Miele Washer Error F10 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

F10 means your Miele washing machine's Aquastop flood protection system has been triggered — the sensor in the base pan has detected water leaking out of the wash area. Miele's Aquastop automatically shuts off the water supply and locks the machine to prevent flooding. This is a serious fault that must be investigated and the leak source repaired before using the machine again.

Affected Models

Miele W1 Classic
Miele W1 ChromeEdition
Miele WDB020
Miele WCI660
Miele WSI863

Common Causes

Leaking door seal (boot gasket) allowing water to escape during the wash cycle
Cracked or split drum bearing seal leaking water into the base
Loose or deteriorated water inlet hose connection inside the machine
Failed pump housing seal allowing water to drip into the base pan
Overfilling caused by a faulty water inlet valve that does not close properly

How to Fix It

Stop the cycle immediately if one is running. Press the Start/Stop button, then turn the programme selector to Off. Turn off the water supply tap behind or beside the machine.

The Aquastop will have already cut the water supply, but manually shutting the tap ensures no further water can enter.
Do not attempt to restart the machine or run a drain cycle — if water is in the base pan, further operation will make the situation worse.

Leave the machine switched off and the door closed while you assess the situation.
Open the door slowly and look inside the drum and the door seal for visible signs of a leak — check the rubber door boot gasket carefully for tears, holes, or sections that have pulled away from the tub.

Door seal tears are most common on machines 5+ years old or those used frequently with heavily soiled items.
Remove the lower kick plate (usually two screws or snap clips at the front base) and use a flashlight to look into the base pan. Confirm water is present and try to identify the general leak area.

The Aquastop float sensor is a small plastic float switch in the base pan — you may be able to see it sitting high in pooled water.
Use towels or a wet/dry vacuum to remove all water from the base pan. Allow the machine to air out with the kick plate removed for at least 24 hours.

The Aquastop float will not reset until the base pan is completely dry — thorough drying is essential before any repair test.
After drying, arrange a service call before using the machine. Do not attempt to run another cycle until the leak source has been professionally identified and repaired.

A door seal replacement is typically €100–€200 including labour. Internal seal repairs vary — get a quote from Miele service.

When to Call a Professional

F10 always requires investigation before the machine is used again — an active leak risks significant water damage to your home. Miele Aquastop systems are designed to fail safe, and resetting the fault without finding the leak source will simply trigger it again. Contact Miele service or a Miele-certified technician immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Miele Aquastop and is it standard on all Miele washers?

Aquastop is Miele's proprietary leak detection and prevention system. It consists of a double-walled water inlet hose that contains a sensor — if the outer wall detects moisture, a solenoid valve in the hose shuts off water flow completely. It is standard on most Miele washing machines sold in Europe and considered one of the best flood protection systems in the industry.

Can F10 be caused by excessive condensation rather than a real leak?

In rare cases, very heavy condensation in a cold utility room can slowly drip into the base pan and eventually trigger the float switch. However, this is very uncommon in Miele machines — treat F10 as a genuine leak warning and investigate thoroughly before dismissing it.

How do I reset F10 after the leak is repaired?

Once the base pan is completely dry and the leak source is repaired, restore the water supply and power. On most Miele W1 series machines, the fault clears automatically once the float switch drops back to its resting position. If the error persists after thorough drying, the float switch itself may need to be replaced by a technician.