Dishwasher
E14
The E14 error code on a Bosch dishwasher signals a fault with the water flow sensor, meaning the machine cannot correctly detect whether water is entering the appliance. It will stop mid-cycle, but it’s a fault many homeowners can resolve without calling an engineer.
What does this error mean?
The E14 code means the dishwasher’s flow meter — a small sensor that measures the volume of water flowing into the machine — is either not registering water flow or is sending an incorrect signal to the control board. Bosch dishwashers rely on this sensor to ensure the right amount of water enters before starting a wash. When it fails or is blocked, the machine halts as a precaution to prevent flooding or a dry-running wash cycle.
Est. repair cost
£80–£150 professional repair; £10–£25 DIY flowmeter part
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the machine first: turn the dishwasher off at the power socket, wait 5 minutes, then switch it back on and run a short cycle. A temporary sensor glitch will clear with a reset.
Check the water supply tap (usually under the kitchen sink): ensure it is fully open. A partially closed tap can reduce flow below what the sensor needs to register correctly.
Inspect the inlet hose at the back of the machine for kinks or tight bends. Straighten any kinks and ensure the hose isn’t crushed against the wall or cabinet.
Clean the inlet valve filter: turn off the water supply, disconnect the inlet hose from the back of the dishwasher, and remove the small mesh filter screen from the inlet port. Rinse it under the tap to clear any limescale or debris, then refit and reconnect.
If the above steps don’t resolve the fault, the flowmeter itself is likely faulty. Replacement flowmeters for Bosch dishwashers are widely available online (search your model number + ‘flowmeter’) and can be swapped by a confident DIYer — the part is located on the inlet valve and typically clips or screws into place. Turn off the water and power before attempting this.
If you’ve replaced the flowmeter and the E14 persists, the issue is likely a wiring fault or a failing control board — stop here and call an engineer.
📞 When to call a professional
Call an appliance engineer if the fault remains after cleaning the inlet filter and replacing the flowmeter, as the problem likely lies with the wiring loom or control board — both of which require professional diagnosis. When you call, tell the engineer you have an E14 code, that you’ve already checked the water supply and cleaned the inlet filter, and whether the flowmeter has been replaced. This will save diagnostic time and cost.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for an E14 fault typically costs £80–£150 in the UK, covering parts and labour for a flowmeter or inlet valve replacement. If the fault is traced to the control board, repair costs can rise to £150–£250, at which point replacement becomes worth considering for machines over 7–8 years old. A new mid-range Bosch dishwasher costs from around £400, so repair is usually the better value option for machines under 7 years old in otherwise good condition.