What this error means
Critical drainage failure — the dishwasher has detected a severe drainage fault and stopped
The F11 error is a critical drainage fault that differs from F02 in that the dishwasher has completely failed to drain during a phase where drainage is essential for the machine to continue operating safely. Where F02 is triggered by slow drainage, F11 indicates that no drainage has been detected at all within the allowed window. The most common causes are a completely blocked filter or pump, a seized pump impeller, a failed pump motor, or a drain hose that has been disconnected or severely kinked.
What you'll need first
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Step-by-step
Symptoms to look for
- Dishwasher stops completely mid-cycle with a full tub of water
- No drainage sound at any point during the cycle
- F11 displayed immediately after the programme starts — machine drains as a first step and fails immediately
- Programme appears to start then stops within the first 2 minutes with F11 showing
How to fix it
Unplug the dishwasher from the mains before doing anything else. If the cycle stopped mid-programme the tub may contain a full or near-full volume of hot soapy water. Open the door slowly and, if the water level is high, scoop out as much as possible using a cup or jug into a bucket. Use a sponge to absorb the remainder down to the base level.
Remove the lower basket. Unscrew the cylindrical filter anti-clockwise and lift out both the cylindrical and the flat mesh filter beneath it. These must be rinsed and scrubbed completely clean — with F11, it is common to find the filter severely blocked with compacted food debris, broken glass, or a large foreign object. Clean both filter components under warm running water with a toothbrush.
With the filter removed, shine a torch into the sump cavity. Remove any visible debris — food particles, glass, plastic fragments, or labels. Locate the pump impeller at the base of the sump and try to rotate it very gently with a non-metallic implement such as a wooden chopstick. For F11, it is likely either completely seized or a foreign object is visibly jammed against it. Attempt to carefully remove any obstruction you can reach without forcing the impeller.
Pull the dishwasher forward carefully. Trace the drain hose from the back of the machine to the sink waste or standpipe. Unlike F02 where a partial kink is sufficient, F11 often involves a complete disconnection from the waste, a hose that has been fully kinked shut, or a blockage of solid debris inside the hose itself. Disconnect the hose from the waste connection and confirm it is clear by running water through it from a tap.
With the filter removed and the sump cleared, plug the machine back in briefly and start a Rinse programme, watching and listening for 30 seconds. The drain pump should activate immediately and produce a continuous, steady humming sound with water flowing through the drain hose. Complete silence means the pump motor has failed. A loud grinding or rattling without water movement means the impeller is still jammed. Unplug immediately after this test.
Refit the filter assembly and lock it firmly. Replace the lower basket. Ensure the drain hose is securely connected to the waste and forms an anti-syphon loop of at least 40 cm above the floor before descending. Plug in and run a full Normal or Intensive cycle. Monitor it for the first 5 minutes — you should hear the initial pump-out, the fill, and the drum beginning to wash.
When to call an engineer
- Pump impeller is completely seized and cannot be freed from the filter access point — pump body needs removal
- Pump motor produces no sound and no movement — confirmed failed by brief powered test
- Drain hose is internally blocked with compacted grease and debris — hose needs replacing
- F11 returns on first cycle after clearing the filter and hose — pump motor has failed
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between F02 and F11 on a Hotpoint dishwasher?
Is it safe to open the door immediately when F11 appears?
Can I drain the water manually when F11 stops the machine mid-cycle?
If the pump motor has failed, can I replace it myself?
🎯 What is likely causing this fault?
⚠️ Estimates based on common faults — not a guaranteed diagnosis. Always verify before ordering parts.
Parts you may need
Enter your model number to filter results to your exact machine
Usually found on a label inside the door frame or on the back panel of the machine.
| Part | Approx. UK Cost | Find it |
|---|---|---|
| Drain Pump Motor | £20 - £30 | 🛒 Amazon UK → |
| Drain Pump Motor | £20 - £30 | 🏷️ eBay UK → |
| Drain Hose | £15 - £20 | 🛒 Amazon UK → |
| Drain Hose | £15 - £20 | 🏷️ eBay UK → |
ℹ️ Prices are approximate. Always check the part number matches your model before ordering. Not sure of your model number? Find out how to locate it here.