Dishwasher
E14
The E14 error code on a Siemens dishwasher indicates a fault with the flow meter (water intake sensor), meaning the appliance cannot accurately measure how much water is entering the machine. It’s a moderately serious fault — your dishwasher will stop mid-cycle, but in most cases it’s fixable without a professional.
What does this error mean?
Siemens dishwashers use a flow meter (sometimes called a turbine sensor) on the water inlet to measure exactly how much water enters the machine at the start of each cycle. When the E14 code appears, the control board is detecting an abnormal or absent signal from this sensor — either too little water flow is being registered, or the sensor has failed entirely. This prevents the machine from filling correctly, so it shuts down as a precaution to avoid running dry or overfilling.
Est. repair cost
£80–£150 professional repair; £15–£35 DIY flow meter part
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the machine first: turn it off at the mains, wait 5 minutes, then switch back on and run a short cycle to see if the error clears.
Check the inlet hose at the back of the dishwasher — straighten any kinks and ensure the isolation valve (tap) behind the appliance is fully open.
Clean the inlet filter: turn off the water supply, unscrew the inlet hose from the back of the machine, and remove the small mesh filter inside the inlet port. Rinse it under the tap and refit it.
Check your home’s water pressure: if other taps in the kitchen run slowly, contact your water supplier. Low pressure will trigger E14 regardless of any appliance fault.
Locate and inspect the flow meter: it sits on the water inlet assembly inside the machine (accessed by removing the base panel after disconnecting power and water). Check for visible limescale buildup or debris on the turbine paddle — carefully clean with white vinegar and a soft brush.
If cleaning the flow meter doesn’t resolve the issue, the sensor unit will need replacing. Genuine Siemens/BSH flow meters cost £15–£35 online and clip or screw into the inlet housing — this is a manageable DIY job if you’re confident working inside appliances with the power fully disconnected.
📞 When to call a professional
If you’ve cleaned the inlet filter and flow meter and the E14 error persists, the fault likely lies with the wiring harness or control board — both of which require a qualified appliance engineer. Call a professional and tell them: ‘My Siemens dishwasher is showing error code E14; I’ve already cleaned the inlet filter and flow meter.’ This will save diagnostic time and cost.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for an E14 fault — typically a flow meter replacement or wiring repair — will cost £80–£150 in the UK including parts and labour. If your Siemens dishwasher is under 7 years old and has been reliable, repair is almost always the better value. For machines over 8–10 years old, especially in hard-water areas where internal corrosion is common, a new mid-range dishwasher (£350–£600) may be more cost-effective long-term.