🍽️
Bosch Dishwasher · Error Code
CODE E15 · also shows E-15

Bosch E15Water in base pan — leak protection (Aquastop) tripped

A Bosch E15 means water collected in the base pan and tripped the Aquastop anti-flood float — the dishwasher shuts off the water to protect your floor. Often it's a small spill or condensation, not a real leak. The free fix: tilt the unit to drain the pan and dry the float so it drops. If it comes right back, you've got an actual leak to find (a hose, seal, or the pump).

🔧 From our repair bench: E15 is a float trip, not a part by itself. Tip the dishwasher back to drain the base pan, dry the float, and it usually resets — then watch whether it returns.

🐜 Straight talk: this points you at the likely cause — it's not a guarantee, and every machine is different. Cut the power (and shut off gas or water) before you touch anything, test to confirm the part is actually bad before you buy, and if it's beyond you, get a pro. No shame in that.

What the code means

E15: Water in base pan — leak protection (Aquastop) tripped

Water in base pan — leak protection (Aquastop) tripped.
Most likely causes
  • Leak Into Base
  • Float Switch Tripped
The 2-minute test → Tip unit to drain base; dry float; find leak source.
The kit

The Tools to Test + Fix With

You don't need a shop full of tools — you need these. The multimeter is the one that pays for itself the first time it stops you buying the wrong part on a fault code.

Digital multimeter

Test a suspect part for continuity BEFORE you buy — the single best way to avoid replacing the wrong thing on a fault code.

🔎 On Amazon →

Nut driver set (¼" + 5⁄16")

Most appliance panels are held on with ¼" and 5⁄16" hex screws.

🔎 On Amazon →

Screwdriver set (Phillips/flat/Torx)

Covers the odd panel screw and the Torx fasteners many brands use.

🔎 On Amazon →
Fix it — two honest options

The Fix — Free Checks First, Then the Part

Work top-down: the free checks before you spend a dime, and test to confirm the part is actually bad before you buy. When it is a part, you get both options — the genuine OEM part sourced through us and shipped to your door, or a budget aftermarket part on Amazon. Your call.

Free fixFree

No part — drain the base pan & dry the float

Tilt the dishwasher back ~45° to drain water from the base, or soak it out with a towel so the foam float drops. Clears the E15 in most cases.

✅ No part needed — try this first
Moderate DIY$15–70

Find & fix the leak source

If E15 returns fast, water is still getting into the base — check the door seal, hose clamps, and the drain hose/sump for the leak, then replace the failed part.

Prices shown are typical aftermarket ranges and vary by brand and model — genuine OEM is priced by quote when you request it. Amazon links open a search so you can match your exact model number; as an Amazon Associate, Appliance Ant may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Always confirm the part fits your model.

Can you fix it yourself?

Safe to Try · Know the Risk · Call a Pro

General guidance, not professional advice. Always unplug the appliance (or shut off the gas/water) before you check anything. If it feels beyond you, that's exactly when to get a pro.

✅ Safe to try yourself

  • Turn off the dishwasher and tilt it back to drain the base pan (towel underneath).
  • Dry the base so the foam anti-flood float drops.
  • Restart — if E15 clears and stays gone, it was a one-time spill.

⚠️ Doable — know the risk

  • Tracing and replacing a leaking seal/hose — moderate; power and water off, some disassembly.

🛑 Call a pro — don't touch this

  • A leak you can't locate, or water reaching the wiring/control.
Is it worth fixing?

The Honest Call

Often free — an E15 is frequently just a drained-pan reset. Only a real, recurring leak means a part ($15–70), still far under a new machine.

In Middle Tennessee or Louisiana?

Don't want to DIY it? Our own family of technicians will come clear that E15 for you — honest flat pricing, usually same-day, 4.5★ from 1,000+ neighbors.

🔧 Get it fixed by our techs →
FAQ

People Also Ask

What does E15 mean on a Bosch dishwasher?
The anti-flood (Aquastop) float in the base pan detected water and shut the dishwasher off to prevent a leak. Often just a small spill or condensation — draining and drying the base pan usually clears it.
How do I fix a Bosch E15 error?
Turn it off, tilt the unit back to drain the base pan, and dry it so the foam float drops, then restart. If E15 comes right back, water is still entering the base — find and fix the leaking seal, hose, or sump.
Related codes

Other Codes & Fixes