose for blockages by pushing air through to see if it comes out the other side. Flush it with water or remove clogs with a long, hose-specific brush. Gently straighten it out if you notice unnatural kinks or bends. 

3. Check The Drain Pump 

The drain pump is located underneath the filter in the wash cabinet of your Miele dishwasher. It connects to the drain hose and is responsible for helping remove dirty water away after the cycle. A faulty drain pump results in poor drainage, but you may also notice strange gurgling noises or wash cycles that randomly stop halfway. 

Check for food debris or build up around the drain pump, musty odors, or electrical issues around the wiring connections. If there’s breakage or significant damage to the structure of the pump, it will need replacement. 

4. Check The Impeller 

The impeller in your Miele dishwasher is responsible for driving water through the spray arms. It also moves water through the drain pump, so when there’s a blockage or a faulty drain pump, this can stop the impeller from working optimally. If the impeller is faulty, you may notice standing water but also an accumulation of food debris or detergent residue on plates and cutlery.

Check the impeller is moving smoothly by spinning it manually. It’s a relatively low-cost component to replace, and changing it shouldn’t require the assistance of a professional. 

5. Run a Manual Drain and Reset The Dishwasher 

If you want to remove the standing water from the bottom of the tub quickly, do a manual drain by using a shallow pail or tub to scoop up most of the water, and towels to soak up the rest. Then, reset the dishwasher by unplugging the whole unit from the power source for 5-10 minutes, which also resets the control board. Plug it back in and turn it on before running a short test cycle to see if the problem has been resolved. 

When Should You Call Fleet Appliance? 

If you’ve attempted the DIY troubleshooting steps and it has failed to solve the draining problem, consider calling a repair technician to examine the problem. In particular, persistent standing water that gets worse over time, signs of electrical failure, or leaks, should be attended to by a professional, especially if you’re unsure how to proceed. 

Miele dishwashers generally come with a 2-year warranty program that covers manufacturing defects, with additional 5 or 10 year warranties with professional models. If you suspect a faulty dishwasher component, getting it repaired may be a cost-effective option to help you fix the draining issue quickly.  

Final Thoughts

A dishwasher that doesn’t drain properly can be a significantly inconvenient issue, whether it’s in a home or commercial setting. If you notice dirty standing water accumulating at the bottom of the tub, follow some troubleshooting tips to identify the cause of the draining issue and do a manual drain to remove the water quickly.