Miele Washing Machine Error Code F11 — Drainage Fault
What this means
Error F11 on Miele washing machines indicates the drain pump has failed to empty the drum within the allotted time. Water remains in the drum and the door may stay locked. Causes include a clogged drain pump filter, kinked drain hose, blocked household drain pipe, faulty drain pump, or a foreign object jamming the pump impeller. Coins, hair clips, and small clothing items are frequent culprits.
Alternate codes: F 11
Step-by-step fix
4 stepsOpen the drain pump filter
Locate the drain filter access panel at the bottom front of the machine. Place towels and a shallow pan underneath. Slowly unscrew the filter cap — water will flow out. Let it drain completely before removing the filter fully.
On Miele models, there is often a small drain hose next to the filter cap for controlled draining. Pull it out and open its cap to drain slowly before opening the main filter.
Clean the filter and pump cavity
Remove any debris from the filter — coins, buttons, hair pins, lint, tissue residue. Also reach into the pump cavity behind the filter and check the impeller for obstructions. It should spin freely.
Miele recommends checking the drain filter at least four times per year.
Check the drain hose
Pull the machine forward and inspect the drain hose. Ensure it is not kinked, crushed, or pushed too far into the standpipe (which can cause siphoning or air-lock). The recommended standpipe insertion depth is 15 cm (6 inches).
The drain hose should rise to at least 60 cm above floor level before descending to the standpipe to prevent siphoning.
Test the drain pump
Reinstall the filter and start a spin cycle. Listen for the drain pump — it should hum or whir. If there is no sound from the pump, it may have failed electrically. Unplug the machine, access the pump, and test its windings with a multimeter.
A drain pump that hums but does not pump water may have a broken impeller — the motor runs but nothing moves.
When to call a professional
If the pump has failed or the household drain is blocked beyond what you can reach, call a professional.
Information compiled from manufacturer service manuals, official troubleshooting documentation, and appliance repair industry resources. This guide is for informational purposes only — always consult a qualified technician for complex repairs.
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