Bosch E24 — Drain hose blocked or kinked — water cannot exit the machine

What E24 means on your Bosch dishwasher

Error code E24 is one of the most frequently reported Bosch dishwasher errors. It indicates a blockage or restriction in the drain hose — the line that carries wastewater from the dishwasher to the sink drain or garbage disposal. Unlike E22 (filter clog) or E21 (pump failure), E24 points specifically to the path between the pump and the plumbing connection.

Symptoms

• Standing water in the bottom of the tub after every cycle
• The dishwasher drains very slowly or not at all
• Gurgling sounds from the drain area during the drain phase
• E24 appears near the end of the wash cycle when draining should occur
• Water backs up from the sink when the dishwasher drains (if connected to garbage disposal)

Common causes

• Kinked drain hose — the flexible hose gets pinched behind or beneath the dishwasher, especially after installation or being pushed back into the cabinet
• Blocked garbage disposal connection — if the dishwasher drains through the disposal, a clogged disposal or a knockout plug that was never removed will block drainage
• Clogged air gap — if your installation uses an air gap device on the countertop, debris can accumulate inside it
• Frozen or clogged hose — in cold climates, a drain hose routed through an exterior wall can freeze; grease buildup can also narrow the hose over time

Troubleshooting steps you can try

1. Check for kinks — pull the dishwasher out enough to inspect the drain hose along its full length. Straighten any bends or kinks.
2. Run the garbage disposal — if the dishwasher drains through the disposal, run the disposal for 15 seconds with water flowing to clear any blockage.
3. Check the air gap — if installed, remove the air gap cap on the countertop and clean out any debris.
4. Inspect the hose end — disconnect the drain hose at the sink connection and check for blockages. Blow through it or flush with water.
5. Verify the high loop — the drain hose must have a high loop (the highest point should be at or near the countertop level) to prevent backflow.

When to call a technician

E24 is often a DIY-resolvable issue. However, if you’ve cleared all external blockages and the code persists, the internal drain path or check valve may be restricted. A technician can inspect the internal hose routing and check valve. If the hose has been kinked for an extended period, it may have a permanent crease that restricts flow and needs replacement. 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.