Dishwasher
E15
The E15 error code on an Electrolux dishwasher means water has been detected in the base of the machine, triggering its flood protection system. It should be treated as urgent — ignoring it risks water damage to your kitchen floor and cabinetry.
What does this error mean?
Electrolux dishwashers are fitted with an Aqua Control or anti-flood device: a polystyrene float and micro-switch sitting in the drip tray at the bottom of the appliance. When water leaks internally and collects in that tray, the float rises and trips the switch, cutting the wash cycle and displaying E15. The machine is doing exactly what it’s designed to do — protecting your home from a flood.
Est. repair cost
£80–£160 professional repair; £15–£40 DIY (door seal or hose clamp only)
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Switch off the dishwasher at the mains and pull it away from the unit — do not run it again until you’ve found the source of the leak.
Tilt the machine carefully backwards at roughly 45 degrees (get a helper) for 30–60 seconds to drain residual water from the base tray. Stand it upright, leave it for 10 minutes, then power it back on to see if E15 clears. This is a temporary reset, not a cure.
Inspect the door seal all the way around for cracks, tears, or sections that have come away from the groove. A replacement Electrolux door seal costs £15–£30 online and clips in without tools.
Check the drain hose at the back for kinks, blockages, or a loose jubilee clip where it connects to the pump. Straighten or re-clamp as needed.
Remove the bottom spray arm and check that the base of the tub has no standing water; if there is, the drain pump or filter may be blocked. Clean the filter assembly and check the pump impeller for debris.
If the error returns immediately after resetting, the inlet valve or internal hose is likely the source — at this point, stop DIY work and call an engineer, as accessing these components requires removing the side panels.
📞 When to call a professional
Call a qualified appliance engineer if the E15 error returns within one or two cycles of the tilt-reset, or if you can see active dripping but can’t identify the source. Tell them: ‘My Electrolux dishwasher is showing E15, the anti-flood float has tripped, and the tilt-drain reset only cleared it temporarily.’ This gives them enough information to bring the right parts.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional repair for E15 — typically a new inlet valve, internal hose, or door seal fitted by an engineer — costs £80–£160 including labour. If your dishwasher is under 7 years old, repair is almost always worthwhile. Over 8–10 years old, especially if it has had other faults, put that money towards a replacement instead — a decent mid-range dishwasher can be had for £350–£500 from UK retailers.