Miele Dishwasher Not Draining? Easy Fixes That Work Fast!

Have you ever finished a wash cycle with your Miele dishwasher, only to find water still sitting at the bottom? It can be really frustrating. I faced this problem once, and after some checking, I found simple ways to fix it quickly. If your Miele dishwasher is not draining, don’t worry! In this article, I will show you easy and clear steps to solve this issue so your dishwasher works perfectly again.

Check the Drain Hose for Blockages or Kinks

One of the first things to look at when your Miele dishwasher is not draining is the drain hose. This hose carries dirty water out of the dishwasher to your home’s plumbing system. Sometimes, the hose can get blocked or bent, stopping water from flowing out.

To check it, first, unplug your dishwasher or turn off the power. Then, pull the dishwasher out from under the counter carefully. Look at the drain hose, which usually goes from the dishwasher to the sink drain or garbage disposal. Make sure it is not bent or twisted, because this can stop water from draining. If it looks squished or sharp bent, try to straighten it out.

Next, check if the hose is clogged. You can disconnect the hose from the dishwasher and sink pipe (keep a bucket handy to catch water). Shine a flashlight inside the hose to see if anything is blocking it, like food bits, soap scum, or debris. If you see a clog, try to clear it by flushing the hose with water or using a flexible brush or pipe cleaner. Be gentle so you don’t damage the hose.

If your hose looks old, cracked, or damaged, it’s best to replace it with a new one made for Miele dishwashers. Using a damaged hose can cause leaks or drainage problems.

After cleaning or replacing the hose, reconnect everything carefully, push the dishwasher back, turn the power on, and run a quick drain cycle to see if the problem is fixed.

Drain hose moves water out of dishwasher.
Hose can be blocked by food or soap bits.
Hose might be bent or twisted.
Disconnect hose carefully to check inside.
Clean or replace hose if needed.
Test dishwasher after fixing hose.

Clean the Dishwasher Filter and Drain Area

The filter and drain area inside your Miele dishwasher catch food scraps and stop them from going into the drain hose. When these parts get dirty or clogged, water can’t flow out properly, causing your dishwasher to fill up with water.

Start by turning off the dishwasher and opening the door. Look at the bottom of the dishwasher for the filter. It usually looks like a round or rectangular mesh screen or a small basket. You can remove it by twisting or lifting it out — check your dishwasher manual if you’re not sure.

Once removed, rinse the filter under warm running water. Use a soft brush or sponge to gently scrub away stuck bits of food or grease. Avoid using harsh tools that could damage the filter. If the filter is very dirty, soak it in warm soapy water for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing.

Next, look inside the drain area below the filter. Sometimes, food particles or broken bits can get stuck there. Use a cloth or sponge to clean this space carefully. You can also pour a cup of hot water mixed with a little vinegar to help break down grease and soap scum.

Make sure the filter and drain area are dry before putting the filter back in place. After cleaning, run a short wash cycle to check if the dishwasher drains better.

Filter catches food and dirt.
Dirty filter blocks water flow.
Remove and rinse filter with warm water.
Scrub gently to remove stuck bits.
Clean drain area under filter carefully.
Use hot water and vinegar for grease.
Put filter back and test dishwasher.

Inspect and Clean the Air Gap or Garbage Disposal Connection

If your Miele dishwasher connects to a kitchen sink drain or garbage disposal, there is often an air gap or special connection. The air gap is a small device on your sink that stops dirty water from flowing back into the dishwasher. If this part or the garbage disposal is blocked, your dishwasher won’t drain properly.

First, find the air gap on your kitchen sink near the faucet. It looks like a small round cap. Remove the cap by twisting or pulling it off carefully. Inside, you might see debris, food bits, or soap buildup. Clean it out with a brush or cloth. You can rinse the parts under water to clear any blockages.

If your dishwasher drain goes through a garbage disposal, sometimes the disposal’s drain hole gets clogged. Turn off the disposal power and check inside the drain hole. Clear any debris or build-up with a brush or long tool. Be very careful not to hurt yourself or damage the disposal.

Also, check if the garbage disposal’s knockout plug was removed when the dishwasher was installed. If it was not removed, water can’t drain from the dishwasher properly.

After cleaning the air gap and garbage disposal, put everything back together. Run the dishwasher again to see if the water drains.

Air gap stops backflow of dirty water.
Remove and clean air gap cap.
Garbage disposal can get clogged.
Turn off disposal before checking.
Remove knockout plug if still inside.
Clean all parts and test dishwasher.

Test the Drain Pump for Proper Function

The drain pump is the part inside your Miele dishwasher that pushes water out. If it is broken or blocked, water will stay inside the machine. Testing the drain pump needs care, but it’s important to find out if it works.

First, unplug the dishwasher or switch off power. You will need to access the bottom front panel or inside the dishwasher near the filter area. Depending on your model, you may need a screwdriver to open the panel.

Once open, locate the drain pump. It looks like a small motor with a fan or impeller. Check the pump for visible blockages like bits of glass, food, or broken pieces that can stop the impeller from spinning.

Try to spin the impeller by hand gently. It should move freely. If it is stuck or very hard to turn, the pump might be blocked or damaged.

You can also listen to the pump during a drain cycle. If you hear humming but no water drains, the pump may be jammed or broken.

