Bosch Dryer Error E13 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error E13 means the water collection container in your Bosch condenser dryer is full and must be emptied. Condenser dryers extract moisture from clothes and collect it in a removable drawer — when full, the dryer stops. Simply pull out the water container, empty it into a sink, and replace it to clear E13.

Affected Models

Bosch WTW87565GB
Bosch WTH84000GB
Bosch WQB145B0GB
Bosch WTW876H0GB
Bosch Serie 8 Heat Pump Dryer

Common Causes

Water container has filled up during a large or very wet laundry load
Water container was not emptied before starting a new cycle
Container was not properly reseated after the last emptying, allowing it to appear full before it is
Float sensor in the water container housing is stuck, falsely reporting a full container
Container cracked or developed a leak, causing water to back up into the sensor area

How to Fix It

Pull out the water container from its slot (usually at the top left of the dryer) and carry it to the sink.

The container typically holds 4–6 litres and can be heavy when full — carry it with both hands.
Empty the container completely by pouring the water down the sink drain.

The water is clean condensation — it can also be used on houseplants as distilled water.
Reinsert the water container firmly until it clicks into place.

A container that is not fully seated may trigger E13 again even when empty.
Press Start on the dryer to resume the interrupted cycle.

The dryer will continue from where it stopped — clothes will not need re-drying from scratch.
If E13 shows immediately with an empty container, remove it and check the float sensor in the housing.

The float sensor is a small plastic float that rises with water level — if stuck in the up position, it will falsely report full.
Clean the sensor housing with a damp cloth and confirm the float moves freely up and down.

Mineral deposits from hard water can stick the float — a wipe with a damp cloth usually frees it.

When to Call a Professional

If E13 appears when the water container is clearly empty, the float sensor may be stuck or faulty. A technician can test and clean the float sensor — a straightforward repair costing $50–$100. Contact Bosch if the container itself is cracked — they can supply a replacement container part.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does the Bosch dryer water container need emptying?

It depends on the size and wetness of the laundry load. A full 5 kg load of freshly washed clothes can produce 1.5–3 litres of water in one cycle. Most households empty the container every 1–3 cycles — emptying it before every cycle avoids E13 entirely.

Can I plumb my Bosch condenser dryer to drain automatically and avoid E13?

Yes — most Bosch condenser dryers have a plumbing kit option that connects the water outlet directly to a drain pipe. This eliminates the need to manually empty the water container entirely. Check your dryer's manual for plumbing kit instructions or order the kit from Bosch accessories.

Can I use the condensation water from E13 for anything?

Yes — condensation water from a dryer is essentially distilled water with no minerals. It is safe to use for watering houseplants, steam irons, or car battery top-ups. Do not drink it — it may contain trace detergent residue from fabrics.