Miele Dishwasher Inlet/drain light flashing — What It Means & How to Fix It
Also shown as Intake/drain indicator flashing on some models.
When the inlet/drain light flashes, the dishwasher saw a problem supplying or removing water — and Miele's own checklist covers the faucet, the inlet filter and the hose.
What this code means
On newer Miele dishwashers the classic number codes give way to indicator lights, and the flashing inlet/drain light is the family flag. Miele USA's support page is refreshingly direct: a fault occurred while water was being supplied or drained, and the first suspects are the faucet being off, the inlet filter being soiled, or the water inlet hose being kinked. If those three check out clean, the fault has moved into the machine — inlet valve, flow meter, or the drain side — and a technician earns their fee.
Documented by Miele USA for newer G-series dishwashers as a flashing inlet/drain indicator; on earlier G 1xxx–G 6xxx machines the same faults appear as F11/F12/F13 numbers.
Most likely causes
| Cause | How likely | DIY-fixable? |
|---|---|---|
| Faucet (stopcock) not open | Common | Yes — turn it on |
| Inlet filter soiled with grit or scale | Very common | Yes — clean under running water |
| Water inlet hose kinked | Occasional | Yes — straighten it |
| Drain side problem — blockage or kinked drain hose | Occasional | Limited — inspect and clear |
What you can try yourself
- Unplug the dishwasher, then confirm the faucet under the sink is fully open.
- Close the faucet, unscrew the water-intake valve, and pull out the plastic filter bar to rinse clean — never dip the valve housing in water.
- Refit the filter and seal, tighten the connection, and slowly reopen the faucet, watching for drips.
- Straighten any kinks or loops in the inlet hose, and check the drain hose behind the machine for the same problem.
- Plug back in and run a short program; if the light still flashes after all three checks, the fault is inside the machine.
When to call a technician
- Water visible in the wash cabinet that won't pump away.
- A cracked or weak inlet hose — Miele says damaged inlet hoses must be replaced.
- The light returns every cycle even with filters clean and water on.
Typical professional repair cost: Free for the faucet, filter and hose checks; about $150–400 if it lands on a pump or valve repair.
Frequently asked questions
My model has no numbers, just lights — how do I know if this is intake or drain?
You usually can't tell from the light alone. Do the intake checks (faucet, filter, hose) first because they're the most common, then check the drain hose — the machine will tell you by which way water fails.
The light flashed right after a power cut — is something broken?
Not necessarily. A transient blip can set the fault. Let the machine complete a reset cycle with the faucet open, and only investigate if the light returns.
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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