Bosch Dishwasher: not draining

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Bosch dishwasher is not draining, you may notice standing water in the bottom after a cycle. The unit appears to function normally, but water fails to pump out, indicating possible blockages or mechanical issues.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Bosch Models

  • Bosch official troubleshooting emphasizes cleaning filter and pump area as first fix.

Possible Causes

Clogged filter or debris in sump area

How to Identify: Standing water plus visible debris at bottom; water drains after removing and cleaning filter.

Part: Filter and sump area

Blocked or kinked drain hose

How to Identify: Standing water, hose bends or debris visible; straightening or clearing hose often restores drainage.

Part: Drain hose

Faulty or jammed drain pump

How to Identify: Humming or no sound during drain cycle, even with clear filter and hose; water stays.

Part: Drain pump/motor assembly

Stuck or defective check valve

How to Identify: Water stays post cycle despite clear hose/pump; water backs up into dishwasher.

Part: Check valve

Clogged air gap or garbage disposal connection

How to Identify: Water backs up under sink or doesn’t leave dishwasher; disposal drain clogged.

Part: Air gap/garbage disposal inlet

DIY Solutions

Clean filter and sump area

Easy 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: gloves, soft brush, container for water
  1. Turn off power to dishwasher.
  2. Remove bottom rack and locate filter assembly.
  3. Twist and lift out filter; rinse under warm water and scrub to remove debris.
  4. Use cloth to wipe sump area and remove standing water.
  5. Reinstall filter and run a short cycle to check drainage.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before working inside dishwasher.

Inspect and clear drain hose

Moderate 20-40 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver/pliers, bucket, flashlight
  1. Turn off power and water to dishwasher.
  2. Loosen clamps and disconnect drain hose from dishwasher and sink/drain.
  3. Check hose for kinks or blockages with flashlight; flush with water or use flexible brush.
  4. Reattach hose ensuring no sharp bends; secure clamps and test drainage.
⚠️ Safety First: Catch water in bucket when disconnecting hose.

Check and clean air gap or disposal inlet

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, small brush, bucket
  1. Locate air gap on sink or disposal inlet.
  2. Remove cover and clear any food debris with brush.
  3. Run water and operate disposal to clear drain connection.
  4. Reconnect hose and test dishwasher drain.
⚠️ Safety First: Turn off disposal power before disconnecting hose.

Professional Repairs

Replace drain pump or motor assembly

Estimated Cost: $80 - $250

Replace check valve

Estimated Cost: $20 - $70

Service air gap or garbage disposal plumbing

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

When to Call a Professional

Drain pump makes unusual noises or fails to run after DIY checks
Electrical issues suspected (no sound from pump/control errors)
Drain problem persists after filter, hose, and air gap cleaning

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean filter: Blockages that cause water to not drain
    Frequency: monthly
  • Inspect drain hose: Hose kinks and buildup
    Frequency: annually
  • Clean air gap/disposal connection: Drain path obstructions
    Frequency: every 3-6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Bosch Dishwasher not draining?
Common causes include a clogged filter, blocked drain hose, or a faulty drain pump.
How do I fix Bosch Dishwasher not draining myself?
Start by cleaning the filter and sump area, then inspect the drain hose for blockages.
How much does it cost to fix not draining?
Professional repairs can range from $20 to $300, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not draining?
If DIY solutions don't work or if the issue seems complex, it's best to call a professional.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

83%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Drain pump failure (6 mentions)
  • Blockage in drain line or filter (5 mentions)
  • E15 or E24 error codes (4 mentions)
  • Float mechanism issues (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace the drain pump with a genuine Bosch part

    Success rate: 12.0%

  2. Clean or unblock the drain line and filter

    Success rate: 15.0%

  3. Reset or temporarily reinstall the drain pump

    Success rate: 6.0%

  4. Check and clean the float mechanism

    Success rate: 3.0%

  5. Replace the seal by the sump to fix leaks

    Success rate: 3.0%
Analysis based on 30 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Just ordered a Bosch 800 Dishwasher
  2. Bosch dishwasher not fully draining
  3. Bosch Dishwasher not draining
  4. Dishwasher won't finish cycle
  5. Bosch dishwasher not draining
  6. Bosch dishwasher problem
  7. Seal leak on Bosch Dishwasher SHX7ER55UC/55
  8. Drain not working on Bosch dishwasher
  9. Bosch dishwasher mystery plug and drainage problems
  10. Bosch Dishwasher SMI69M55EU strange noise/ not draining
  11. Bosch Dishwasher Does Not Drain w New Pump
  12. Bosch dishwasher intermittently not draining (E24)
  13. Bosch Dishwasher drain sill a problem summary...help pls.
  14. Bosch Dishwasher E23 error code
  15. Bosch Dishwasher e15 error code
  16. Bosch dishwasher model SHS843AF5N/01 help needed
  17. Bosch dishwasher - E24 error
  18. BOSCH Ascenta Dishwasher - Code E15 and E24 - Help!
  19. Bosch SHE68M05UC/50 Dishwasher advice
  20. Bosch Dishwasher - Not draining after moving it in car
  21. Dishwasher not draining (not clogged)
  22. Bosch dishwasher E25 not draining well even after clearing i...
  23. Bosch dishwasher not draining during cycle, pump seems fine
  24. Please help me fix the "Watertap" error on my Bosch Dishwash...
  25. Bosch 100 stops draining every 6 weeks - anyone else?
  26. Bosch E15 error code - question about my fix
  27. Bosch dishwasher e25 error, the heat pump doesn't recognize ...
  28. Bosch Dishwasher SHEM63W56N/10 Incomplete draining or water ...
  29. Need help Bosche SHX68P05UC final "pump out" of dishwasher f...
  30. Bosch Dishwasher Not Draining Completely

Community Discussions

dishwasher stopped draining

The mystery plug was identified as part of a Camelbak water bottle, which was causing the drainage issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

won't drain

The drain pump was the issue and was easy to replace.

DIY View on Reddit →

E24 error, not draining

Blocked PVC pipes beyond the drainage hose were cleaned out, resolving the issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

water left in the bottom of the dishwasher after cycles

Replaced the drain pump with a genuine Bosch part, resolving the draining issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

Dishwasher pump continuous running with E15 code.

Towel dried the pan and float, resolved E15 error.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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