Bosch Dishwashers error code
Water detected in the dishwasher base
The safety switch detected water in the base and activated the leakage-protection system.
Direct answer
E15 at a glance
- Meaning
- Water detected in the dishwasher base
- Urgency
- Stop using
- First safe check
- Stop the dishwasher.
- Model note
- E15 is tied to water detected in the base and the leakage-protection system, but access, float design, and service procedure vary by Bosch series and exact model.
Confirm the symptom
What usually appears with E15
- The drain pump may run continuously
- The cycle stops and controls may not respond normally
- Water may be visible beneath or around the dishwasher
- E15 can remain even after the tub itself looks empty
Likely causes
Why E15 appears
- 01Water has collected in the base
- 02Leakage-protection system has activated
- 03Internal leak requires inspection
Observation-led diagnosis
Start with what you can actually see
An error code identifies a system, not a replacement part. Match the observable condition before deciding what to check next.
| What you observe | What it suggests | Safest next move |
|---|---|---|
| E15 appears and the drain pump keeps running | The leak-protection system is active; continuous pumping is not proof that the pump failed | Stop and serviceTurn off the water inflow and disconnect power if it is safe to do so. |
| Water or foam is visible outside the tub or under the unit | Water may have reached the dishwasher base | Stop and serviceContain the spill, keep the supply off, and arrange inspection before another cycle. |
| E15 appeared while the dishwasher was idle | A supply-side or internal leak may be allowing water into the base | Stop and serviceLeave the supply valve off and request service. |
| The display clears after drying or a reset | The safety switch may have reset, but the leak source is not proven repaired | Stop and serviceDo not treat a cleared display as a fix; inspect the source before reuse. |
Safe diagnostic path
What to check, in order
- 01
Stop the dishwasher.
- 02
Turn off the water inflow.
- 03
Disconnect power if it is safe to do so.
- 04
Contact Bosch Customer Support for assistance.
Know when to stop
Don’t push past this point
Keep the water supply off. Do not tilt the dishwasher or continue running cycles to clear the code.
- Do not tilt the dishwasher to make the code disappear.
- Do not remove panels or reach into a wet base.
- Do not run another cycle simply because the display clears.
Primary source
How this page was checked
The code meaning and manufacturer-specific guidance were checked against the linked support material on August 28, 2026. Confirm details against the manual for your exact model before removing panels or parts.
Read Bosch US: E15 troubleshooting ↗Common follow-up questions
About Bosch code E15
What does E15 mean on a Bosch dishwashers?
E15 means “Water detected in the dishwasher base.” The safety switch detected water in the base and activated the leakage-protection system.
Can I clear E15 by resetting the appliance?
Bosch directs owners to turn off the water inflow and contact support for E15. Repeated resets, tilting, or drying the base can hide the symptom without repairing the leak.
Does E15 mean the same thing on every Bosch model?
E15 is tied to water detected in the base and the leakage-protection system, but access, float design, and service procedure vary by Bosch series and exact model.
When should I stop troubleshooting E15?
Keep the water supply off. Do not tilt the dishwasher or continue running cycles to clear the code.