Bosch E15 — Water in base pan — anti-flood sensor triggered

What E15 means on your Bosch dishwasher

Error code E15 is the anti-flood protection alert. Every Bosch dishwasher has a float switch in the base pan (the metal tray beneath the tub). When water reaches this float — due to a leak from the tub, hoses, pump, or seals — the switch triggers E15, activates the drain pump continuously, and locks out the wash cycle. This is Bosch’s AquaStop system protecting your kitchen floor from water damage.

Symptoms

• The drain pump runs continuously, even when the dishwasher is supposedly off
• E15 appears immediately when trying to start any cycle
• You may notice water pooling under or around the dishwasher
• The dishwasher may have been making unusual sounds before the code appeared
• A musty or damp smell from under the unit

Common causes

• Leaking door seal — the rubber gasket around the tub opening degrades over time, allowing water to drip into the base during wash cycles
• Loose or cracked hose connection — internal hoses connecting the pump, sump, and spray arms can loosen from vibration or develop cracks
• Damaged tub seal — the seal around the wash motor shaft can fail, allowing water to seep past the motor into the base
• Spray arm over-pressure — a blocked spray arm can cause water to spray sideways, past the door seal
• Cracked sump housing — in older units, the plastic sump can develop hairline cracks

Troubleshooting steps you can try

1. Tilt the dishwasher — carefully tilt the unit forward about 45 degrees to drain water from the base pan into the tub. Place towels down first. This can temporarily clear E15 and let you run a test cycle.
2. Check the door seal — run your finger along the rubber gasket around the tub opening. Look for tears, flat spots, or gaps where the seal doesn’t sit flush.
3. Inspect under the unit — if accessible, look under the dishwasher with a flashlight for visible dripping or water trails during a running cycle.
4. Reset after tilting — after draining the base, restore the dishwasher to level and turn it off at the breaker for 60 seconds. Then run a short cycle and monitor for leaks.

When to call a technician

E15 always indicates a real water leak — it’s not a sensor glitch. Even if tilting clears the code temporarily, the leak will cause it to return. A technician will pull the unit out, remove the base plate, and identify the leak source. Depending on the cause, repair may involve replacing a seal, tightening a hose clamp, or replacing the sump assembly. Ignoring E15 risks water damage to your floor, subfloor, and cabinetry. The continuous drain pump operation also wears the pump motor if left running. Codes may vary by model generation and series.

Need help? Schedule Bosch Dishwasher repair with a certified technician, or contact our team for a free diagnosis consultation.