Dishwasher
E17
The E17 error code on a Bosch dishwasher indicates that the water pressure entering the machine is too high — it’s a moderately serious fault that will stop your dishwasher from running until it’s resolved.
What does this error mean?
Bosch dishwashers monitor incoming water pressure through a pressure sensor and flow meter. When the E17 code appears, the machine has detected that mains water pressure is exceeding safe operating limits — typically above 1 MPa (10 bar). Left unaddressed, excessive pressure can damage internal valves, hoses, and seals, so the machine locks out as a protective measure.
Est. repair cost
£80–£150 professional repair; £20–£40 DIY part only (inlet valve or pressure sensor)
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the machine first: turn the dishwasher off at the wall, wait 5 minutes, then turn it back on and run a short cycle. A one-off pressure spike can trigger E17 without an underlying fault.
Check your mains water pressure: attach a pressure gauge to an outdoor tap or under-sink connection (available from DIY stores for around £10). Bosch dishwashers require between 0.06 and 1.0 MPa (0.6–10 bar). If your pressure exceeds 10 bar, contact a plumber to fit or adjust a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) — this is not a dishwasher fault.
Inspect the inlet hose: pull the dishwasher out carefully and check the cold water inlet hose (usually at the bottom rear) for kinks, sharp bends, or crushing. Straighten any kinks and ensure the hose has a smooth run. Also check the mesh filter at the hose connection point — rinse it clean under a tap if blocked.
Check the inlet valve connection: with the dishwasher unplugged, locate the solenoid inlet valve where the hose connects inside the machine. Ensure the wiring connector is firmly seated. Do not attempt to open or bypass the valve itself — if the valve is faulty, it needs replacing by a qualified appliance engineer.
If the hose and pressure are both fine and the error persists, the pressure sensor or flow meter is likely defective. This is an internal component — do not attempt to access or replace it yourself unless you are a qualified appliance engineer, as it involves working near the wiring loom and water circuits simultaneously.
📞 When to call a professional
Call a qualified appliance engineer if the error returns after a reset, if your mains pressure is within normal range, or if the inlet valve or pressure sensor needs replacing. When you call, tell them your dishwasher model number (found inside the door frame), that you have an E17 fault code, and that you’ve already ruled out a kinked hose and performed a reset — this will save diagnostic time and cost.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for E17 — typically replacing the inlet valve (£20–£40 part) or pressure sensor (£15–£30 part) — will cost £80–£150 in total including labour at UK rates. If your Bosch dishwasher is under 8 years old and has been otherwise reliable, repair is almost always the better value. If it’s over 10 years old and showing other issues, a new entry-level Bosch dishwasher starts at around £350–£450, and the investment may make more sense.