Miele Washer F11 Error — Drain Fault Fix

What it means

Miele washing machine F11 error means the machine cannot drain.
Clean the pump filter — access it through the small panel at the bottom front of the machine.
Blocked filters cause the majority of F11 errors on Miele washers.

Affected Models

Miele W Series Front Load Washer
Miele WDD Series Washer
Miele WCR Series Washer
Miele TwinDos Washer
Miele PowerWash Washer

Common Causes

Blocked pump filter — lint, coins, or fibres clogging the filter
Kinked or blocked drain hose
Drain hose inserted too deeply into the standpipe — siphon effect
Blocked household standpipe
Failed drain pump motor

How to Fix It

Clean the pump filter.

Open the access flap at the bottom front of the machine.
Place a shallow tray and towels underneath to catch water.
Unscrew the filter cover slowly.
Remove the filter and clear all lint, coins, and debris.
Replace and run a Short programme or Drain cycle.
Check the drain hose.

Inspect the drain hose at the back of the machine for kinks.
Straighten any bends.
The hose should enter the standpipe no more than 15 cm deep to prevent siphoning.
Check the household drain.

Pour water directly into the standpipe.
If it drains slowly or backs up, the household drain is blocked — this is a plumbing fault, not a washer fault.

When to Call a Professional

If the pump filter is clean and the drain hose is unobstructed but F11 persists, the drain pump motor has failed and needs replacement by a Miele-authorised technician.

Frequently Asked Questions

Miele washer F11 came back one week after cleaning the filter — what now?

Recurring F11 within days of cleaning means the filter is filling quickly from heavy soiling, pet hair, or fibrous fabrics. Clean the filter every 2–4 weeks if you wash heavily soiled loads regularly. If F11 recurs with a clean filter and clear hose, the drain pump is losing pressure and will need replacement.

How do I access the Miele washing machine pump filter?

On most Miele front-load washers, the pump filter is behind a small rectangular flap at the bottom front of the machine — usually below and to the left of the drum door. Pry the flap open and the filter cap is directly inside. Always have towels ready — water will spill when you unscrew it.