F11
Whirlpool Dishwasher
Severity: CriticalWhat Does This Error Mean?
Whirlpool dishwasher error F11 means the drain pump has failed or the drain system is severely blocked. The dishwasher cannot pump water out of the tub after a wash or rinse cycle. Dirty water is likely sitting in the bottom of the dishwasher.
Affected Models
- WDT730PAHZ
- WDT780SAEM
- WDT970SAKZ
- WDF520PADM
- WDTA50SAHZ
Common Causes
- A large piece of food debris or a broken glass fragment is clogging the drain pump impeller
- The drain pump motor has burned out due to age or a blockage that caused it to overheat
- The drain hose is kinked or clogged and water cannot flow out even if the pump is working
- The kitchen sink drain is clogged, preventing the dishwasher from draining into it
- A wiring connection to the drain pump motor has come loose or corroded
How to Fix It
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Remove any standing water from the dishwasher tub using a towel or cup.
You need to access the filter and drain pump area at the bottom of the tub, so removing water first makes this easier and less messy.
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Remove the bottom rack, then unscrew or unlock and lift out the filter assembly from the bottom center of the tub.
The Whirlpool filter assembly usually has a cylindrical filter that you twist counterclockwise to remove. Rinse it under warm water.
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Look into the drain pump opening below where the filter sits. Check for any debris — glass, food, labels, or bones that may be jamming the impeller.
Shine a flashlight in and carefully reach in with your fingers to feel for obstructions. Remove anything you find.
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Check the drain hose at the back of the dishwasher for kinks or clogs.
The drain hose connects the dishwasher to the kitchen sink drain. A kink in the hose will prevent water from draining even if the pump works perfectly.
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Reassemble the filter, run a Rinse Only cycle, and confirm the dishwasher drains fully.
If F11 persists and the filter and hose are clear, the drain pump motor itself has likely failed and needs replacement.
When to Call a Professional
Cleaning the drain pump filter is a free DIY fix and resolves most F11 errors. If the pump motor has burned out, replacement costs $50 to $100 for the part. Professional drain pump replacement including labor runs $120 to $200.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if it is the pump or a clog causing F11?
If you cleaned the filter and drain pump area and found debris, removing that debris will fix the problem — the pump was blocked, not broken. If the pump area is completely clear but F11 still shows, the motor itself has failed. You can confirm a dead pump motor with a multimeter by testing for continuity across the motor terminals.
Can the kitchen sink being clogged cause my dishwasher to show F11?
Yes — if your kitchen sink drains slowly or is fully clogged, the dishwasher cannot push water into it. If F11 appeared at the same time your sink started draining slowly, clear the sink drain first. Run the dishwasher again after the sink drains normally.
How often should I clean the dishwasher filter to prevent F11?
Whirlpool recommends cleaning the filter once a month under normal use. If you regularly wash dishes with heavy food residue or run the dishwasher without pre-rinsing, clean it every two weeks. A clean filter prevents most drain-related errors and also improves wash performance.