Dishwasher
E15
The E15 error code on a Bosch dishwasher means water has been detected in the base of the machine, triggering the anti-flood protection system. It needs prompt attention — left unchecked, it can cause floor damage and keep your dishwasher locked out of use.
What does this error mean?
Bosch dishwashers have a float switch and a polystyrene float in the base tray. When water leaks internally and collects in this tray, the float rises and triggers the AquaStop or anti-flood sensor, cutting the cycle and displaying E15. The machine is essentially protecting your kitchen from a flood — the error won’t clear until the water in the base is removed and the underlying leak is resolved.
Est. repair cost
£80–£150 professional repair; £15–£40 DIY (door seal or hose replacement)
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Step 1 – Tilt the machine: Turn off and unplug the dishwasher. Carefully tilt it forward at roughly 45 degrees for 30–60 seconds to drain water out of the base tray through the front. Place towels down first. This often resets the float switch and clears the E15.
Step 2 – Run a test cycle: Once upright and plugged back in, run a short cycle and watch for signs of leaking. If E15 returns, the root cause hasn’t been fixed.
Step 3 – Inspect the door seal: Open the door and run your fingers along the rubber gasket all the way around. Look for splits, gaps, or hardened sections. A replacement Bosch door seal typically costs £15–£30 and is a straightforward DIY swap.
Step 4 – Check for detergent overfoaming: If you’ve recently changed detergent or used too much, run an empty cycle without any detergent to flush the system. Only ever use detergent specifically labelled for dishwashers.
Step 5 – Inspect the drain hose: Pull the dishwasher out slightly and check the drain hose at the back for kinks, blockages, or loose connections at the sink waste or the machine. Straighten kinks and ensure the hose is secured properly.
Step 6 – Access the base tray (advanced DIY): If you’re comfortable, remove the kickplate/lower panel to inspect the base tray and look for the source of the leak. Do NOT open any electrical components or tamper with wiring — if you can’t identify a visible leak from a hose or seal, stop here and call a professional.
📞 When to call a professional
If the E15 error returns after tilting the machine and the leak source isn’t obvious (worn seal, kinked hose), call a qualified appliance engineer. Tell them: ‘My Bosch dishwasher is showing E15 — the anti-flood float has been triggered and I can’t identify the source of the internal leak.’ If you suspect the water inlet valve, pump, or sump is cracked, these require professional diagnosis and part replacement.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for E15 in the UK typically costs £80–£150 depending on the fault — a new door seal or hose at the lower end, a pump or inlet valve replacement at the higher end. If your Bosch dishwasher is under 7 years old, repair is almost always worth it given Bosch’s reliability. Over 8–10 years old with a major component failure, a new mid-range Bosch dishwasher (£400–£600) may make more financial sense than a costly repair.