Dishwasher
E24
The E24 error code on a Bosch dishwasher means the machine has detected a drainage fault — water is not draining away as it should. It’s one of the most common Bosch dishwasher errors and, in most cases, a straightforward DIY fix.
What does this error mean?
E24 is Bosch’s way of telling you that water is failing to drain from the dishwasher within the expected time. The machine’s control board monitors drainage cycles and triggers E24 when it detects a blockage, restriction, or pump failure preventing proper water evacuation. This is distinct from E25, which points more specifically to a blocked pump impeller — E24 is broader and typically starts with the filter and drain hose.
Est. repair cost
DIY fix (filter/hose): £0. Drain pump DIY part: £20–£50. Professional repair (pump replacement, parts + labour): £80–£150.
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the machine first: cancel the programme, switch the dishwasher off at the wall for 60 seconds, then restart a short cycle. If E24 clears, it was a temporary glitch.
Clean the filter: remove the lower basket, unscrew and lift out the cylindrical filter and flat mesh filter at the bottom of the tub, rinse both thoroughly under a tap. Reinstall firmly — a loose filter can itself restrict drainage.
Check and clear the drain pump: with the machine empty and off, remove the filter assembly and look into the sump cavity below. Use a torch to spot any debris (glass, labels, food) blocking the impeller. Use long-nose pliers or tweezers to remove it — never reach in bare-handed if glass is suspected.
Inspect the drain hose: pull the dishwasher slightly forward and check the corrugated drain hose running to the sink or standpipe. Straighten any kinks. Ensure the hose rises to at least 40cm before dropping to the outlet — a low-hanging hose causes back-siphoning.
Check the sink drain: pour water directly down your sink drain and confirm it empties quickly. If the sink is slow, the blockage may be downstream — clear the sink trap first, as this will also affect your dishwasher.
Run a drain cycle test: if none of the above resolves it, run the dishwasher’s diagnostic or shortest programme and listen. A humming drain pump with no water movement suggests a seized pump impeller or pump failure — stop here and call a professional.
📞 When to call a professional
If you’ve cleaned the filter, cleared the drain hose, and confirmed the sink drains freely but E24 persists, the drain pump has likely failed and needs replacing — this involves accessing the underside of the machine and disconnecting wiring, which should be done by a qualified appliance engineer. Call an engineer and tell them: ‘My Bosch dishwasher is showing error code E24, I’ve cleaned the filter and checked the drain hose, and I suspect a drain pump fault.’ This saves diagnostic time and money.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A drain pump replacement by an engineer typically costs £80–£150 all-in for parts and labour on a Bosch dishwasher. If your machine is under 7 years old and was mid-range or above (e.g. Bosch Series 4 or higher), repair is almost always worth it. If the machine is over 10 years old or was a budget model, a new Bosch dishwasher starts at around £350–£400, and replacement may make more financial sense.