Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E26 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Bosch dishwasher error E26 means the wash pump filter or sump area is heavily blocked, preventing the circulation pump from moving water properly through the spray arms. The dishwasher detects that water is not circulating at the right pressure and stops the cycle. This is almost always a maintenance issue — the filter simply needs a thorough clean.

Affected Models

Bosch 300 Series
Bosch 500 Series
Bosch 800 Series
Bosch SHPM88Z75N
Bosch SHEM63W55N

Common Causes

The filter assembly at the bottom of the tub is clogged with food debris, grease, or mineral scale
A broken piece of crockery or a small utensil has fallen into the sump and is blocking water flow through the pump
Grease buildup from infrequent cleaning cycles has restricted the flow path through the filter
The spray arm holes are blocked, reducing circulation pressure and triggering a pump blockage fault
The wash pump impeller has a partial obstruction that restricts flow without completely stopping the pump

How to Fix It

Switch off the dishwasher and unplug it or turn off the circuit breaker. Remove the lower rack and bail out any standing water with a cup and sponge.

Draining the standing water before removing the filter makes the next steps much easier and less messy.
Remove the spray arm by pulling it straight up (or unscrewing the central nut on some models). Rinse it under the tap and use a toothpick or thin brush to clear every spray hole. Hold the arm up to light to confirm each hole is clear.

A single blocked spray hole can reduce pressure noticeably. This takes about two minutes and is worthwhile doing every month.
Lift out the filter assembly — twist the cylindrical filter counter-clockwise and lift it out, then lift out the flat mesh filter beneath it. Rinse both under warm running water and scrub with a soft brush to remove all grease and food particles.

If the filter has a white chalky coating, soak it in white vinegar for 10 minutes to dissolve mineral scale before scrubbing.
With the filter removed, shine a torch into the sump and check for any foreign objects. Use tweezers to remove anything visible. Try spinning the wash pump impeller (visible at the bottom of the sump) — it should turn freely.

If the impeller is stiff or will not turn, something is lodged inside the pump housing — this requires professional attention.
Reinstall the filter and spray arm, restore power, and run a short cycle. If E26 returns immediately, a technician needs to inspect the pump impeller housing for an internal blockage.

Running a Bosch cleaning tablet cycle once a month helps prevent grease and scale buildup that causes E26.

When to Call a Professional

If cleaning the filter and spray arms completely does not resolve E26, a foreign object may be lodged inside the wash pump housing. Removing an internal pump obstruction requires disassembling the sump — contact a Bosch-certified technician for this repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean the Bosch dishwasher filter to prevent E26?

Bosch recommends cleaning the filter at least once a month. If you run the dishwasher every day, clean it every two to three weeks. A clean filter prevents the majority of E26 errors and keeps your dishwasher running efficiently.

My dishwasher was working fine and suddenly shows E26. What changed?

Filter blockages usually build up gradually, but can suddenly trigger an error after a cycle with particularly greasy dishes or after a piece of crockery breaks inside the machine. Check the sump for broken pieces after any cycle where you heard an unusual noise.

Can I prevent E26 by rinsing dishes before loading?

Yes. Scraping large food scraps and rinsing dishes before loading significantly reduces the amount of debris that reaches the filter. However, some food residue is inevitable — regular monthly filter cleaning remains the most important prevention measure.