What this error means
Anti-flood protection activated — the dishwasher has detected water in the base tray and has locked out to prevent flooding.
The E15 error on a Bosch dishwasher means the AquaStop anti-flood system has been triggered. A float switch located in the shallow base tray beneath the machine has detected water and has activated E15 to halt all operation immediately. This is a safety-critical fault. Bosch dishwashers are fitted with the AquaStop system as standard, which automatically closes the inlet valve and locks the machine out the moment the float switch is raised. The most common causes are excessive foam from too much or the wrong type of detergent, a leaking or perished door seal, a loose or cracked internal hose connection, a leaking pump seal, or a cracked outer tub.
Also known as: Same as Siemens and Neff E15
What you'll need first
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Step-by-step
Symptoms to look for
- E15 displayed during or immediately after the start of a programme
- Dishwasher locks out completely and will not begin or resume any programme
- Water visible on the kitchen floor beneath or in front of the dishwasher
- Smell of damp, mildew, or detergent from beneath or around the machine
Diagnostic steps
Disconnect the dishwasher from the mains power socket immediately. Water in the machine base is in close proximity to the motor, pump, wiring harness, and control board electronics. Investigating or attempting to operate the machine while powered is a serious electrocution risk.
With the machine fully unplugged and the water supply tap turned off at the wall, open the under-sink cabinet and pull the dishwasher forward enough to access its sides. With a second person assisting, tilt it carefully backwards at approximately 45 degrees and hold this position for 30 to 60 seconds. Water in the base tray will run toward the rear ventilation openings and out onto the floor. Place towels behind the machine beforehand.
After draining by tilting, stand the machine upright and remove the lower front kickplate panel to allow air to circulate into the base tray area. If possible, direct a hair dryer on a cool, low setting into the base for several minutes to speed drying. The AquaStop float switch must be completely dry before E15 will clear and normal operation resumes.
Excessive foam produced by using too much detergent, using non-dishwasher detergent, or using the wrong tablet format overflows during the wash cycle and drips into the base tray through internal gaps. This is the single most common cause of E15 in otherwise fully functional Bosch dishwashers. Confirm you are using a Bosch-compatible dishwasher detergent and the correct dose for your local water hardness setting.
Once the base is confirmed dry and E15 has cleared, restore power and water and run a Quick Wash programme. Remain present throughout the full cycle. Watch carefully around the door seal perimeter during the wash phase, beneath the machine at kickplate level during the drain phase, and around the soap dispenser door during filling.
With the machine unplugged and tilted or on its back, remove the base cover panel to view the float switch assembly directly. The float arm should be in the lowered resting position with the tray completely dry. Confirm the float arm moves freely up and down with no debris or wiring holding it in the raised (triggered) position.
When to call an engineer
- Door seal is visibly split, perished, torn, or has holes — must be replaced before the machine is used again
- Pump seal confirmed leaking — water marks or residue visible around the pump body under the machine
- Outer tub or base tray has a visible crack or fracture — requires specialist assessment and repair
- E15 persists with the base tray completely dry after a full reset — AquaStop float switch has failed in the triggered position and must be replaced
Frequently asked questions
Is E15 dangerous?
Can using too much detergent cause E15 on a Bosch dishwasher?
How do I reset E15 after the base has dried?
Why does E15 keep coming back on my Bosch dishwasher?
This video shows the steps involved to diagnose and fix the E15 Error
- E15 Causes
- Seal Cleaning
- Base removal and Aquastop cleaning
🎯 What is likely causing this fault?
⚠️ Estimates based on common faults — not a guaranteed diagnosis. Always verify before ordering parts.
Parts you may need
Enter your model number to filter results to your exact machine
Usually found on a label inside the door frame or on the back panel of the machine.
| Part | Approx. UK Cost | Find it |
|---|---|---|
| Door Seal | £18 - £30 | 🛒 Amazon UK → |
| Sump Seal Kit | £10 - £30 | 🛒 Amazon UK → |
| Door Seal | £15 - £20 | 🏷️ eBay UK → |
| Sump Seal Kit | £10 - £30 | 🏷️ eBay UK → |
ℹ️ Prices are approximate. Always check the part number matches your model before ordering. Not sure of your model number? Find out how to locate it here.