Dishwasher
E16
The E16 error code on a Miele dishwasher means the appliance has detected water in the base tray — a flood protection fault that stops the machine running to prevent water damage to your kitchen floor. It needs attention promptly, but in many cases you can resolve it yourself.
What does this error mean?
Miele dishwashers have a float switch in the base of the machine. When water leaks internally and collects in the base tray, this float rises and triggers the E16 fault, cutting off the wash cycle as a safety measure. The machine won’t restart until the water is removed and the underlying leak is identified and fixed.
Est. repair cost
£20–£45 DIY (door seal replacement); £80–£160 professional repair (internal hose, valve, or pump seal)
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Step 1 — Cancel the programme and switch the dishwasher off at the mains. Leave it off for at least 30 minutes to allow the float switch to settle if there’s only a small amount of water in the base.
Step 2 — Pull the dishwasher forward slightly and tilt it gently backwards (10–15 degrees) to drain any standing water out of the base tray through the front. Place towels down first. This allows the float switch to drop and may clear the fault.
Step 3 — Restart the machine and run a short cycle while watching underneath for visible drips. If the E16 returns immediately or water is visibly dripping, do not continue — move to Step 4.
Step 4 — Inspect the door seal carefully. Run your finger around the full gasket and look for cracks, tears, food debris, or areas where it has pulled away from the groove. Clean it with a damp cloth. If damaged, a Miele door seal replacement costs around £20–£45 and clips in without tools.
Step 5 — Check you’ve been using the correct dishwasher detergent in the right quantity. Excess suds from wrong or too much product is a surprisingly common cause. Run an empty hot cycle with no detergent to flush residue.
Step 6 — If the error persists after Steps 1–5, the leak is internal (hose, valve, or pump seal). Stop using the machine and call a Miele-approved or Domestic & General-registered engineer — opening the base panels to access internal components is not a safe or practical DIY job.
📞 When to call a professional
Call an engineer if the E16 code returns after tilting the machine to drain the base, or if you can see water actively dripping beneath the appliance during a cycle. Tell them you have an E16 flood protection fault and that you’ve already drained the base tray — this helps them diagnose whether the issue is a hose, inlet valve, sump seal, or faulty float switch. Use a Miele-approved service engineer or check Checkatrade for local appliance repair specialists.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for an internal leak on a Miele dishwasher typically costs £80–£160 including labour and parts such as a new inlet valve or hose. Miele appliances are built to last 15–20 years, so if your machine is under 10 years old, repair is almost always the right choice. If it’s over 12 years old and the repair quote exceeds £200, a replacement Miele or comparable brand may offer better long-term value.