Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E29 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Bosch dishwasher error E29 means there is a fault with the aqua sensor or the water detection system in the base of the machine. The aqua sensor monitors for unexpected water in the drip tray beneath the dishwasher tub. E29 means the sensor has detected water in the base, or the sensor circuit itself has a fault.

Affected Models

Bosch 300 Series
Bosch 500 Series
Bosch 800 Series
Bosch SHPM88Z75N
Bosch SHXM88Z75N

Common Causes

A small internal leak — from a hose, pump seal, or door gasket — has allowed water to collect in the base of the machine
The aqua sensor (flood sensor) in the base has malfunctioned and is triggering a false water detection alert
Condensation inside the base has reached the sensor, especially after heavy use in a humid environment
A hose connection inside the dishwasher has loosened over time and is dripping water into the base
The door gasket has worn or torn, allowing water to escape from the tub and run down into the base

How to Fix It

Turn off the dishwasher and switch off the circuit breaker. Do not restart the machine until you have investigated the cause of E29.

Running the dishwasher with water in the base risks electrical damage to the control board and motor, and water damage to your floor.
Carefully tilt the front of the dishwasher up by placing something solid under the front feet, then tilt it back to allow any water in the base to drain toward the front. Mop up any water that appears.

Some technicians recommend tilting the machine about 45 degrees forward to drain the base — this often resets the aqua sensor if there was just a small amount of water.
Inspect the door gasket (the rubber seal around the door opening). Look for any cracks, splits, or areas where the seal has lifted away from its channel. Press any lifted sections back into place and look for obvious tears.

A damaged door gasket is one of the most common sources of small internal leaks. Replacement gaskets typically cost $15–$40.
Once the base is dry, restore power and run a short rinse cycle. Watch the floor around the dishwasher during the cycle for any signs of water escaping from beneath the machine.

A torch shone underneath the machine from the front can help you spot drips or dampness inside the base during a cycle.
If E29 returns or you can see active dripping, stop the cycle immediately and call a technician. Internal hose or pump seal leaks require professional diagnosis and access to the machine's interior.

A technician can also test the aqua sensor directly — if the base is completely dry and E29 still appears, the sensor itself needs replacing.

When to Call a Professional

E29 indicates water is present inside the machine's base — or a sensor has failed. Either way, this needs to be investigated before continuing to use the dishwasher. Internal leaks can cause floor damage and electrical hazards — contact a Bosch-certified technician if you cannot confirm a simple cause.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is E29 the same as E15 on a Bosch dishwasher?

They are closely related. Both E15 and E29 involve water being detected in the base of the dishwasher. E15 is the most common Bosch flood protection error and is widely documented. E29 typically indicates a fault specifically in the aqua sensor circuit, which may be triggered by a small amount of water or by sensor failure. The investigation and fix steps are similar for both.

How did water get into the base of my dishwasher?

The base of the dishwasher is separate from the tub — water should never reach it under normal operation. When it does, the most common causes are: a worn door gasket, a loose hose connection inside the cabinet, or a small crack in the tub or pump housing. A small drip that has gone unnoticed over many cycles can accumulate enough water to trigger E29.

Can I ignore E29 and keep using the dishwasher?

No. Ignoring E29 is risky for two reasons. First, water in the electrical base of the dishwasher can cause a short circuit or damage the control board. Second, the underlying leak — if present — will get worse over time and may damage your floor or cabinets. Investigate and fix E29 before using the dishwasher again.