Bosch Dishwasher Error Codes: E15, E24, and E25 Troubleshooting

Bosch Dishwasher Error Codes: E15, E24, and E25 Explained

Bosch dishwashers are built to last, but even the best machines throw error codes when something goes wrong. Three of the most common are E15, E24, and E25 — all related to how water moves in and out of the appliance. This guide from the TrustedFix Appliance Repair team explains what each code means, the safe DIY fixes to try first, and when it's time to call a Bosch dishwasher repair technician.

Before You Start: Safety First

• Unplug the dishwasher or turn off its breaker before reaching inside.
• Shut off the water supply valve under the sink before disconnecting hoses.
• Have towels and a shallow tray ready — small amounts of water are normal.

Bosch Error Code E15 — Water in the Base

An E15 code means Bosch's Aqua-Stop leak protection has detected water in the drip tray at the bottom of the dishwasher. A float switch trips, the drain pump runs continuously, and the cycle won't start until the base is dry.

Common Causes of E15

• A minor leak from the door seal, spray arm, or a loose hose clamp.
• Overfilled detergent or the wrong detergent (regular dish soap) creating excess foam that overflows into the base.
• A cracked salt reservoir or rinse-aid dispenser.
• A slow leak from the sump or heater assembly (more serious).

How to Fix E15 Yourself

1. Drain the base. Pull the dishwasher forward, tilt it back about 45 degrees for 30 seconds to drain water from the drip tray, then set it upright. The E15 code should clear once the float switch resets.
2. Run a short rinse cycle and watch for new water pooling under the unit.
3. Inspect the door gasket for food debris, tears, or hardened residue. Wipe with warm soapy water.
4. Confirm you're using dishwasher detergent only — never hand-dish soap.
5. Check under the sink for drips at the inlet and drain hose connections.

If E15 comes back within a cycle or two, there is an active leak inside the machine. That usually means a cracked sump, failed heater gasket, or damaged reservoir — repairs that need a technician.

Bosch Error Code E24 — Drainage Problem

An E24 code means the dishwasher can't drain properly. Water is sitting in the tub at the end of the cycle, and the control board has flagged the drain path as blocked or restricted.

Common Causes of E24

• Clogged filter at the bottom of the tub.
• Kinked, blocked, or improperly installed drain hose.
• Blocked air gap or garbage disposal inlet (the disposal knockout plug was never removed during install).
• Debris trapped in the drain pump impeller.

How to Fix E24 Yourself

1. Clean the filter. Remove the bottom rack, twist out the cylindrical filter assembly, rinse it under warm water, and scrub gently with a soft brush. Reinstall snugly.
2. Check the drain hose. Pull the dishwasher out just enough to see the hose. Straighten any kinks and make sure the hose loops up under the counter (the "high loop") to prevent siphoning.
3. Clean the air gap on your sink (if you have one). Lift the cover, unscrew the cap, and clear any food debris inside.
4. If the dishwasher drains into a garbage disposal, confirm the disposal's knockout plug was removed during installation — this is a common cause of E24 on brand-new installs.
5. Run a short cycle and cancel it mid-way to force a drain and see if water clears.

If the filter and hose are clear but water still won't drain, the drain pump itself is likely blocked by glass or a fruit pit, or has failed. That's a job for a professional.

Bosch Error Code E25 — Drain Pump Blockage

An E25 code is closely related to E24 but more specific: the drain pump is physically blocked or the pump cover is missing or misaligned. Water may drain very slowly or not at all.

Common Causes of E25

• Broken glass, olive pits, twist-ties, or labels stuck in the pump impeller.
• The pump cover (a small white plastic cap in the sump) was left off after cleaning the filter.
• A failed drain pump motor.

How to Fix E25 Yourself

1. Unplug the dishwasher before reaching into the sump.
2. Remove the filter assembly to expose the sump area at the bottom of the tub.
3. Locate the pump cover — a small round white or grey cap next to the drain opening. Lift it out.
4. Shine a flashlight into the pump housing and carefully remove any debris with needle-nose pliers. Never spin the impeller with your fingers if you feel sharp glass.
5. Reseat the pump cover firmly — E25 often stays on simply because the cover isn't clicked back in place.
6. Reinstall the filter, restore power, and run a rinse cycle.

If the pump is clear and properly covered but E25 persists, the drain pump motor has likely failed and needs replacement.

Quick Reference: E15 vs E24 vs E25

• E15 — water detected in the base pan (leak or overflow). Tilt to drain, look for the source.
• E24 — dishwasher won't drain. Clean the filter, hose, and air gap.
• E25 — drain pump blocked or pump cover missing. Clear the pump housing and reseat the cover.

When to Call a Bosch Dishwasher Repair Technician

Call a professional if:

• The same error code returns within one or two cycles after a DIY fix.
• You can see water leaking from under or behind the dishwasher.
• The drain pump hums but doesn't move water, or is completely silent.
• You find broken glass or metal in the pump housing.

The TrustedFix dishwasher repair team services Bosch and every other major brand across Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland — usually same-day. Contact us and we'll get your dishwasher running again.