Miele Dishwasher Error F70 – Fault F70 – Waterproof System Activated
F70 means Miele's Waterproof system found water in the base. Shut the faucet, cut power, then find the source.
Safety first · Consult a professional
Many US Miele units are hardwired rather than plugged in, so switch off the dishwasher's breaker at the panel to stop the pump. Don't touch wiring or reach under the unit while water is on the floor.
- Unplug the appliance or switch off the breaker before opening any panel. Mains voltage can kill.
- Water and electricity: unplug first, keep towels ready and never stand in water while the appliance is connected.
At a glance
Severity: Moderate
- Meaning
- Fault F70 – Waterproof System Activated
- System
- Miele · Dishwasher
- Typical repair cost
- $0–$450
- DIY difficulty
- Easy
Every Miele dishwasher has what Miele calls the Waterproof system: a float switch in the base pan under the tub plus a protected inlet hose with a safety valve at the faucet end. F70 appears when water has reached the base pan and lifted the float. The machine then keeps the inlet valve shut and runs the drain pump for as long as the float is up, which is why owners often hear the pump humming with no cycle running. Miele's own instruction is short: close the faucet, switch the dishwasher off, disconnect power so the pump stops, and contact Miele service. Before that call, a few owner checks can tell you whether it was a one-off foam event or a real leak.
How it looks on the display
Model families & display variants
| Model family | Shows | Note |
|---|---|---|
| G 5000 and G 7000 with numeric display | F70 | Same code on US and European models. Some displays add the word Waterproof or a faucet symbol. |
| Models with a text display | Fault F70 | The text line tells you to close the faucet and contact service. |
| Older models without a display | blinking indicator lights | Faults are signaled with flashing lights; the fault table in the operating instructions explains which pattern means the Waterproof system. |
Symptoms
- F70 on the display and the cycle stops
- Drain pump keeps running even with the dishwasher off
- Machine won't start a new program
- Damp floor or cabinet toe kick area
- Suds visible in the tub after the last cycle
Possible causes
Ranked by how often each cause is behind this code (editorial estimate).
- Oversudsing from hand dish soap, too much detergent or a rinse-aid spill
- Internal leak at a hose connection, the circulation pump or the heater seal
- Leak on the inlet side: faucet connection or the inner hose of the Waterproof hose
- Water escaping at the door from a blocked spray arm, worn seal or unlevel install
- Residual water in the base after moving or tilting the unit
- Float switch or its wiring faulty with a dry base pan
Fix it step by step
Shut the water and power off
Close the faucet or shutoff valve under the sink, press the On/Off button, then unplug the unit or switch off its breaker. The drain pump stops once power is gone.
Tools: Towels & shallow pan
Find where the water is
Check the sink cabinet around the faucet connection and the floor at the toe kick with a flashlight. Water under the sink points to the supply side; water only in front points to the door area.
Tools: Flashlight, Towels & shallow pan
Look for suds in the tub
Open the door and check for foam around the filters and the lower door edge. If hand dish soap or a spilled rinse aid is the cause, wipe out the foam and let the rest collapse with a splash of cold water.
Tools: Towels & shallow pan
Check spray arms and the door seal
Pull out the lower basket, lift off the lower spray arm and make sure every jet is clear. Run a finger along the door seal for cuts or food buildup that lets water past.
Tools: Gloves, Soft brush
Let the base dry out
Leave the faucet closed and power off for at least a day so the base pan can dry and the float can drop. Don't tilt a built-in unit that is screwed to the countertop.
Watched test run
Restore water and power, run a short program with no dishes and stay close. If F70 comes back within the run, book Miele service rather than trying again.
Tools: Flashlight
How to reset F70
- F70 clears only after the base pan is dry and the float has dropped.
- Restore water and power, then switch the dishwasher on; the fault should be gone.
- If F70 shows again immediately, leave the faucet closed and the unit powered down until service.
Where the parts are
- 1Door lock
- 2Water inlet valve
- 3Filter
- 4Circulation pump
- 5Heating element
- 6Drain pump
- 7Float switch
- 8Temperature sensor
- 9Water level sensor
Repair options & costs
| Repair | DIY? | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| Clear suds, dry base, retest | Yes | $0 |
| Replace faucet-end washer or tighten supply connection | Yes | $0–$15 |
| Miele service call with leak diagnosis | No | $150–$250 |
| Internal hose, seal or clamp repair | No | $250–$450 |
| Waterproof inlet hose replacement | No | $200–$400 |
Rough US estimates; technician call-out fees vary by region. Not a quote.
When to call a technician
Call Miele service if F70 returns after a dry-out and a suds-free test, if you find water under the sink at the supply hose, or if the pump keeps running with a dry floor. The Waterproof hose itself is a sealed safety part and should be replaced by service, not cut or spliced.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the pump keep running after F70?
It's a safety feature. While the float in the base is lifted, the dishwasher drains continuously to keep water from building up. It stops when you cut power.
Can a single use of dish soap cause F70?
Yes. Hand dish soap foams heavily, the suds spill over the tub lip into the base and lift the float. Once the foam is gone and the base has dried, the machine usually works normally.
What is the Waterproof hose on a Miele?
It's the inlet hose with an outer sleeve and a safety valve at the faucet end. If the inner hose leaks, the water is caught and the valve closes, and the dishwasher shows F70.
How is F70 different from F11?
F11 is a drain problem: water stays in the tub. F70 means water got into the base pan under the tub, so it's about a leak or overflow.
Sources
- Official Miele user documentation and support pages (facts only; wording is our own)
- Methodology: How We Build Code Pages · Data Sources We Use · Editorial Policy