Miele Dishwasher Not Draining? Here’s How to Fix It

One of the most common yet frustrating issues homeowners face is a dishwasher that isn’t draining properly. While Miele is a reputable appliance manufacturer that produces high-quality dishwashers, drainage issues can still occur. 

Here’s how to check and fix your Miele dishwasher if it isn’t draining properly, including common signs to look out for and troubleshooting tips. 

Why Is My Miele Dishwasher Not Draining? 

If you’ve run a full dishwashing cycle and your dishes still remain dirty with standing water at the bottom of the tub, your Miele dishwasher is not draining properly. Other signs to look out for include:

• Loud gurgling or humming noises when the water attempts to pump out. 
• Food residue left on plates and glasses that didn’t used to appear before. 
• Certain Miele dishwasher models will display a flashing “DRAIN” light, or an E15 or F11 error code. 

Luckily, your Miele dishwasher not draining is a relatively common issue that can be resolved by checking a few parts — including the filter, drain hose, hose connections, and pump. If either of these parts are faulty, drainage will not be able to occur properly. 

How To Fix a Miele Dishwasher That Is Not Draining 

In most cases, fixing your Miele dishwasher that doesn’t drain can be fixed by several DIY methods. After checking and fixing the part that is damaged or faulty, complete a test cycle by running a short dishwashing cycle to find out if the drainage issue is resolved. 

1. Clean The Dishwasher Filter

Your Miele dishwasher filter is responsible for filtering out large pieces of food and grease washed away from the dirty dishes. It needs to be cleaned regularly as it can get clogged over time, which prevents the water from draining out properly. 

Ensure that you rinse out this filter at least once a month, and use a soft bristle brush to dislodge stubborn pieces stuck under the open filter. You only need to buy a replacement filter if you see that it’s warped, torn, or physically damaged. 

2. Check The Drain Hose 

The drain hose in your Miele dishwasher connects to the drain pump and carries the dirty water out to your sink drain or garbage disposal. Because this hose is often contained behind the dishwasher or under the sink, it can become bent or clogged by food particles.

Check the hose for clogs by disconnecting it from the drain pump and pushing air through it to see if it comes out the other side. If needed, flush it with water, a long brush, or other long and flexible tools, before connecting it back to the drain pump. If it’s kinked or bent, gently straighten it out and position it back so water can flow through it easily. 

3. Check The Garbage Disposal 

If your Miele dishwasher is connected to your garbage disposal and your garbage disposal is clogged, this could also result in poor water drainage because they both share the same drain. 

Run the garbage disposal thoroughly to clear it of any grease, food debris, or particles that may be blocking the drain. This should be done before every wash cycle of your dishwasher so that dirty water can flow freely. 

4. Check The Impeller 

The impeller is a small rotating part at the base of your Miele dishwasher that helps drive water through the pump and into the spray arms. Debris like broken glass or plastic can jam the pump and prevent the impeller from spinning freely, resulting in food residue even after the wash cycle and poor draining. 

Examine the impeller to check if there are obstructions or if it’s faulty. Spin it manually to ensure that it moves freely. If needed, an impeller can be replaced easily, and is relatively low-cost to purchase. 

5. Check The Drain Pump 

The drain pump is at the bottom of your Miele dishwasher and is responsible for removing dirty water out at the end of every cycle. When it doesn’t work efficiently, this can cause drainage issues, loud grinding noises, and wash cycles that don’t finish. 

Disconnect the power and remove the panel before you check the drain pump. You want to look out for food blockages, breakage to the structure of the pump, or electrical issues from loose or damaged wires. Clear the debris carefully, and get assistance from a professional if you need replacement or help with the electrical problem. 

Miele Dishwasher Still Not Draining: Extra Steps 

Basic troubleshooting may not be enough to fix your Miele dishwasher that is not draining. Here are some extra steps you can try before you call in an appliance technician.

• Verify the installation of the drain hose, checking connection points for any air gaps and ensuring it is not looped too high.
• Reset the dishwasher by unplugging the appliance, turning off the circuit breaker for 10 minutes, and resetting the control board. Turn it on again and run a test cycle to see if the draining is working normally.  
• If the water still remains in the tub, do a manual drain by using a shallow tub to scoop up most of the water and sponges or towels to soak up the rest. 

When To Get Help From an Appliance Repair Technician 

Have you checked all the necessary parts but your Miele dishwasher is still not draining properly? It may be time to get professional assistance from a dishwasher repair technician. They can offer same-day repairs and use certified parts that match your Miele dishwasher model in case you need a replacement. 

If you notice burning smells, smoke or experience electric shocks when handling the wiring or any parts, unplug the dishwasher from the power source straightaway and get external assistance. Attempting to fix the issue yourself can pose a great risk to your safety.