Bosch Dishwasher: E15 error, water leakage

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing an E15 error on your Bosch dishwasher? This indicates water accumulation in the base pan, triggering the leak protection system. It's essential to address this issue promptly, as it can lead to further complications if not resolved. Common causes include damaged door seals, loose hoses, or a faulty water inlet valve.

Urgency: High

Important Tips for Bosch Models

  • Official Bosch documentation confirms E15 indicates water detected in base pan and recommends turning off water inflow and contacting service if unresolved.

Possible Causes

Water accumulated in base pan triggering the safety float switch

How to Identify: Dishwasher stops with E15 displayed; tilting machine or accessing base reveals water pooling; safety switch triggered by float. (博世家电

Part: Leak sensor/safety float switch and base pan

Worn or damaged door seals/gasket leading to leakage

How to Identify: Water observed around door edges after cycle; visible seal cracks/tears. (Smart Appliance Services

Part: Door seal/gasket

Loose or damaged internal hoses causing leaks

How to Identify: Water leaking from hose connections under dishwasher or inside base; hoses appear cracked or loose. (Smart Appliance Services

Part: Supply/drain hoses and connections

Faulty water inlet valve overfilling and leaking

How to Identify: Dishwasher overfills water or leaks near valve area; error recurs after clearing base water. (Smart Appliance Services

Part: Water inlet valve

Control board or leak sensor malfunction causing false E15 trigger

How to Identify: No visible water in base but error persists after drying; electrical diagnostic indicates sensor issue. (iFixit

Part: Control board or leak detection switch

DIY Solutions

Hard Reset to Clear Temporary Glitch

Easy 10 minutes
  1. Turn off power to the dishwasher at breaker or unplug it.
  2. Wait 5–10 minutes to allow control board to reset.
  3. Restore power and check if E15 error clears.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is disconnected before touching any components.

Drain Excess Water from Base Pan

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Towels or rags, Container to catch water
  1. Turn off power and water supply.
  2. Pull dishwasher out and tilt it backward to drain water from base pan into towels/container.
  3. Dry inside base thoroughly, then restore dishwasher to original position and power on.
⚠️ Safety First: Have assistance when tilting dishwasher, avoid damaging cabinets.

Inspect and Replace Door Seal/Gasket

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver (if needed), Replacement seal
  1. Turn off power and open dishwasher door fully.
  2. Examine door seal for cracks/tears.
  3. Remove old seal by gently pulling it out.
  4. Clean groove and install new gasket, pressing evenly into place.
  5. Restore power and test for leaks.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure correct seal model for your Bosch dishwasher.

Inspect Internal Hoses and Connections

Advanced 60 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdrivers, Pliers, Replacement hoses/clamps
  1. Disconnect power and water supply.
  2. Remove lower front kickplate to access hoses.
  3. Inspect hoses for cracks/loose fittings.
  4. Replace damaged hoses and secure connections.
  5. Reassemble and test dishwasher.
⚠️ Safety First: May involve water spill; prepare towels and container.

Professional Repairs

Replace Faulty Water Inlet Valve

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150 for part (labour extra)

Leak Sensor or Control Board Diagnostics and Repair

Estimated Cost: $100 - $400

When to Call a Professional

Persistent or recurrent E15 error after DIY draining and resetting
Visible continuous water leakage from underside during operation
Leaks from internal components such as hoses not resolved by DIY
Electrical issues or control board/sensor suspected

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean and inspect door seals: Leakage leading to E15 error
    Frequency: monthly
  • Check hoses and connections: Leaks into base pan
    Frequency: every 3–6 months
  • Run dishwasher cleaning cycle: Debris causing buildup and potential overflow
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Bosch Dishwasher E15 error, water leakage?
The E15 error indicates water in the base pan, often due to leaks from seals, hoses, or a faulty inlet valve.
How do I fix Bosch Dishwasher E15 error, water leakage myself?
Try a hard reset, drain excess water from the base pan, or inspect and replace the door seal.
How much does it cost to fix E15 error, water leakage?
Professional repairs range from $50 - $150 for parts, plus labor for water inlet valve or control board diagnostics.
When should I call a technician for E15 error, water leakage?
Call a technician if DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if you suspect a control board malfunction.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

70%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty door seal causing water to leak during cycles
  • Clogged or damaged drain hose leading to water accumulation
  • Malfunctioning float switch that fails to detect water levels

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace the door seal if damaged. Ensure the seal is clean and properly seated. Run a test cycle to check for leaks.

  2. Check the drain hose for clogs or kinks. Clear any blockages and ensure the hose is properly connected and not damaged.

  3. Test the float switch for proper operation. If it is stuck or malfunctioning, clean or replace it as necessary.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Bosch Dishwasher - Fixed E15 Error, Now a New Issue?

Community Discussions

E15 error, water under dishwasher

Cleared E15 error, monitored for leaks, area dried up during test run.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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