Medium - Inspection Needed

Miele Dryer F78 Error Code (Condensation Drain)

F78 means the condensation drain path on a condenser or heat-pump dryer is blocked or not draining properly, causing condensate water to back up instead of routing to the collection container or household drain.

What F78 Means

F78 means the condensation drain path on a condenser or heat-pump dryer is blocked or not draining properly, causing condensate water to back up instead of routing to the collection container or household drain.

Common Causes of F78

  • Lint buildup blocking the condensate drain path
  • Kinked or clogged condensate drain hose
  • Failed condensate pump

🔧 One Safe Check You Can Try

Empty and rinse the condensate container if your model uses one, and check that any drain hose (on models plumbed directly to a household drain) isn't kinked.

⚠ Why You Shouldn't Go Further Than That

  • If emptying and rinsing the condensate container doesn't clear it, the blockage is further into the drain path or the pump has failed, which needs internal access to confirm.
  • A failed condensate pump involves both water and an electrical connection, making a live test risky without disconnecting power first.

Opening a panel to inspect or repair something yourself doesn't automatically cancel your manufacturer's warranty — but it can risk accidental damage, and some manufacturers do have specific service conditions. Check your product's warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.

Other Dryer Error Codes

Related Guides

Still Seeing F78?

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FAQ

F78 FAQ

No — F78 is a drainage-path issue, generally a more affordable and quicker fix than a sealed heat-pump circuit fault.

After every load is ideal for most households, since a full container is one of the most common triggers.

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