Dishwasher
E8
The E8 error code on a Siemens dishwasher indicates the machine has detected an overfilling or water level fault — it’s a moderately serious issue that will stop your dishwasher mid-cycle to prevent flooding, but in many cases it’s fixable at home.
What does this error mean?
The E8 code means your Siemens dishwasher’s control board has detected that the water level inside the machine is too high, or that the pressure sensor monitoring the water level has sent an unexpected reading. The dishwasher halts to prevent water from spilling onto your kitchen floor. This is a protective fault, not a catastrophic failure, but it does need investigating before you run another cycle.
Est. repair cost
£80–£160 professional repair; £15–£45 DIY part (inlet valve or drain hose)
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the dishwasher: switch it off at the wall socket, wait 60 seconds, then turn it back on. A temporary sensor glitch can trigger E8, and a full power reset often clears it.
Check and clean the filter: remove the cylindrical filter and mesh plate at the bottom of the tub. Rinse under a tap, scrub with a soft brush, and refit securely. A clogged filter is one of the most common causes of drainage-related level faults.
Inspect the drain hose: pull the dishwasher slightly forward and check the drain hose (usually runs to the sink waste or a standpipe) for kinks, blockages, or a siphoning issue. The outlet should sit 40–60 cm above the floor — too low and water siphons back in.
Check the inlet valve and water supply: turn off the water supply under the sink, disconnect the inlet hose, and inspect the mesh filter inside the valve connector for limescale or debris. Clean it with a descaler or replace it if damaged.
Inspect the aquastop hose: the aquastop is the grey or white double-walled hose connecting your water supply to the machine. If it feels wet or swollen, it has triggered. This hose must be replaced — do not attempt to bypass or repair it.
Test the pressure sensor: if all the above steps are clear and E8 persists, the water pressure sensor or flow meter inside the dishwasher is likely faulty. Accessing this requires removing the lower panel — if you’re not confident working inside appliances, stop here and call an engineer.
📞 When to call a professional
Call an appliance engineer if the E8 error returns after a reset and a full filter and drain check, or if you suspect the inlet valve or pressure sensor needs replacing inside the machine. Tell the engineer: ‘My Siemens dishwasher is showing error code E8 — I suspect a faulty inlet valve or water level pressure sensor.’ Expect a diagnostic visit to identify the exact component before parts are ordered.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for an E8 fault in the UK typically costs £80–£160 depending on the faulty component — an inlet valve runs £20–£45 for the part, while a pressure sensor or control board replacement can push costs higher. If your Siemens dishwasher is under 7 years old, repair is almost always worthwhile; over 10 years old with a repair quote above £150, replacing with a new machine makes more financial sense. Siemens dishwashers typically retail between £450–£900 in the UK, so weigh repair cost against remaining lifespan carefully.