Bosch dishwashers are quiet, well built and common in Los Angeles kitchens, from remodeled Craftsman bungalows to new condo towers downtown. They also fail in fairly predictable ways. Most of the problems owners run into come down to three error codes and one complaint that often isn't a fault at all. This guide walks through each, what you can safely check yourself, and when to stop and book a technician.
Before touching anything below the door, turn the dishwasher off at the control panel and switch off its breaker. Many Bosch units are hardwired under the sink, so unplugging isn't always an option.
E24 and E25: The water isn't leaving
Both codes point at draining. E24 generally means the machine couldn't pump out in the time it expected, often because something downstream is restricted. E25 usually points closer to the pump itself, typically debris in the pump or under the pump cover. On many models the fix sits within reach.
Safe checks for a drain code
- Remove the lower rack and twist out the filter cylinder in the floor of the tub. Rinse the fine mesh screen and the coarse filter under the tap and scrub gently with a soft brush.
- Look under the filter for the small pump cover (often a clip-in plastic cap). On models that allow it, pop it off with a spoon handle and check for glass shards, fruit pits, labels or seeds jamming the impeller. Wear gloves.
- Work outward along the drain path: the hose under the sink (often crushed when the machine was slid back into its opening), the garbage disposer, and the countertop air gap if you have one. Our guide to a dishwasher that won't drain covers each of those checks step by step.
If E24 or E25 comes back after the filter, pump cover and drain path are clear, the drain pump, a check valve or a wiring issue is more likely. That's the point to book a visit.
E15: The leak protection did its job
E15 means water has collected in the base pan under the tub. A float switch has risen and the machine has stopped itself, and it will usually keep its drain pump running to protect your floor. It's a symptom. Something leaked.
With the power off, the water in the base pan will usually evaporate within a day or two and the code will clear. That gets the machine running, but it doesn't tell you where the water came from. Common sources include:
- •A door gasket that's worn, torn or dirty at the bottom corners
- •Oversudsing from hand-dishwashing soap used by mistake
- •A loose or cracked hose connection inside the cabinet
- •A spray arm or sump seal that has started to weep
- •The water inlet or its connection behind the kick plate
If the code returns after drying, the leak is real and ongoing. A proper diagnosis means pulling the machine out, running it with the base exposed and watching for the drip. We don't recommend running a Bosch with E15 repeatedly. The code exists because the cabinet floor under a built-in dishwasher is easy to damage and hard to see.
"My plastics are wet": Usually normal
Many Bosch models dry by condensation instead of a heating element blowing hot air. The final rinse heats the load, and moisture then condenses on the cooler stainless tub walls. Glass and ceramic hold heat and dry well. Plastic holds very little heat, so containers often come out beaded with water.
Newer models with CrystalDry or similar systems improve this, but plastic will still dry worse than glass on almost any machine. Before assuming a fault:
- •Keep the rinse aid dispenser filled. It makes a real difference.
- •Run the kitchen tap until it's hot before starting a cycle.
- •Load plastics on the upper rack and tilt cupped items so water runs off.
- •Unload the bottom rack first so drips from the top don't land on dry dishes.
If a machine that used to dry well suddenly leaves everything wet, including glasses, that's worth checking. A heating problem can also show up as dishes that aren't getting clean.
Hard water and your Bosch
Much of the Los Angeles area gets moderately hard to hard water, though it varies by neighborhood and by supplier. What's specific to Bosch is the softener that some models carry. (For cloudy glasses and film in general, on any brand, see our guide to hard water and cloudy dishes.)
Some Bosch models have a built-in water softener with a salt reservoir in the tub floor. If yours has one, use dishwasher salt (not table salt) and set the water hardness level in the settings menu. The manual shows how. If the salt light is on and you've never filled it, that alone can explain spotting.
For models without a softener, a good detergent, rinse aid and a periodic dishwasher cleaner cycle go a long way. Take the spray arms out a couple of times a year and clear the holes with a toothpick.
When to book a technician
Book a visit when:
- •A drain code returns after cleaning the filter, pump area and hose
- •E15 comes back after the base has dried
- •You see water at the toe kick, swollen cabinet edges or warped flooring
- •The machine doesn't heat, doesn't fill, or the control panel is dead with the breaker on
- •You hear grinding from the pump that doesn't clear after removing debris
How we diagnose a Bosch
We start with what the machine tells us. We read any stored fault information the model makes available, confirm the code and ask about recent changes such as a new disposer, a cabinet install or a move. Then we check the drain path end to end, test the pump and inspect the base pan. For leaks, we run the machine with the kick plate off and a light on the base. Only after we've found the cause do we talk about parts. You can read more about our Bosch dishwasher service or our general dishwasher repair work.
Simple maintenance that prevents most problems
- •Clean the filter every few weeks, more often if you don't pre-rinse.
- •Scrape plates of bones, pits and labels.
- •Keep rinse aid and, where fitted, softener salt topped up.
- •Wipe the door gasket and the bottom edge of the door.
- •Leave the door ajar between loads if odors build up.
Frequently asked questions
Can I just reset the E15 code?
You can, but only as a temporary step. Resetting doesn't fix the leak, and repeated leaks can damage the cabinet floor under a built-in unit.
Why does my Bosch show E24 right after a new disposer was installed?
The most common reason is that the knockout plug inside the disposer's dishwasher inlet wasn't removed. Disconnect power to both appliances before checking.
Is it worth repairing an older Bosch?
Often, yes. Parts for most Bosch models are widely available. Age, the specific failed part and the condition of the tub and door all factor into the decision, and we'll lay that out after diagnosis.