Miele Washer Error F11 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

F11 means your Miele washer has detected a drain pump fault — water is not leaving the drum after the wash cycle. This is usually caused by a blocked filter, a kinked drain hose, or a failed drain pump. In most cases you can clear the blockage yourself without calling a technician.

Affected Models

W1 Classic
W1 TwinDos
WCR860
WDB020
WCI660

Common Causes

Blocked or clogged drain pump filter
Kinked or crushed drain hose preventing water flow
Foreign object (coin, button, sock) lodged in the pump impeller
Faulty or burned-out drain pump motor
Control board not sending power to the drain pump

How to Fix It

Cancel the cycle and unplug the washer from the wall outlet.

Cutting power prevents the pump from running dry and protects the motor while you work.
Place towels on the floor, then locate the drain pump filter access panel at the lower front of the machine. Open it and place a shallow dish underneath to catch water.

Miele washers hold several litres of water — be prepared for a significant spill.
Slowly unscrew the filter cap counter-clockwise to drain the remaining water, then pull the filter out completely.

Turn slowly to control the flow and avoid flooding the floor.
Clean the filter under running water and remove any debris, lint, or foreign objects. Check inside the filter housing for anything blocking the pump impeller.

A toothbrush helps dislodge built-up lint from the filter mesh.
Reinsert the filter, tighten the cap firmly, and check that the drain hose at the back is not kinked or pinched.

A kink in the hose creates back pressure that the pump cannot overcome.
Plug the washer back in, run a Drain/Spin cycle, and check that water drains freely.

If water still does not drain after this cycle, the pump motor needs professional assessment.

When to Call a Professional

If you have cleaned the filter, straightened the hose, and checked for blockages but water still does not drain, the pump motor has likely failed. Replacing a Miele drain pump requires removing the front panel and disconnecting electrical connectors — a job best left to a Miele-certified technician. Contact Miele service or a qualified appliance repair company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use my Miele washer with error F11 showing?

No — if F11 is active, water is trapped in the drum and the machine will not start a new cycle until the fault is cleared. Drain the water manually via the pump filter before attempting any further use.

How often should I clean the Miele drain pump filter?

Miele recommends cleaning the pump filter every three months under normal use. If you wash heavily soiled items or pet bedding frequently, clean it monthly to prevent blockages.

Will F11 clear itself once the blockage is removed?

Yes — once you clean the filter and run a successful Drain/Spin cycle, the error clears automatically. You do not need to enter a service menu or reset code.