If the pump looks damaged or does not spin, it will need replacing. You can order a Miele pump online or from a repair shop. If you are not comfortable with electrical parts, call a professional technician.

After checking, close the panel and run the dishwasher to test the pump.

Drain pump pushes water out.
Find pump inside dishwasher.
Check for blockages or stuck impeller.
Spin impeller by hand to test.
Listen for humming during drain.
Replace pump if broken.
Test dishwasher after fixing pump.

Clear the Dishwasher’s Drain Valve

Some Miele dishwasher models have a drain valve that opens to let water out during draining. If this valve is stuck or blocked, water will not leave the dishwasher.

To check the drain valve, first turn off the power and open the dishwasher door. Depending on your model, the drain valve might be inside near the bottom or behind a panel. You may need a screwdriver to open this panel.

Look for the valve—it may look like a small flap or gate connected to the drain pump or hose. Check if it moves freely and is not stuck. Sometimes food scraps or grease can cause it to stick closed.

If you find the valve is dirty or stuck, clean it gently with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid forcing the valve open or closed too hard, as it can break.

If the valve is broken or worn out, it may need replacing. Contact Miele service or a trusted repair person to get the right part.

After cleaning or replacing, put everything back and run the dishwasher to see if it drains.

Drain valve controls water flow out.
Find valve inside dishwasher or panel.
Check if valve moves freely.
Clean valve from dirt and grease.
Replace valve if damaged.
Test dishwasher after repair.

Run a Drain Cycle and Use Dishwasher Cleaner

Once you have checked and fixed the main parts, it’s good to run a drain cycle and use a dishwasher cleaner to keep everything fresh and clear.

A drain cycle is a special cycle that drains water without washing. It helps flush out any leftover dirt or soap in pipes. To do this, check your dishwasher manual for how to run a drain or rinse cycle. Usually, you can choose a quick rinse or drain-only option.

Using dishwasher cleaner helps remove grease, soap build-up, and small food particles inside the dishwasher. There are many cleaners available in stores. Use one made for Miele or any dishwasher brand.

To use the cleaner, follow the instructions on the package. Usually, you place the cleaner in the detergent slot and run a full cleaning cycle with an empty dishwasher.

Regular use of dishwasher cleaner can stop future drainage problems by keeping filters, pumps, and pipes clean.

Drain cycle removes water without washing.
Check manual for drain or rinse cycle.
Dishwasher cleaner removes grease and build-up.
Use cleaner as per package instructions.
Regular cleaning helps prevent clogs.
Run cleaner with empty dishwasher.

Final Thoughts

Fixing a Miele dishwasher that is not draining can feel tricky, but with some patience and care, most problems are easy to solve. Checking the drain hose, cleaning filters, and making sure pumps and valves work will usually fix the issue. Don’t forget to keep your dishwasher clean regularly to avoid future troubles. If the problem still happens after trying these tips, a professional repair person can help. Your dishwasher will be back to working like new in no time!

Problem Area	What to Do	Why It Helps
Drain Hose	Check for blockages/kinks	Keeps water flowing out
Filter and Drain Area	Clean filter and drain	Stops clogs from food and grease
Air Gap / Garbage Disposal	Clean and check connections	Prevents backflow and clogs
Drain Pump	Check for blockages and damage	Pushes water out of dishwasher
Drain Valve	Clean or replace if stuck	Controls water exit
Drain Cycle & Cleaner	Run drain cycle and use cleaner	Keeps dishwasher parts clean

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it normal for some water to remain in my Miele dishwasher?

Yes, a small amount of water at the bottom is normal because it helps keep the pump seals wet and prevents drying out. But if water is pooling or not draining after a cycle, then there is a problem you need to fix.

Can I clean the dishwasher filter myself?

Absolutely! Cleaning the filter regularly is one of the easiest ways to keep your dishwasher working well. Just remove it carefully, rinse it under warm water, and scrub off any food bits. Do this once a month for best results.

Do I need special tools to check the drain pump?

Usually, basic tools like a screwdriver are enough to open panels and inspect the pump. However, be careful when handling electrical parts. If you’re unsure, it’s best to ask a professional to avoid damage or injury.

Is it okay to run the dishwasher with the drain hose disconnected?

No, running the dishwasher without the drain hose connected will cause water to leak and damage your kitchen floor. Always make sure the hose is properly attached before turning the dishwasher on.

Can the garbage disposal cause my dishwasher not to drain?

Yes, if the garbage disposal drain is clogged or if the knockout plug was not removed during installation, it can block water flow from your dishwasher. Cleaning or fixing the disposal usually solves this issue.

Do I need to replace the drain valve often?

No, the drain valve should last many years. But if it gets stuck or damaged due to dirt or wear, then replacing it is necessary to keep your dishwasher draining well.

Is it important to use dishwasher cleaner regularly?

Yes, using dishwasher cleaner every few months helps remove grease, limescale, and food build-up inside your machine. This helps keep parts like the filter and pump working properly and stops drainage problems.

Can I fix a broken drain pump myself?

Fixing or replacing a drain pump requires some skill and care because it involves electrical parts and water connections. If you feel comfortable with DIY repairs, follow safety steps. Otherwise, hiring a technician is safer.