Error code
Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E15
The dishwasher anti-flood system has been triggered The most likely cause is water in the base tray activating the float switch. Check first: check for water in front of or beneath the plinth if it is safe to inspect without pulling the appliance unsafely.
Quick answer
E15: what does it mean and how to fix
What does it mean?
The dishwasher anti-flood system has been triggered
How to fix first
Switch the dishwasher off and isolate the power supply before touching any accessible area.
Why is this happening?
Water in the base tray activating the float switch
When should I call an engineer?
Call an appliance engineer if E15 returns, you see water under the dishwasher, the unit is integrated and hard to access safely, or the leak source is not obvious from external checks.
What does this error code mean?
Bosch dishwasher error code E15 usually means water has reached the base tray and lifted the anti-flood float, so the dishwasher stops to prevent further leakage. The visible tub may not look full, because the warning is often about water underneath the dishwasher rather than inside the wash cabinet.
This code usually points to the anti-flood float and base tray area, with possible leak sources around hoses, the sump, pump seals, door seal, or drainage path.
Start with this safe check: Switch the dishwasher off and isolate the power supply before touching any accessible area. If the code returns, the fault worsens, or the appliance does not behave normally, call an appliance engineer if E15 returns, you see water under the dishwasher, the unit is integrated and hard to access safely, or the leak source is not obvious from external checks.
Symptoms users may notice
- The drain pump may keep running even when the programme has stopped.
- The display may show E15 while the visible dishwasher tub looks mostly empty.
- There may be water under the plinth or around the base of the appliance.
What users often notice
- Integrated Bosch dishwashers can hide small leaks, so the first visible clue may be the code rather than a large puddle.
Why is this happening?
- Water in the base tray activating the float switch
- Leak from a hose, sump seal, pump area, or internal connection
- Door seal leak or oversudsing allowing water to escape
- Drainage restriction causing overflow into the base
What this usually points to
This code usually points to the anti-flood float and base tray area, with possible leak sources around hoses, the sump, pump seals, door seal, or drainage path.
How to fix this safely
- Switch the dishwasher off and isolate the power supply before touching any accessible area.
- Check for water in front of or beneath the plinth if it is safe to inspect without pulling the appliance unsafely.
- Look for obvious door seal damage, loose hose connections, or oversudsing signs.
- Do not keep restarting the appliance just because the display temporarily clears.
What not to do
- Do not keep cycling the power to silence the warning.
- Do not tilt a heavy integrated dishwasher without proper help and isolation.
Common misdiagnoses
- E15 is often mistaken for a simple drain fault, but the anti-flood switch normally means water has reached the base tray.
Reset steps
- Only restart the dishwasher once the surrounding area is dry and the obvious external checks are complete.
- Run a short test only if there is no visible leak and the appliance is safe to power.
- If E15 returns, stop using the appliance and arrange professional repair.
Intermittent vs persistent faults
A one-off E15 after oversudsing may clear after drying and correct detergent use, but repeated E15 should be treated as a persistent leak risk.
When to call an engineer
Call an appliance engineer if E15 returns, you see water under the dishwasher, the unit is integrated and hard to access safely, or the leak source is not obvious from external checks.
Safety warning
Disconnect the dishwasher from power before checking anything accessible, and avoid using it if water may be reaching electrical parts.
Useful hub links
Related leak and overflow fault codes
Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E30
the dishwasher has detected a water safety, leak, or overfill-style problem.
Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E22
the filter or sump area is dirty, blocked, or restricting drainage.
Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E24
the dishwasher is not draining properly.
Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E25
the drain pump may be blocked or unable to move water properly.
Relevant guide
Frequently asked questions
Can I tip a Bosch dishwasher to clear E15?+
Some owners try this, but it does not fix the underlying leak. Repeated use without finding the cause can lead to further damage.
Why does E15 show when the inside of the dishwasher is empty?+
The anti-flood float is usually in the base area below the wash cabinet, so the code can appear even when the visible tub is not full.
Can too much detergent cause Bosch E15?+
Oversudsing can contribute to water escaping into the base, but repeated E15 warnings still need leak checks.
Should I keep running the dishwasher after E15 clears?+
No. If E15 returns after one safe test, stop and arrange a repair because water has likely reached the anti-flood area again.
Can I still use a Bosch dishwasher with E15?+
No. E15 means leak protection has been triggered, so stop normal use until the area is dry and the cause has been checked.
Is Bosch E15 related to E30?+
They can overlap because both may involve water safety or leak-protection behaviour. Treat either returning code as a reason to stop and investigate safely.