Washer Medium Severity
F04 Miele Error Code

Drainage Fault

The F04 error code means your Miele washing machine cannot drain the water from the drum. The drain pump has run for the maximum allowed time but the water level sensor still detects water inside.

~60%

DIY Fixable

$100-300

Typical Repair Cost

20 min – 1.5 hrs

Pro Repair Time

Quick Assessment

Answer to continue safely

Is it safe to keep using?

No. Running cycles without proper drainage can cause water overflow and damage to the machine. Resolve F04 before using.

Can I reset the code?

Yes. Yes, but only after clearing the drain path. A reset without fixing the blockage will just produce F04 again.

When to stop immediately?

Stop if you notice: Water is leaking onto the floor, The drain pump makes grinding noises.

Symptoms You May Notice

Water remains in the drum

Clothes sit in standing water when you open the door

Cycle stops before spin

The machine cannot proceed to the spin phase without draining first

Drain pump runs continuously

You hear the pump running for an extended period before the error appears

Clothes come out soaking wet

Without proper drainage and spin, laundry is not wrung out

Possible Causes

1

Blocked Drain Filter

Coins, buttons, hair, and lint accumulate in the drain filter trap at the front bottom of the machine. This is the #1 cause (~50%).

DIY Possible
2

Kinked or Blocked Drain Hose

The drain hose is bent, crushed, or has internal buildup preventing water flow.

DIY Possible
3

Blocked Standpipe or Siphon

The household drain connection is clogged.

DIY Possible
4

Drain Pump Failure

The pump impeller is jammed or the motor has burned out.

Requires Professional
5

Faulty Pressure Switch

The sensor reports water present when the drum is actually empty.

Requires Professional

Safe Checks You Can Do

These checks are safe for homeowners. No disassembly required. Do not remove panels or access internal components.
  1. 1

    Clean the Drain Filter

    Locate the filter access panel at the front bottom of the machine. Place towels and a shallow tray underneath. Slowly unscrew the filter cap — water will flow out. Remove the filter and clear all debris.

    Have plenty of towels ready — a full drum can release several liters of water.

  2. 2

    Check the Drain Hose

    Pull the machine out and inspect the drain hose for kinks or blockages. Disconnect from the standpipe and check for obstructions.

    The hose should rise at least 60 cm before descending to the drain.

  3. 3

    Test the Drain Manually

    Lower the drain hose into a bucket below drum level. If water flows freely, the pump and hose are clear — the blockage is in the household drain.

    This gravity test helps isolate the problem quickly.

  4. 4

    Check Household Drain

    Run water down the standpipe or sink drain. If it backs up, the blockage is in your plumbing.

    A plumbing snake or drain cleaner may resolve a household blockage.

  5. 5

    Power Reset

    Turn off at mains for 5 minutes. Run a Drain/Spin program to test.

    If the pump sounds normal and water drains, the issue was temporary.

When to Call a Professional

Contact a qualified Miele technician if:

  • Drain pump does not run at all
  • Pump runs but no water moves
  • F04 persists after clearing all drain components
  • The machine is under warranty

Need Professional Help?

Find qualified Miele technicians in your area for proper diagnostics and repair.

Schedule Appointment

More Washer Error Codes

View all codes →
F138 F103 F62 F56 F53 F50 F46 F43 F35 F34 F29 F20