Dishwasher
E8
The E8 error code on an AEG dishwasher indicates a water level or turbidity sensor fault — specifically that the appliance has detected an abnormal water level or a problem with water remaining in the tub. It’s a moderately serious fault that will stop your cycle from completing, but in many cases it’s fixable at home.
What does this error mean?
AEG’s E8 code signals that the dishwasher’s water level sensor (also called the turbidity or pressure sensor) has detected either too much water in the appliance, or a level reading it cannot reconcile with normal operation. In plain terms, the machine thinks water isn’t draining away properly, or the sensor measuring it has failed. Left unresolved, this can lead to water pooling in the base of the machine and eventually triggering the flood protection float switch.
Est. repair cost
£80–£150 professional repair; £20–£50 DIY if replacing drain pump or sensor yourself
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the machine first: switch it off at the wall, wait 60 seconds, then power back on and start a short cycle. A one-off sensor glitch can clear this way.
Clean the drain filter: remove the lower spray arm and unscrew the cylindrical filter at the base of the tub. Rinse it under the tap and scrub away any grease or debris with a brush.
Check the sump area: with the filter removed, use a torch to inspect the sump cavity for glass, labels, or solid debris. Remove anything you find with your fingers or tweezers.
Inspect the drain hose: pull the dishwasher forward slightly (unplug it first) and check the hose running to the sink or waste connection. Straighten any kinks and confirm the connection is secure.
Check the standpipe or sink waste: run the kitchen sink and confirm it drains freely. A partially blocked sink waste will cause the dishwasher to drain slowly and trigger water level faults.
Run a hot maintenance wash: add dishwasher cleaner (such as Finish Machine Cleaner) and run the hottest cycle. This can dissolve grease build-up around the sensor and sump that causes false E8 readings.
📞 When to call a professional
If the E8 error persists after cleaning the filter, clearing the sump, and confirming the drain hose is clear, the fault is most likely a failed drain pump or a defective turbidity/water level sensor — both of which require the machine to be partially disassembled. Call an appliance engineer and tell them your AEG dishwasher model number (found on the door edge sticker) is showing a persistent E8 error after a filter and drain check, as this will help them bring the right parts.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for an E8 fault — typically a drain pump or sensor replacement — will cost £80–£150 including parts and labour in the UK. If your AEG dishwasher is under 5 years old, repair is almost always worth it; AEG machines are mid-to-premium quality and built to last 10+ years. For machines over 8 years old where the repair cost exceeds £120, replacing with a new model becomes the more economical choice.