What this error means
Anti-flood protection activated — water has been detected in the dishwasher base
The F11 error on a Miele dishwasher means the anti-flood system has detected water in the base tray beneath the tub and has stopped the programme to prevent flooding. On Miele dishwashers this system is called the Waterproof System and is particularly sensitive. The most common causes are a leaking door seal, a split or loose internal hose, a pump seal failure, or the Waterproof float sensor becoming stuck in the raised position after a previous water ingress event.
Step-by-step
Symptoms to look for
- F11 displayed during any programme phase
- Water visible on the floor directly under the Miele dishwasher
- Machine starts then immediately activates drain pump and displays F11 without completing the fill
- Slight water film appearing under the machine after several cycles
What to check
Both unplugging and turning off the water supply are essential before any inspection.
Remove the lower kickplate panel carefully. Shine a torch into the machine base and look for where the water originated — check around the door seal edge, the pump body, the sump underside, the inlet hose internal connection, and the drain hose connection to the pump. On Miele dishwashers look in particular around the circulation pump shaft seal which can weep on older machines.
Open the door and examine the rubber door seal around its full circumference. Miele door seals are thicker than on most other dishwashers and are designed to be very long-lasting, but small cracks or tears at the lower corners can develop over many years of use. Press gently into the full length of the seal.
With the kickplate removed and the machine unplugged, inspect all hose connections — the inlet hose inside the machine, the circulation hose between the sump and pump, and the drain hose connection at the pump outlet. All should be secured by Miele's clip system. Check that no clip has released and no hose has worked off its stub.
Once the source has been found and repaired, dry the base tray completely using dry cloths and allow 2 to 3 hours to air dry with the kickplate removed. The Miele Waterproof float sensor must return to its fully resting position on a completely dry surface before the machine will allow a cycle.
Restore power and water and run a Quick Intensive programme while remaining present. After 5 minutes check the base tray through the kickplate opening. If the base remains completely dry throughout the cycle the repair is successful.
When to call an engineer
- Door seal is cracked, torn, or has separated from its retaining channel — genuine Miele replacement required
- Circulation pump shaft seal is weeping — water present around the pump body with no hose leak visible
- Miele Waterproof float sensor remains raised even after the base tray has been completely dried — sensor needs replacing
- Source of water in the base cannot be identified after full visual inspection — Miele service required
Frequently asked questions
Is F11 dangerous on a Miele dishwasher?
Will the Miele Waterproof sensor reset itself when dry?
Can the Miele door seal be replaced by the user?
Is F11 on the Miele dishwasher the same as the Waterproof System?
🎯 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 | £40 - £50 | 🏷️ 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.