Bosch Dishwasher E15 Error Code: What It Means and How to Fix It

Last updated: October 5, 2026 · Codes covered: E15 · Sources

An E15 code on a Bosch dishwasher means a safety switch has found water in the base of the machine, underneath the tub, and the leak protection system has switched on. Bosch's own advice is to turn off the water and contact Bosch support. If you're comfortable with basic DIY, you can often find the cause yourself: too many suds, a door seal problem, or a leaking hose. But you have to fix the leak, not just clear the code.

What the E15 code means

Bosch's US support page says E15 means "the safety switch has detected water in the base of the dishwasher" and "your leakage protection system has activated." Bosch UK simply says E15 means "there is a water leakage."

Underneath the tub is a shallow tray called the base pan. A foam float sits in the pan. When water collects there, the float rises and trips a safety switch. Repair guides describe the machine then stopping the water supply. Many models also run the drain pump to protect your floor, and the control locks until the pan is dry.

That means E15 won't go away on its own if water is still sitting in the base. Even after you dry it out, it will come back if the leak isn't fixed.

Bosch calls its leak protection system AquaStop on many models. Whether your dishwasher has the AquaStop hose (a supply hose with a plastic valve housing on it) depends on the model. Check your manual.

Likely causes (most common first)

1. Too many suds. Hand dish soap, too much detergent, or spilled or overfilled rinse aid can foam over into the base. Bosch's US manual lists suds as the first cause of leaks.
2. Door seal problems. Bosch says the door seal can pull away from its track. A worn, torn or dirty seal can also let water out.
3. A blocked condensation vent. Bosch's manual lists this as a cause of leaks.
4. A leaking hose or connection. The supply hose, drain hose, or a fitting under the dishwasher may be loose, cracked or worn.
5. Installation problems. These include an unlevel dishwasher or a faulty water or drain connection. Bosch says to have the installation checked by qualified personnel.
6. A leaking inlet valve or AquaStop hose. Repair sources note that a valve that doesn't close fully, or a damaged double-walled supply hose, can send water into the base with no visible leak inside.
7. A cracked tub or a failed internal seal. These are less common, and they're a job for a technician.
8. A stuck float or a faulty switch. If the base is dry and E15 still shows, the float may be jammed or the switch may have failed.

How to fix it, step by step

1. Turn off the water supply. The shutoff valve is usually under the sink. This is Bosch's first instruction for E15.
2. Switch off the power. Unplug the dishwasher or switch off its breaker.
3. Check under and around the dishwasher. Look for water on the floor and under the sink, and look for kinked or damaged hoses. If water is on the floor or you can't see where it's coming from, call Bosch now.
4. Look for suds. Open the door. If you see foam in the tub, suds are the likely cause. Think back: did someone use hand dish soap, or add extra detergent or rinse aid?
5. Clean up spilled rinse aid. Bosch says to wipe up spilled rinse aid with a cloth.
6. Check the door seal. Bosch says to make sure the seal is seated in its track. Wipe away food and grease. If it's torn, it needs replacing.
7. Make sure the condensation vent isn't blocked. Your manual shows where it is.
8. Do a power reset. Leave the power off for about five minutes, as repair guides suggest, then restore it. If water was only a small amount and has evaporated, the code may clear.
9. Dry the base pan if E15 returns. This is a bigger job, and Bosch recommends service instead. Repair guides describe two methods:
   • Keep the power and water off. Have towels ready.
   • Remove the kick plate (and the outer door panel on some models). Soak up the water under the float and let the float dry.
   • Or, with the dishwasher disconnected, tilt it back carefully to drain the base pan. This usually means pulling the dishwasher out of the cabinet.
   • Restore power only after the base and all wiring are completely dry.
10. Run a short test cycle and watch. Run a cycle with no detergent and check under the dishwasher for leaks. If suds were the cause, Bosch's manual suggests adding one tablespoon of vegetable oil to the bottom of the dishwasher and running a cycle.
11. Stop and call a pro if E15 comes back. That means water is still getting into the base, and you need to find the source before using the dishwasher again.

Test the part

Only do this if you've removed the access panels and the base is dry. You'll need a basic multimeter.

1. Unplug the dishwasher and turn off the water. Switch off the breaker if you can't reach the plug.
2. Check the float moves freely. The safety switch and float sit near the center of the base. Repair guides say to twist and lift the switch to release it, then lift out the float. Clear any debris or stray wiring, dry everything, and refit it. The float should drop all the way down.
3. Check the switch for continuity. Pull the wires off the switch. Set your meter to continuity or ohms and touch the probes to the two terminals. Then move the float (or the switch lever) between its down and up positions. The reading should change between continuity and no continuity as it moves. If it stays the same in both positions, the switch is faulty. Which reading counts as normal varies by model, so check the tech sheet for your dishwasher.
4. Inspect the AquaStop supply hose (if fitted). You don't need a meter for this. Look for cracks, wetness, or a heavy, waterlogged outer jacket. Bosch warns that the hose housing contains an electric valve and that the hose itself contains power cables. Never cut it or put the housing in water.
5. Stop and call a pro if the switch tests fine but E15 persists, if you find water coming from the tub, pump or inlet valve, or if you'd need to open sealed parts.

Never test parts with the dishwasher plugged in.

Safety notes

When to call a pro

Call Bosch Customer Support at 1-800-944-2904 or a qualified technician if:

• E15 returns after you've dried the base and checked for suds.
• There's water on the floor and you can't find the source.
• You find a cracked tub, a leaking pump or valve, or a damaged AquaStop hose.
• The base is dry but the code won't clear.
• Your dishwasher is under warranty. Bosch's own advice is to call support, so do that before opening it up. Some Bosch manuals also describe an AQUA-STOP guarantee covering water damage from a defective AquaStop system. Check the terms in your manual.

Have your model number (E-Nr) and production number (FD) ready. They're on a label on the side or top edge of the door.

FAQ

Related

• E15 in the Bosch dishwasher error codes table
• Beko Dishwasher E01 Error Code
• Beko Dishwasher E02 Error Code
• LG Dishwasher AE Error Code
• All dishwasher error code guides