Dishwasher
E23
The E23 error code on a Siemens dishwasher indicates a drain pump failure — the machine cannot pump water out of the tub. It’s a moderately serious fault that will stop your dishwasher completing any cycle, but it’s often fixable at home.
What does this error mean?
E23 tells you the dishwasher’s control board has detected that the drain pump is not working correctly — either it’s blocked, has failed electrically, or isn’t receiving the signal it needs to run. The machine protects itself by halting the cycle and displaying the code. Water will typically be sitting in the bottom of the tub when this code appears.
Est. repair cost
£80–£160 professional repair (pump replacement); £20–£50 DIY drain pump part if you’re confident replacing it yourself
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Step 1 – Reset the machine: Switch the dishwasher off at the plug, wait 60 seconds, and power it back on. Run a short cycle to see if the error clears. A temporary glitch can trigger E23.
Step 2 – Check the sink drain: Run your kitchen tap and confirm the sink itself drains freely. A blocked sink or standpipe will back up into the dishwasher and trigger E23. Clear any blockage here first.
Step 3 – Clean the drain filter: Open the dishwasher door, remove the lower basket, and unscrew the cylindrical filter in the base of the tub (turn anticlockwise). Rinse it under the tap, remove any debris, and check the sump area beneath it for trapped objects.
Step 4 – Inspect and clear the drain pump: With the filter removed, you can see the pump impeller through the sump opening. Shine a torch in and use long-nose pliers or tweezers to remove any visible debris — glass chips, food, labels. Gently spin the impeller with a finger to check it rotates freely. Caution: sharp objects may be present — wear rubber gloves.
Step 5 – Check the drain hose: Pull the dishwasher out slightly and inspect the corrugated drain hose running to the sink waste. Ensure it’s not kinked, crushed behind a cabinet, or blocked. Disconnect it at the sink end (have a towel ready) and blow through it to confirm it’s clear.
Step 6 – If the error persists after all of the above, the drain pump motor has likely failed and needs replacing or an engineer is needed to test the wiring — do not attempt to open the base electrical components yourself.
📞 When to call a professional
Call an appliance engineer if the error returns after cleaning the filter, clearing debris from the impeller, and confirming the drain hose and sink waste are clear. Tell the engineer you have an E23 fault, that you’ve already cleaned the filter and checked the hose, and that you suspect a failed drain pump motor or wiring fault — this will save diagnostic time. Replacing a drain pump involves accessing the base of the machine and disconnecting electrical terminals, which should be done by a qualified engineer.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional drain pump replacement on a Siemens dishwasher typically costs £80–£160 all-in for parts and labour in the UK. If your machine is under 5 years old, repair is almost always worth it — Siemens dishwashers are mid-to-premium build quality and will outlast a cheap replacement. If the machine is over 8–10 years old and the repair quote exceeds £120, weigh it against a new machine — entry-level integrated dishwashers start around £350.