Dishwasher
E20
The E20 error code on a Miele dishwasher signals a drainage fault — the machine can’t pump water out fast enough or at all. Left untreated, it can cause standing water, bad odours, and potential flood damage to your kitchen.
What does this error mean?
Miele uses the E20 code to tell you the drain pump is struggling or blocked, and the dishwasher has detected water remaining in the sump at the end of a cycle. The appliance’s flood-protection system halts the programme to prevent overflow. In most cases, the blockage is mechanical rather than electrical, which means there’s a good chance you can resolve it yourself without a call-out.
Est. repair cost
£0 DIY (filter clean) | £120–£200 professional drain pump repair | £15–£35 DIY drain pump replacement part if you are competent with appliance repair
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the machine first: switch it off at the mains, wait 30 seconds, turn it back on and run a short cycle. A one-off glitch can trigger E20 — if it clears, monitor closely.
Clean the drain filter: open the door, remove the lower basket, and twist out the cylindrical filter and flat mesh screen at the bottom of the tub. Rinse both under a tap, removing all food debris and grease, then refit securely.
Check the drain hose: pull the dishwasher forward slightly and inspect the hose running from the back of the machine to your under-sink waste pipe. Straighten any kinks. Disconnect it from the waste pipe end and blow through it — if it’s blocked, flush with warm water.
Clear the sink waste and trap: the dishwasher drains through your sink’s waste system. Remove the P-trap under the sink and clear any blockage. A blocked sink trap is a very common and overlooked cause of E20.
Inspect the drain pump for obstructions: with the machine off and unplugged, remove the filter assembly and use a torch to look into the pump housing beneath. Use long-nose pliers to carefully remove any visible debris jamming the impeller. Do not put your fingers into the pump housing.
If none of the above resolves the fault, do not attempt to open the drain pump motor or electrical components — call a Miele-approved engineer at this stage.
📞 When to call a professional
If the error persists after cleaning the filter, clearing the drain hose, and checking the sink waste, the drain pump motor is likely faulty and needs professional diagnosis. Call a Miele-approved service engineer and tell them: ‘My Miele dishwasher is showing error E20, I’ve cleaned the filter and checked the drain hose, and I suspect the drain pump motor.’ This saves diagnostic time and reduces your call-out bill.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional drain pump replacement on a Miele dishwasher typically costs £120–£200 including parts and labour in the UK. Miele machines are built to last 15–20 years, so if your appliance is under 10 years old, repair is almost always the right call. If it’s over 12 years old and needing a second or third repair, a new Miele or comparable integrated dishwasher (£500–£900) may be the smarter long-term investment.