Miele · Dishwasher

i20

Drain Fault

Severity

High

The error code i20 on your Miele Dishwasher indicates a specific system failure categorized as "Drain Fault". This guide walks you through the most likely causes and the correct repair sequence.

Owner's Summary

Your Miele dishwasher has standing water and cannot drain. The filter at the bottom of the tub is the first place to check — it collects food debris and needs regular cleaning. On Miele machines, the filter has multiple parts that all need to be removed and rinsed.

Symptoms

Miele dishwasher not draining, water remains in tub, i20 displayed

Common Causes

Clogged coarse or fine filter in tub base
Blocked or kinked drain hose
Drain pump impeller jammed
Defective drain pump motor

How to Fix

1 Remove and clean all filter components at the bottom of the tub
2 Check drain hose routing under sink for kinks
3 Inspect drain pump impeller for foreign objects
4 Replace drain pump if impeller is free but motor does not run

Tools You'll Need

Pliers Soft Brush Towels / Bucket Flashlight

Most of these fixes need only basic hand tools. If your repair requires opening electrical housings or testing live components, a multimeter and basic electrical safety knowledge are essential — when in doubt, call a technician.

Technical Explanation

Miele's EGS board activates the drain pump and monitors the water level sensor. i20 is triggered when the programmed drain cycle cannot confirm an empty sump within the allotted time. Miele's diagnostic system logs the specific sub-fault code alongside i20 for technician reference.

Is It Safe to Keep Using?

Fix same day. Standing water creates hygiene issues and can damage the machine interior.

Technician's Pro Tip

Miele drain pumps are premium components but they still fail. Before replacing the pump, use a multimeter to measure the pump motor resistance — Miele pumps typically read 100–200 ohms. Any reading outside this range confirms pump failure rather than a blocked impeller.

Related Codes

E1 — Samsung Dishwasher

Water Supply Error

High

E2 — Samsung Dishwasher

Water Temperature Too High

Medium

E3 — Samsung Dishwasher

Water Not Heating

Medium

Frequently Asked Questions

What does error code i20 mean on a Miele Dishwasher?

Code i20 on a Miele Dishwasher indicates "Drain Fault." In practice, the most common trigger is clogged coarse or fine filter in tub base. Severity is rated high, and typical repair costs range from $0 to $220.

Can I fix i20 myself, or do I need a technician?

Many cases of i20 can be resolved without a technician. The first step to try: remove and clean all filter components at the bottom of the tub. If that doesn't clear the code, work through the remaining steps in the "How to Fix" section above before assuming a part needs replacing.

Is it safe to keep using my dishwasher with code i20 showing?

Fix same day. Standing water creates hygiene issues and can damage the machine interior.

How much does it cost to repair i20 on a Miele Dishwasher?

Repair costs for code i20 typically range from $0 to $220. Filter cleaning: $0 DIY; Drain pump: $70–$220 + labor. Costs on the low end usually reflect a DIY fix with no parts required, while the high end reflects a part replacement plus professional labor.

Estimated Repair Cost USD

$0 – $220

Filter cleaning: $0 DIY; Drain pump: $70–$220 + labor