Dishwasher
F11
The F11 error code on a Hoover dishwasher indicates a drainage fault — the machine can’t empty water as expected. It’s a moderately serious fault that will stop your cycle, but in many cases it’s something you can fix yourself in under 30 minutes.
What does this error mean?
F11 signals that the dishwasher’s control board has detected a problem with water draining away — either it’s draining too slowly, not at all, or the drain pump isn’t responding correctly. The machine monitors drainage time during the cycle, and if water isn’t cleared within a set window, it throws the F11 code and halts. This is a protective measure to prevent flooding or motor damage.
Est. repair cost
£0 DIY (filter/hose clean) | £80–£150 professional drain pump repair | £20–£45 if you replace the drain pump yourself (competent DIYers only, with machine unplugged)
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the machine first: switch the dishwasher off at the wall, wait 2 minutes, then power it back on and run a short cycle to see if the error clears — a one-off glitch can sometimes trigger F11.
Clean the drain filter: remove the lower basket, unscrew or twist out the cylindrical filter at the bottom of the dishwasher, rinse it thoroughly under the tap, and scrub away any grease or food debris with a soft brush.
Check the drain hose: pull the dishwasher out slightly and inspect the hose running to your sink or waste pipe — straighten any kinks, ensure it isn’t crushed behind the machine, and check it isn’t blocked where it connects to the waste.
Check your sink and waste trap: run your kitchen tap to confirm the sink drains freely. If it’s slow, unblock the sink waste or remove and clean the U-bend trap before retrying the dishwasher.
Inspect the drain pump for blockages: with the machine off and unplugged, remove the filter and use a torch to look into the pump housing below — carefully remove any visible debris (glass, grit, plastic fragments) using pliers or your fingers. Do NOT attempt to open the pump casing or access internal wiring yourself.
📞 When to call a professional
If you’ve cleaned the filter, cleared the drain hose, and confirmed your sink drains freely but the F11 error persists, the drain pump is likely faulty and needs professional attention. Call an appliance engineer and tell them your model number (found on the door edge sticker) and that you’re getting an F11 drainage fault — this helps them bring the right parts. Stop using the machine until it’s repaired, as continued attempts with a faulty pump can cause flooding or motor damage.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A drain pump replacement by an engineer typically costs £80–£150 including parts and labour in the UK. If your Hoover dishwasher is under 5 years old, repair is almost always worth it. For machines over 8 years old, weigh the repair cost against a new budget dishwasher (from around £250–£350), particularly if it has had previous faults — replacement may be the smarter long-term choice.