Miele Washer Error F19 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

F19 means your Miele washing machine's drain pump has failed to empty the drum in the required time — either the pump is blocked, a foreign object is jamming the impeller, or the pump motor has failed. This is one of the most common Miele faults and is very often resolved by cleaning the pump filter yourself. The machine will not spin or advance to the next cycle stage while the fault is active.

Affected Models

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

Common Causes

Clogged drain pump filter blocked by lint, coins, or small fabric items
Foreign object (coin, button, hair clip) jammed in the pump impeller
Kinked or blocked drain hose preventing water from leaving the machine
Drain hose outlet too high, creating back pressure the pump cannot overcome
Failed drain pump motor — burned out or seized

How to Fix It

Cancel the programme and turn the selector to Off. Unplug the machine from the wall.

Cutting power prevents the pump from running dry and protects the motor while you work on the filter.
Place several towels on the floor in front of the machine. Locate the pump filter access flap at the lower right or lower centre of the front panel — it pulls open or unclips.

Miele front-loading machines typically hold 3–5 litres of water in the drum and pump housing — be prepared for a significant spill.
Pull out the small emergency drain hose (usually tucked beside the filter cap), place the end in a shallow dish, and remove the cap to drain the water out slowly.

Draining via the emergency hose rather than simply opening the filter cap gives you much more control over the water flow.
Once drained, unscrew the filter cap fully counter-clockwise and pull the filter out. Clean it under running water, removing all lint, debris, and any foreign objects.

Use a toothbrush to scrub the mesh — lint can pack into the holes and significantly restrict flow even when the filter looks clean at first glance.
Look inside the filter housing with a flashlight. Check for any objects lodged in the pump impeller — you may be able to see and rotate the impeller blades with a finger. Remove any obstruction.

A blocked impeller usually feels stiff or completely immovable when you try to turn it with your finger.
Reinsert and tighten the filter cap firmly, close the drain hose cap, restore power, and run a Drain/Spin programme to test. Water should drain quickly and cleanly.

If water drains fully and F19 does not return, the filter blockage was the sole cause.

When to Call a Professional

If cleaning the filter and checking the drain hose does not resolve F19, the pump motor has likely failed. Drain pump replacement involves removing the front panel of the machine and disconnecting plumbing and electrical connections. Contact Miele service or a Miele-certified appliance technician — bringing your model number helps ensure the correct pump is sourced.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between F11 and F19 on a Miele washer?

Both F11 and F19 relate to drain pump faults on Miele washing machines. The specific fault code used can vary by Miele model series and production year — some machines use F11, some use F19, and some may use both to differentiate between a blocked pump (F19) and a failed pump motor (F11). The diagnosis and fix steps are the same for both — start with the filter.

How often should I clean the Miele drain pump filter?

Miele recommends cleaning the pump filter at least every three months under normal use. If you wash pet bedding, heavily soiled workwear, or items that shed a lot of fibre (fleece, towels), clean it monthly. A few minutes of maintenance every quarter prevents the vast majority of F19 faults.

Can I use the machine to wash items while waiting for a pump repair?

No — if the pump cannot drain, water will remain in the drum and the machine will not complete any cycle or move to the spin phase. Do not add laundry to a machine that is actively showing F19 — the wet clothes will remain sitting in standing water.