Bosch Washer Error Code E22 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error code E22 on a Bosch washer indicates the machine has detected water where it should not be — typically in the base of the machine. Bosch washers have a flood protection system called AquaStop. When the sensor in the base tray detects water, it triggers E22 and stops the machine to prevent a flood. This is usually caused by a leaking door seal, a cracked hose, or an oversudsing problem. Do not ignore this — clean up the water in the base before running the machine again.

Affected Models

Bosch Front-Load Washers
Bosch Serie 4 washers
Bosch Serie 6 washers
Bosch Serie 8 washers
Bosch WAx series models

Common Causes

A torn or damaged door seal (boot gasket) allowing water to escape during the wash
A loose or cracked drain hose connection at the back of the machine
Excessive suds from using too much detergent or non-HE detergent overflowing internally
A failed pump or pump housing leak inside the cabinet
A cracked or damaged drum tub or sump hose

How to Fix It

Tilt the washer backward slightly to drain the water from the base tray. Most Bosch washers have a small float sensor in the base tray — once water drains out, the sensor resets and allows the machine to run again.

Place towels around the machine before tilting. Water in the tray can be a cup to several liters depending on the leak severity.
Inspect the door seal (boot gasket) all the way around the door opening. Look for tears, cracks, or holes. Check inside the folds of the seal for debris that could be preventing a full seal. Small holes in the seal allow water to spray out during high-speed spinning.

Door seal replacements for Bosch washers cost $50-$120 — they are a DIY repair if you are comfortable with appliance disassembly.
Check the drain hose connection at the back of the machine and at the standpipe or sink. Make sure the hose clamps are tight and the hose is not cracked or kinked. A loose drain hose connection is one of the easiest leaks to fix.

Also check the fill hose connections at the back — a loose fill hose can drip into the base tray.
Consider whether you recently used too much detergent or a non-HE detergent. Excessive suds can overflow internal compartments and drip into the base tray without an external leak being visible. Run an empty cycle with no detergent to rinse out any remaining suds.

HE washers require HE detergent used in the correct (small) amount — usually 1-2 tablespoons per load.
If you cannot find an external source of the leak, the pump housing, sump hose, or drum may have an internal crack. These require a technician to access through the front or back panel. Do not run the machine until the leak source is found and fixed.

Continuing to run a leaking washer risks water damage to the motor, control board, and your flooring.

When to Call a Professional

If you cannot identify the source of the water in the base tray, a Bosch-certified technician should inspect the machine. Internal leaks from the pump, drum, or sump require partial disassembly to find and fix. Leaks will damage the electronics and motor if left unchecked. Expect $150-$350 for a leak diagnosis and repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AquaStop system on a Bosch washer?

AquaStop is Bosch's flood prevention system. It consists of a float sensor in the base tray of the machine. If any water leaks inside the cabinet and collects in the base tray, the float rises and triggers the E22 code. The washer immediately stops and typically pumps out any water from the drum as a safety measure. It is designed to prevent flooding your laundry room.

Can I reset E22 without fixing the leak?

You can drain the base tray and reset the machine, and it will run again. But if the underlying leak is not fixed, E22 will return on the next wash cycle — or sooner. More importantly, repeated water ingress into the base of the machine will eventually damage the motor, control board, and wiring. Always find and fix the source of the leak before running the machine.

How much does it cost to fix E22?

A door seal replacement: $50-$120 for parts, $150-$250 with labor. A drain hose replacement: $10-$30 for parts, $50-$100 with labor. A pump replacement: $60-$120 for parts, $150-$300 with labor. A technician leak diagnosis: $80-$150 if you cannot find the source yourself.