How to Fix Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E15

The E15 error code on a Bosch dishwasher activates a safety feature designed to prevent water leakage and potential damage to your home. When this error occurs, your dishwasher won’t start a cycle until the issue is resolved.

While this might seem frustrating, the good news is that the problem is pretty simple to fix in many cases, and you might not need to call an appliance repair expert.

Common Causes of the E15 Error Code

Several issues can trigger the E15 error on your Bosch dishwasher:

• The dishwasher is not level, causing water to collect in the base tray
• Excessive or incorrect detergent usage causing overflow
• Foam or soap residue in the base tray
• A kinked or clogged drain hose
• A faulty or stuck float switch in the base tray
• A damaged water inlet valve
• Excessive spray arm movement leading to water leakage
• A crack in the dishwasher tub
• Damaged door seals allowing water to leak out

How to Fix Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E15

Let’s walk through the troubleshooting steps to resolve the E15 error code on your Bosch dishwasher.

Step 1: Reset the dishwasher

Sometimes, simply resetting your dishwasher can clear the error code:

1. Power off the dishwasher by pressing the On/Off button
2. Unplug the dishwasher or turn off the circuit breaker
3. Wait for at least 5 minutes
4. Restore power and turn the dishwasher back on

If the E15 error persists, move on to the next step.

Step 2: Check if the dishwasher is level

An unlevel dishwasher can cause water to accumulate in the base tray, triggering the E15 error:

1. Use a spirit level to check if your dishwasher is properly leveled from side to side and front to back
2. Adjust the leveling feet at the bottom of the dishwasher if necessary
3. Ensure the dishwasher is slightly higher at the back for proper drainage

Step 3: Remove water from the base tray

The most direct solution is to remove any water from the base tray:

1. Turn off and unplug the dishwasher
2. Remove the lower dish rack for better access
3. Use towels, a sponge, or a wet/dry vacuum to carefully remove any water from the base tray
4. Look for the float switch (a small plastic component in the base) and check if it moves freely up and down
5. Clean the base tray thoroughly to remove any soap residue or debris

For many users, this step alone resolves the E15 error code. The float switch is typically located in the front right corner of the base tray, and it should move freely when you push it gently with your finger.

Step 4: Check and clean the drain hose

A kinked or clogged drain hose can prevent proper water drainage, leading to water backing up into the base tray:

1. Pull the dishwasher out from the wall to access the drain hose at the back
2. Check for any kinks, bends, or pinches in the drain hose
3. Ensure the drain hose is properly connected to both the dishwasher and the drain pipe/garbage disposal
4. Disconnect the drain hose and check for any blockages
5. Clean the hose by flushing it with water from a faucet or using a long, flexible brush

When reinstalling the drain hose, make sure it has a high loop (where part of the hose rises higher than the rest) to prevent backflow.

Step 5: Clean the filters and check spray arms

Clogged filters or damaged spray arms can contribute to overflow issues:

1. Remove and clean the dishwasher’s filter system (usually located at the bottom of the tub)
2. Check that the spray arms rotate freely and aren’t cracked or damaged
3. Clean the spray arm nozzles to ensure they’re not clogged with debris

Step 6: Inspect door seals and gaskets

Damaged door seals can allow water to leak out during operation:

1. Carefully inspect the door gasket for tears, cracks, or deformation
2. Clean the gasket with warm, soapy water to remove any food particles or soap buildup
3. If the gasket is damaged, it may need to be replaced

Step 7: Check for proper detergent usage

Using too much detergent or the wrong type can cause excessive foaming:

1. Ensure you’re using detergent specifically designed for dishwashers
2. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for detergent amount
3. Consider water hardness in your area, as harder water requires more detergent

If you’ve been using too much detergent, reduce the amount in future cycles.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve followed all the troubleshooting steps and the E15 error code still won’t clear, it might be time to bring in a professional technician. Specific issues, like a cracked dishwasher tub, a faulty float switch needing replacement, damaged internal water lines, a failing water inlet valve, or problems with the electronic control board, often require specialized tools and expertise to repair safely and effectively.

Preventing Future E15 Errors

Once resolved, you can take steps to avoid the E15 error from recurring. Regularly clean the filters and spray arms, use the right amount and type of detergent, and load dishes carefully to prevent blocking the spray arms. Additionally, check periodically that the dishwasher stays level, inspect door seals for wear and replace them as needed, and run a monthly cleaning cycle to stop buildup before it starts.

Summary

The Bosch dishwasher E15 error code signals water in the base tray, triggering the flood protection system. In most cases, you can fix it yourself by leveling the dishwasher, clearing water from the base tray, addressing drain hose issues, and cleaning the filters and spray arms.

With regular maintenance and proper use, you can keep this error at bay. However, if you can’t seem to resolve the problem, it’s worth hiring a professional appliance repair technician to tackle deeper issues like cracked components or faulty electronics.