A Bosch dishwasher that stops mid-cycle with a code on the display can feel like a verdict, but the code usually points to a specific issue. E15, E22 and E24 are three common leak and drain codes, and each one helps you identify where to look first. Below, you'll find what they mean, which checks are safe to do yourself, and when to call a technician.
If your Bosch won't turn on or stops with no code at all, start with our guide on a dishwasher not turning on or stopping mid-cycle.
Bosch Dishwasher Fault Codes at a Glance
|
Code |
What it means |
Most common cause |
Check first |
DIY? |
|
E15 |
Leak protection activated: water in the base |
Leak from a hose, door seal or inlet valve |
Water supply valve and the floor around the machine |
Shut off the water; Bosch advises contacting support |
|
E22 |
Filter blocked |
Food debris in the filter |
Filter at the bottom of the tub |
Yes, filter cleaning |
|
E24 |
Dishwasher can't drain |
Blocked drain hose or dirty filter |
Filter, drain hose, garbage disposal plug |
Often, if the filter or hose is the cause |
Bosch uses a longer list than this (E01 to E27 plus four-digit codes), and the exact set depends on your model. The full list is on Bosch's error code page. Before any check, turn the dishwasher off and close the water supply valve.
What Does E15 Mean on a Bosch Dishwasher?
E15 means your Bosch's leak protection has activated: a safety switch detected water in the base of the dishwasher. Under the tub sits a shallow base pan that catches drips. When water collects there, a safety switch (usually a float) trips and the machine locks out. That's why you can see E15 with a dry kitchen floor: the pan caught the water before it got that far. It isn't an electronics glitch. Water is physically in a place it shouldn't be.
Bosch's own E15 guidance is short and clear: turn off the water inflow and contact support. That's the right call, because the cause is a leak, and a leak won't fix itself.
E15 water in base: where the water comes from
When we trace an E15, the source is usually one of these:
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A worn or dirty door seal
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A loose or leaking hose connection
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A leaking inlet valve, the part that lets water into the machine
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Too much foam, often from hand dish soap instead of dishwasher detergent
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A dishwasher that isn't level
What to do right now
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Turn off power at the breaker or unplug the machine. Water and electricity don't mix.
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Close the water supply valve, usually under the kitchen sink.
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Check the floor, the cabinet floor and the hose connections for water.
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Don't keep restarting the cycle. E15 returns until the source of the water is fixed.
If water is reaching the floor, our guide on a dishwasher leaking onto the floor covers what to look for next.
Bosch Dishwasher E24 Not Draining: Causes and Fixes
E24 means the dishwasher can't drain its water. Bosch's E24 page points to three causes: a blocked drain hose, a dirty filter, and a brand new garbage disposal.
Check in this order:
-
Clean the filter at the bottom of the tub.
-
Check the drain hose for kinks and clogs. Turn off the dishwasher and disconnect it from power before inspecting the hose. If you need to pull the appliance forward, do so carefully without straining the water supply or drain connections.
-
Check the drain pump cover. With the dishwasher turned off and disconnected from power, remove the filter according to your owner's manual and make sure the pump cover underneath is securely in place. Reinstall the filter before using the dishwasher again.
-
Check the garbage disposal connection. If the dishwasher drains into a disposal, make sure the knockout plug has been removed from the disposal's dishwasher inlet. This is the classic mistake after a new disposal is installed.
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Reset the dishwasher as described in your owner's manual once the problem is fixed.
Still seeing standing water after these checks? The drain pump may be failing. Error codes E23 and E25 are also associated with drain pump problems, so consult your model's manual or contact a technician if the issue persists. Our guide on a dishwasher not draining or leaving standing water goes deeper.
What Does E22 Mean on a Bosch Dishwasher?
E22 means the filter is blocked. Bosch recommends removing the filter, washing it under running water with mild soap and a soft brush, and reinstalling it. The filter sits at the bottom of the tub, and your owner's manual shows how to remove it. Bosch also notes that the filter needs regular cleaning, so this code may indicate that cleaning is overdue. After cleaning, make sure the filter is fully seated before running the dishwasher again.
Both E22 and E24 are related to drainage problems, and both can involve a blocked filter. E24 can also indicate a problem with the drain hose or drain pump cover. If cleaning the filter and checking the pump cover do not resolve the issue, inspect the drain hose for kinks or blockages and consult your owner's manual. Bosch's E22 guidance and E24 guidance provide the official troubleshooting steps.
How to Prevent Repeat Codes
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Clean the filter regularly. Bosch says it needs it, and it's the cheapest fix for E22 and many E24 cases.
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Use only dishwasher detergent. Foam from hand dish soap can overflow into the base pan and trigger E15.
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Check the disposal plug before the first cycle after a new garbage disposal is installed.
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Keep the dishwasher level and wipe the door seal now and then, since a dirty or worn seal is a common leak source.
Bosch Dishwasher Diagnostic Codes: What They Are
Beyond the codes you see on the display, Bosch dishwashers have a service mode that technicians use to read stored faults. The way to enter it depends on the model, so don't rely on button combinations you find online. Your model's instructions are in the owner's manual, which you can look up by model number. If a code keeps returning and the basics don't help, reading the stored history is a technician's job.
Real Case: Bosch Dishwasher Turning Itself On and Off in St. Augustine
A customer in St. Augustine called about a Bosch dishwasher that kept turning itself on and off. Behavior like that doesn't point to a clogged filter or a loose hose. It points to the electronics that tell the machine what to do.
We diagnosed a faulty control panel and replaced it. The visit took about an hour, and the dishwasher went back to starting and finishing cycles normally.
The takeaway: if your Bosch switches itself on and off, restarts on its own or won't respond to buttons, don't spend an afternoon cleaning filters. Unplug it and call. Nearby? We handle appliance repair in St. Augustine and surrounding areas.
When to Call a Technician
Call a technician if:
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E15 appears, or there's water on the floor
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E22 or E24 stays after you've cleaned the filter and checked the hose
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The dishwasher turns on, off or restarts by itself
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You notice a burning smell, sparking or a tripped breaker
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You'd rather not pull the machine out or open panels
Bosch is a premium brand, and the electronics and parts are specific to it. Our page on premium brands repair explains how we approach them.
How We Fix Bosch Dishwashers
We find the actual cause behind the code instead of replacing parts and hoping. You get a plain-language explanation of what we found, a repair with original replacement parts, and a warranty on the work. Same-day service is available whenever possible. If your Bosch shows a code you can't clear, contact us.
FAQ
Can I keep using my Bosch dishwasher with an E15 error?
No. E15 means water is in the base, so the source needs to be found first. Turn off the power and the water supply, then call a technician.
How do I reset a Bosch dishwasher after an error code?
Fix the cause first. Bosch says to reset the dishwasher according to the owner's manual, and the steps vary by model. If the code returns right away, the problem hasn't been fixed.
Is E22 the same as E24?
No, but they're related. Both codes can involve a blocked filter. E24 can also be associated with problems involving the drain hose or pump cover. If cleaning the filter doesn't resolve the error, follow the troubleshooting steps in your owner's manual or contact a technician.
Can E24 appear after a new garbage disposal installation?
Yes. If the knockout plug in the disposal's dishwasher inlet hasn't been removed, water can't drain, and E24 is a common result.