Dishwasher
F11
The F11 error code on a Candy dishwasher indicates a water drainage fault — the machine isn’t pumping water out as it should. It’s a moderately serious issue that will stop your wash cycle completing, but it’s often fixable at home without calling an engineer.
What does this error mean?
F11 tells you that the dishwasher’s control board has detected a failure to drain within the expected time. The drain pump is either not activating, not draining fast enough, or is blocked and unable to clear water from the base of the machine. Left unresolved, standing water in the tub can cause odours, damage, and prevent the appliance from starting a new cycle.
Est. repair cost
£0 DIY (filter clean/hose check) | £80–£150 professional drain pump repair | Replacement pump part only: £20–£50
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the machine: switch it off at the mains, wait 60 seconds, then power it back on and start a short cycle. A one-off glitch can trigger F11 and a reset clears it.
Clean the drain filter: remove the lower basket, unscrew the cylindrical filter at the bottom of the tub, and rinse it thoroughly under a tap. Reassemble and run a cycle.
Check the drain hose: pull the dishwasher out slightly and inspect the hose at the back for kinks or tight bends. Ensure the hose isn’t pushed too far into the standpipe (no more than 15 cm) as this can cause a siphon effect.
Clear the sink waste: run your kitchen tap and check the sink drains freely. If it’s slow, unblock the waste trap or U-bend — a blocked sink will prevent your dishwasher draining too.
Inspect the drain pump impeller: with the machine unplugged and the filter removed, reach into the sump and carefully feel for debris around the pump impeller. Remove any glass, grit, or food waste with needle-nose pliers or tweezers.
If none of the above resolves F11, do not attempt to open the pump housing or test wiring yourself — this requires a qualified engineer.
📞 When to call a professional
If you’ve cleaned the filter, cleared the hose, and removed any visible debris but F11 persists, the drain pump itself has likely failed and needs replacing — this involves dismantling the machine’s base and handling electrical components. Call an appliance repair engineer and tell them: ‘Candy dishwasher showing F11 drainage fault, filter and hose already checked, suspected drain pump failure.’ This helps them arrive with the right part.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional drain pump replacement on a Candy dishwasher typically costs £80–£150 in the UK, including parts and labour. If your machine is under 5 years old, repair is almost always worthwhile. For machines over 8 years old, weigh the repair cost against a new entry-level Candy dishwasher at around £250–£350 — if any other components are ageing, replacement may be the smarter spend.