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E23

Bosch Washing Machine

Severity: Critical

Source: OnlyErrorCodes.com — Every error code. One place.

Bosch Washer E23 Error — AquaStop Activated Fix

What it means

Bosch washer E23 error (also F23) means the AquaStop hose / leak sensor has activated — Bosch's 'AquaStop hose has been activated' or 'Leak sensor triggered' code.
Water has been detected in the base tray, triggering Bosch's flood-protection system.
The washer cuts off water at the inlet hose to prevent flooding.

Affected Models

  • Bosch Serie 2 / Serie 4 / Serie 6 / Serie 8 washing machines
  • Bosch Logixx, Maxx, Classixx ranges (older naming)
  • Bosch WAW, WAT, WAY, WAQ model series
  • Bosch Varioperfect washers
  • Same codes appear on Siemens and Neff washers (shared platform)

Common Causes

  • Inlet hose (AquaStop) loose at the back of the machine
  • Door seal (rubber gasket) torn or perished
  • Drain pump or pump gasket leaking
  • Detergent drawer overflowing — too much detergent
  • Internal hose split or perished

How to Fix It

  1. Unplug at the wall.

    Switch off and unplug the washer.
    Look for visible water on the floor under and around the unit.
    Mop up so you can see fresh leaks more easily.

  2. Tighten inlet hose connections.

    At the back of the machine, hand-tighten both ends of the inlet (AquaStop) hose.
    Inspect the rubber washers inside; perished washers cost a few pence and are a common E23 cause.

  3. Inspect the door seal.

    Run a finger around the rubber gasket on the door looking for tears, holes, or detergent build-up.
    A torn seal needs replacement; a dirty seal needs cleaning with 50/50 white vinegar and water.

  4. Check the detergent drawer.

    Pull the drawer out and rinse under the tap.
    Make sure the small holes inside the housing aren't blocked.
    Overdosing detergent causes back-up that drips inside and triggers E23.

When to Call a Professional

E23 is the AquaStop doing its job — protecting your home from a flood.
Don't bypass it.
Find and fix the leak source before resetting; running the washer with a real leak risks substantial water damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset Bosch E23 without finding the leak?

You can — but it's a bad idea.
Tilting the washer slightly to drain the base tray and resetting the AquaStop will clear E23 temporarily, but if the underlying leak isn't fixed, the AquaStop will trigger again the next time water reaches the sensor.
Worse, ignoring the leak risks substantial water damage to your floor and the washer itself.
Always find and fix the leak source first — usually a hose connection or perished seal — before clearing E23.