E19
Bosch Dishwasher
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
E19 on a Bosch dishwasher means there is a fault with the water diverter valve or the hot water circulation pump. The diverter valve directs water between the upper and lower spray arms during the cycle. When it fails, the dishwasher cannot properly wash all levels of the machine — you may find the top rack dishes are not getting clean. The dishwasher may stop mid-cycle or fail to complete the wash properly.
Affected Models
- Bosch Serie 6 SMS68
- Bosch Serie 8 SMV88
- Bosch Silence Plus SMV50
- Bosch Serie 4 SMI46
- Bosch dishwashers with hot water circulation systems
Common Causes
- Water diverter valve is stuck, worn, or has failed mechanically
- Foreign object (broken glass, bone fragment) has jammed the diverter valve
- Circulation pump motor has failed and cannot move water through the diverter
- Wiring or connector to the diverter valve motor has become loose or corroded
- Control board is not sending the correct signal to activate the diverter valve
How to Fix It
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Remove the lower spray arm and check underneath for broken glass, bones, or small debris that might have reached the diverter valve area. Clear any visible obstructions.
Small debris from broken dishware can travel to the pump area and jam mechanical components.
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Remove and clean the filter and sump area thoroughly. A heavily clogged sump can restrict water flow to the pump and trigger flow-related errors like E19.
Bosch recommends cleaning the filter after every few cycles — or at least once a week during regular use.
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Manually spin the lower spray arm — it should rotate freely. A stuck arm suggests a blockage in the spray arm holes or the diverter path.
Clean spray arm holes with a toothpick or thin wire — food particles and mineral deposits can block them.
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Reset the dishwasher. Press and hold the On/Off button for 3 to 5 seconds, release, then restart the machine. An intermittent valve fault may clear with a reset.
If E19 clears after a reset but returns within a few cycles, the diverter valve is intermittently failing.
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If cleaning and resetting do not resolve E19, the diverter valve or circulation pump needs professional diagnosis and likely replacement. Contact Bosch service or an authorized appliance repair center.
Bosch diverter valve assemblies typically cost £60 to £130 / $75 to $160 for parts.
When to Call a Professional
Replacing a diverter valve or circulation pump typically requires pulling out the dishwasher and removing the lower assembly. This is a technically involved repair — most homeowners should have a Bosch-certified technician do this work. A technician can also run Bosch's diagnostic program to confirm whether the valve, pump, or control board is at fault.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if it is the diverter valve or the pump causing E19?
A Bosch-certified technician can determine this by running the diagnostic program and testing each component. In general, if the dishwasher fills with water but does not circulate it, the pump or diverter is the cause. If the machine makes unusual noises during washing, a jammed diverter or debris in the pump is likely.
Can I continue using my Bosch dishwasher with an E19 error?
The machine will likely stop before finishing the cycle. You can try to run it again after a reset, but dishes may not come out clean since the diverter is not directing water correctly. Get it serviced soon — continued running with a faulty diverter can damage the pump motor.
Is E19 covered under the Bosch warranty?
Bosch typically offers a 2-year warranty on dishwashers. If the fault is a manufacturing defect within that period, the repair should be covered. Contact Bosch customer service with your model and serial number to check warranty eligibility.