Bosch Dishwasher E15 Error Code
On Bosch dishwashers, E15 means the safety switch has detected water in the base of the dishwasher and the leak protection system has activated. Something is leaking inside the machine. Bosch's instruction is to turn off the water supply and get service.
| Brand / appliance | Bosch dishwashers |
|---|---|
| Code | E15 |
| Meaning | Water detected in the base; leak protection activated |
| Try yourself first? | Only the safety steps below; finding the leak needs a technician |
What E15 means on a Bosch dishwasher
Bosch dishwashers have a leak protection system with a safety switch in the base under the tub. When water collects there, the switch trips, the dishwasher shows E15 and it won't run normally. The water came from somewhere inside the machine, so the code is a sign of a leak, not a fault in the display.
Do this right away
- Turn off the water. Close the dishwasher's water supply valve, usually under the kitchen sink. This is Bosch's first instruction.
- Turn off the power. Switch off the dishwasher at its breaker, or unplug it if the plug is easy to reach under the sink.
- Wipe up visible water on the floor and under the sink, and check the cabinet floor for dampness.
- Think about the last cycle. If someone used hand dish soap instead of dishwasher detergent, heavy suds can overflow. Tell the technician.
What not to do: don't remove the kick plate or tilt the dishwasher to drain the base, and don't keep restarting it. The base holds the leak sensor and wiring, and the dishwasher is connected to water, drain and power. Finding and fixing the leak is a job that needs a technician.
Common causes
Bosch's own support page doesn't list specific causes for E15, only that water has reached the base. In general, water in the base of any dishwasher can come from a loose connection, a worn seal, or suds overflowing, so a technician will look for the source before clearing the code. We won't guess at a part until the dishwasher has been checked.
When to call a technician
Right away. E15 means water is getting where it shouldn't, and under-counter leaks can damage cabinets and flooring over time. Leave the water valve closed until the dishwasher has been checked.
Questions about Bosch E15
Can I keep using my Bosch dishwasher with E15?
No. E15 means water has reached the base of the machine. Bosch says to turn off the water supply and get service. Leave the valve closed until it has been checked.
Will E15 go away by itself?
The code may clear once the base dries out, but the leak that caused it will still be there. Bosch's instruction is to turn off the water and get service rather than wait.
Can the wrong detergent cause E15?
Hand dish soap makes heavy suds in a dishwasher, and suds can escape where water normally wouldn't. Always use detergent made for dishwashers. If you did use dish soap, tell the technician.