Water in the Base (Leak Protection Activated)

What it means

This code appears on Bosch dishwashers when the Aquastop leak protection float rises because of water in the base tray. The dishwasher stops taking in water and may run the drain pump continuously, and will not finish the program until the cause is dealt with. The same number can mean something else on other brands.

Models covered: Bosch dishwashers; the code shows on the display or at the end of a program.

Related codes: E24E25E22E21

Symptoms4

• E15 shows on the display or at the end of the program and washing stops.
• The drain pump runs continuously and can be heard even when switched off.
• Water under the unit or on the floor in front of it in some cases.
• A lot of foam inside after using hand dishwashing liquid.

Possible causes6

• Excess foam from hand dishwashing liquid or an unsuitable detergent.
• A leak at the door seal or bottom edge because items stop the door closing fully.
• A leak at the inlet or drain hose connection.
• A leak from the circulation pump or the internal sump hoses.
• A crack in the tub, salt container or detergent dispenser (less common).
• A faulty float switch giving a false alarm.

How to diagnose5

1. Turn off the water tap feeding the dishwasher, then unplug it.
2. Check the floor in front of and under the unit, and make sure no hand dishwashing liquid or heavy soap residue was used.
3. Check the door seal is clean and that no items stick out and stop the door closing fully.
4. A technician unplugs the unit before removing the lower panel, then looks for the water source at hoses, pumps and connections.
5. The dishwasher is not tilted and the base is not dried to clear the code until the leak source is found and fixed; the float is then checked for free movement.

How to fix5

1. If foam was the cause, run a short program without detergent after confirming there is no other leak, and use dishwasher detergent only.
2. Clean the door seal, or have the technician replace it if damaged.
3. Tighten the inlet or drain hose connection, or replace the hose.
4. Have the technician replace the leaking circulation pump or internal hose.
5. After the repair, dry the base, run a full program while watching the floor, and confirm the code does not return.

Repair cost

In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.

The cost is low when foam or a hose connection is to blame, and rises when the circulation pump or the Aquastop hose must be replaced.

Prices are rough estimates including the part and the technician’s fee, and vary with brand, model and part source.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions