Bosch dishwashers are known for quiet operation and a tight, well-built design, and they are popular in both remodeled kitchens and newer homes across the Valley. They also have a few behaviors that surprise new owners, especially around drying, and a handful of error codes that show up often enough to be worth understanding.
TrueFix Las Vegas is an independent repair company. We are not affiliated with Bosch, but we repair Bosch dishwashers and use manufacturer-specified parts by default.
E15: water in the base
Bosch dishwashers have a leak protection system. A tray sits at the bottom of the machine, under the tub, with a float switch. If water collects in that tray, the float rises, and the control stops the cycle and displays E15. On many models, the drain pump keeps running to protect your floor.
E15 is a symptom, not the cause. Something let water into the base. Common sources include:
- Excess suds from regular dish soap, the wrong detergent or too much detergent
- A leaking door gasket or a loose inner door seal
- A cracked or loose spray arm spraying water where it should not
- Leaks from hoses, the pump or the sump under the tub
What you can do: turn off the dishwasher and its power, then shut off the water supply. Check for sudsy water in the tub. If you used regular dish soap by mistake, run a rinse cycle with no detergent once the base dries.
Water in the base pan can take a long time to evaporate on its own. Simply resetting the machine repeatedly will not fix it. If E15 returns, the leak source needs to be found and repaired, and the base dried properly. A technician can access the base pan, locate the leak and reset the float.
E24 and E25: drain problems
These codes point to a drainage issue.
- E24 usually means the dishwasher is not draining properly. A clogged filter, kinked drain hose, blocked disposal connection or a sink drain problem are the common causes.
- E25 often points to a blockage at the drain pump, such as glass, a fruit pit or a label caught in the pump cover.
Safe checks:
- Turn off power to the dishwasher.
- Remove and clean the filter assembly at the bottom of the tub.
- Check the drain hose under the sink for kinks.
- If the dishwasher drains into a garbage disposal, run the disposal to clear it.
- On many models, a small cover under the filter gives access to the pump. Use a spoon to lift it, watching for broken glass.
If the code returns, the drain pump or a check valve may have failed.
Dishes not dry: normal or a fault?
This is one of the most common Bosch questions, and often there is nothing broken. Many Bosch dishwashers dry by condensation rather than with an exposed heating element. The final rinse heats the dishes, and moisture condenses on the cooler stainless steel tub walls, then drains away.
That approach works well with glass and ceramic but leaves plastic damp, because plastic does not hold heat. To improve drying:
- Use rinse aid. It is essential with condensation drying and makes a large difference.
- Choose the extra-dry or sanitize option if your model has one.
- Unload the lower rack first, so water does not drip from the upper rack onto it.
- Leave the door closed for a few minutes after the cycle ends.
Some Bosch models use a mineral-based drying system that releases heat during drying. If a model with that feature suddenly stops drying well, it is worth checking.
If dishes are not only damp but also cool and not well cleaned, the water may not be heating. Bosch dishwashers generally heat water inside the circulation pump assembly, and a failure there is a repair for a technician.
Poor cleaning and hard water
Valley water is hard, and scale affects Bosch dishwashers like any other. Keep the filter clean, clear the spray arm holes and use rinse aid. Some models let you set the water hardness level in the settings, which changes how the machine handles rinse aid. Check your manual. A descaling cleaner made for dishwashers can help periodically.
Not starting
If the display lights but nothing happens, check that the child lock is not on and that the door is fully latched. A latch that does not register will prevent the cycle from starting. If the dishwasher has no power at all, check the breaker and, where present, the switch under the sink.
When to call for a Bosch repair
Book a repair if you see:
- E15 that returns after the base has had time to dry
- E24 or E25 after cleaning the filter and checking the hose
- Water that does not heat, or a cycle that runs much too long
- Visible leaks onto the floor
- A humming pump with no water movement
Repair or replace a Bosch dishwasher?
Most Bosch faults, including leaks, drain pumps, circulation and heating assemblies, door latches and float switches, are repairable. Bosch dishwashers are often built into custom cabinetry, sometimes with matching panels, and replacing one involves more than just swapping the machine. Replacement makes more sense when the tub itself leaks, rust is widespread, or several major parts fail at once on an older unit.
Our technician diagnoses the dishwasher on-site and gives one price for parts and labor before any work begins. The repair carries a 90-day parts and 30-day labor warranty.
Frequently asked questions
Can I just tilt the dishwasher to clear E15?
Tilting may move water out of the base, but it does not fix whatever leaked. The code will return if the cause remains. It is better to find the leak source and dry the base properly, which usually means a technician removing the kick plate and inspecting underneath.
Why are my plastic containers always wet in my Bosch?
Many Bosch models dry by condensation, which works on items that hold heat. Plastic cools quickly, so it stays damp. Rinse aid and an extra-dry option help, but some dampness on plastic is normal.
What causes E24 on a Bosch dishwasher?
E24 usually indicates a drainage problem. Start by cleaning the filter, checking the drain hose under the sink for kinks and running the disposal if the dishwasher drains through one. If the code persists, the drain pump or a check valve may need service.