Miele Dishwasher F70 — What It Means & How to Fix It
F70 means the float switch found water in the drip tray and the waterproof system cut the dishwasher off — the drain pump may keep running until you unplug it.
What this code means
F70 is the dishwasher's flood alarm: a float switch in the drip tray at the base detects water the machine shouldn't have, and the waterproofing system takes over. Because the system keeps trying to pump the machine dry, the drain pump can keep running even after the dishwasher is switched off — which is why the first rule is to unplug it. The real question underneath F70 is where the water came from: a small internal leak (seal, pump, sump), splash-back from an overflow, or in rare cases a faulty float switch reporting water that isn't there.
The Appliance Guys and Domex both describe F70 as the float switch/waterproof-system code for G-series dishwashers; note the On/Off behavior varies, so unplug rather than trust the switch when you see it.
Most likely causes
| Cause | How likely | DIY-fixable? |
|---|---|---|
| Small internal leak — seal, sump or pump drips into the tray | Common | Limited — inspect for visible leaks |
| Splash or overflow during a cycle | Occasional | Yes — dry the tray and reset |
| Float switch faulty, reporting water that isn't there | Less common | No — technician job |
What you can try yourself
- Unplug the dishwasher immediately — the drain pump can keep running on its own once the waterproof system has triggered.
- Check around and beneath the machine for standing water and dry the tray area with a cloth.
- Look for an obvious visible leak source — a weeping hose joint or a damaged seal around the door or sump.
- If you find nothing obvious, plug back in and run the shortest rinse cycle while staying nearby.
- If F70 triggers again or you spot a leak, stop and book a technician to trace it — internal leaks usually become obvious only once the machine is warm.
Seeing the symptom rather than the code? Dishwasher leak alarm: checks that apply across brands.
When to call a technician
- Standing water under the appliance — unplug now.
- F70 returns on the very next cycle after drying everything.
- The drain pump keeps running with the dishwasher off — leave it unplugged.
Typical professional repair cost: Free if drying the tray clears it; $150–500 once a technician hunts and repairs the leak.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my dishwasher draining with the power off?
The waterproof system keeps the drain pump active by design after F70. Unplugging is the only reliable way to stop it — and the surest sign the flood alarm really triggered.
Can I just dry the tray and run it again?
Once, to test — if F70 doesn't return, it may have been splash-back. If it does return, you have a leak, and leaks only get worse with time.
Sources checked
Error meanings can vary by model. This guide was checked against the documentation above; use the manual for the model number on your own appliance when it differs.
Related Miele codes
- Miele Dishwasher F01 F01 is the dishwasher telling you its water-temperature sensor is short-circuited — the machine will stop heating so nothing comes out properly cleaned until it's sorted.
- Miele Dishwasher F02 F02 is F01's twin on the same sensor: the water-temperature sensor circuit reads open, so the heater stands down and a cycle can finish cold and unwashed.
- Miele Dishwasher F11 F11 means the wash cabinet isn't draining — usually a mis-seated non-return valve, a blocked drain pump or clogged filters, and Miele USA walks owners through fixing it.
- Miele Dishwasher F12 F12 means the dishwasher isn't taking in enough water, and Miele's own support page gives the three owner checks: faucet on, clean the inlet filter, straighten the hose.
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