E15
Bosch Dishwasher
Severity:What Does This Error Mean?
Bosch E15 is the flood protection error — a float switch in the base of the machine has detected water in the drip tray. The machine locks out and will not run until the water is removed. This is a safety feature, not a malfunction.
Affected Models
- Bosch Series 2
- Bosch Series 4
- Bosch Series 6
- Bosch Series 8
- Bosch SMV series
- Bosch SMS series
- Bosch SPS series
Common Causes
- Water leak from a door seal, hose connection, or pump
- Machine tilted during installation, causing water to spill into the base
- Detergent dispensed too much foam, causing overflow into the base
- Drain hose disconnected internally
- Aquastop valve (inlet hose) triggered — leak detected in the supply hose
How to Fix It
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Tilt the machine to drain the base tray.
First, turn off and unplug the dishwasher. Turn off the water supply. Carefully tilt the machine forward (15–20 degrees) — hold it steady — for 30–60 seconds to allow water in the base tray to drain out through the front. Place towels on the floor first. After draining, set the machine upright, plug in, and test.
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Let the machine dry out.
After tilting to drain, leave the machine unplugged with the door open for 24–48 hours. This allows any remaining moisture in the base to evaporate. Running the machine with a wet float switch can re-trigger E15 immediately.
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Check door seals and hose connections.
With the machine empty and unplugged, inspect the rubber door seal for cracks, tears, or debris. Also inspect the hose connections at the back for drips or moisture. If you can see where the water came from, seal or replace that component before restarting.
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Use less detergent.
Excess detergent — especially non-dishwasher detergent — creates foam that can overflow from the wash tub into the base. Always use dishwasher-specific detergent (tablets or powder) and use only the recommended amount. Too much rinse aid can also contribute to excess foam.
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Check the Aquastop inlet hose.
Bosch dishwashers come with an Aquastop safety hose that automatically cuts off water if it detects a leak. If the Aquastop has triggered, the hose will feel warm or slightly expanded at the safety valve end. A triggered Aquastop hose must be replaced — it cannot be reset.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I fix E15 on my Bosch dishwasher?
Tilt the dishwasher forward 15–20 degrees while it is unplugged and turned off. This drains the water from the base tray and resets the float switch. Leave the machine to dry for 24 hours with the door open, then test. If E15 returns immediately, there is an ongoing leak that needs to be found and repaired — check the door seal, hose connections, and pump area.