Written by
Maya Chen Appliance Repair Content SpecialistPublished October 20, 2026
Content statusVerified
Error codeF138
ApplianceWasher
Quick answer
F138 shows when the Miele Waterproof system detects a leak and water in the floor tray. The manual explains how to drain and open the door safely.
Model compatibility
Miele reuses codes across series and model years, so F138 may mean something different on another appliance or generation. Confirm this against your model’s documentation and record your full model number before acting.
Plain language
What thiscode means
F138 means water in the floor tray; the Miele Waterproof system has been activated by a leak.
F138 on a Miele washing machine or washer-dryer means there is water in the floor tray. The Miele Waterproof system has been activated because water was detected from a leak inside the machine.
Safety first
There may be a considerable amount of water inside. Pull out the mains plug to disconnect the machine from the power supply. Escaping suds are hot if the laundry was just washed at a high temperature, so there is a risk of scalding. Do not use the emergency door release until the water has been drained.
Draining the water, per the manual
Open the access panel for the drain pump.
Place a suitable container, for example a universal tray, under it.
Slowly unscrew the drain filters to let the water out, and tighten them again to interrupt the flow.
When water stops flowing, screw the drain filters tight. Loose filters allow leaks and damage.
Note the quantity of water that came out.
Opening the door
With the machine drained, unlock the door with a screwdriver using the emergency release, then open and close the door and close the panel. Reaching into a moving drum is extremely dangerous, so always be sure the drum is stationary before taking laundry out.
To remove the remaining water and fix the leak, the manual says to contact Miele Customer Service.
See also
F11 covers a restricted drain and the same filter cleaning.
F139 is water in the external dispenser unit’s housing.
Miele washer repair in Los Angeles
For a Miele washer leaking in Los Angeles, call (310) 742-0025. Have the code, the model number and the amount of water you noted ready.
Do not attempt repairs involving electrical components, gas, water lines, refrigerant or sealed systems. Unplug the appliance if it is safe to reach the outlet, and leave internal diagnostics to a qualified technician.
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