Common Faults With Smeg and Bosch Dishwashers

by Marsh | Jul 20, 2026 | Dishwasher Repair

Two of the more popular dishwasher brands in Australian kitchens, and two quite different ways of telling you something's wrong.

We see a lot of both at National Appliance Repairs, and the difference in how they communicate faults genuinely changes how you troubleshoot them. Bosch uses a fairly consistent E-code system across most of its range, so a given code generally means the same thing from one machine to the next. Smeg uses a set of flashing LEDs on the control panel instead, and what those flashes actually mean can shift depending on the model. Here's what tends to go wrong with each, and how to read what they're telling you.

Bosch: A Fairly Reliable Code System

Bosch's own support documentation lays out its error codes clearly, and in our experience they hold up consistently across most of the current range, which makes troubleshooting a lot more straightforward than with some other brands.

• E15 means the safety switch has detected water in the base of the machine and triggered the flood protection system. This is usually caused by a leak somewhere, most often a worn door gasket, a loose hose connection, or excessive suds pushing water past a seal it shouldn't. Clearing the code without finding the actual leak just means it comes back.
• E22 points to a blocked fine filter, one of the simplest and most common faults to show up. Pull the bottom rack, remove the filter, and give it a proper clean.
• E24 and E25 both relate to drainage, but for different reasons. E24 usually means the drain filter or drain hose is blocked, often alongside a missing high loop in the drain hose installation or a blocked garbage disposal connection. E25 points more specifically at the drain pump itself, whether that's a jammed impeller from broken glass or bone fragments, or an actual pump failure.
• E09 relates to the heating element, and it typically shows up once the element reaches the end of its working life, usually somewhere around the six to eight year mark on a well-used machine.

Smeg: A Different System, Model-Dependent Meanings

Smeg dishwashers typically use five LED indicators on the panel rather than a simple E-code readout, and a specific pattern of flashing and solid lights corresponds to a fault. The complication is that these patterns don't map consistently across every Smeg model. A flash pattern that means one thing on one dishwasher can mean something else entirely on another, so treating any single code as universal across the whole range isn't reliable.

That said, a few fault categories come up consistently regardless of the exact LED pattern on your specific model.

Flood or overfill protection is triggered when the machine detects more water than expected, often from a faulty inlet valve letting too much water in, or a blocked filter preventing proper drainage and causing the water level to rise instead. Drainage faults mean the dishwasher can't clear water within the expected time window, generally pointing to a blocked filter, a kinked or blocked drain hose, or a pump that isn't moving water the way it should. Heating faults are usually a defective heating element or a wiring fault between the element and the control board, occasionally showing up as the heater running with no water actually in the tub, which is a different problem from a heater that simply won't switch on. And water inlet faults tend to come down to low water pressure, a kinked inlet hose, or a faulty inlet valve, all fairly easy to check before assuming anything electronic has failed.

Given how much the exact meanings shift between Smeg models, the fastest path to an accurate diagnosis is checking your specific model's manual against the flash pattern you're seeing, rather than assuming it matches a code table written for a different generation.

Quick Reference: What Each Fault Category Usually Means

For Smeg models, match the LED flash pattern against your specific model's manual, since the same pattern of lights can point to different faults on different generations.

What You Can Check Yourself

• Clean the filter thoroughly, checking both coarse and fine mesh sections if your model has them
• Check the drain hose for kinks, and confirm it has a proper high loop if it connects near a sink or garbage disposal
• Look at the door gasket for visible tears, warping, or trapped debris if a leak-related code is showing
• Try a power reset by switching off at the wall for a few minutes, then running a short test cycle
• Note down the exact code or LED pattern before calling anyone, since it saves time and speeds up diagnosis

When to Call a Technician Instead

Anything involving the heating element, the control board, or a pump that's confirmed faulty rather than just obstructed is a repair job, not a DIY project. Both brands sit at the premium end of the market, and getting a fix wrong on either risks turning a straightforward repair into a much bigger bill.

National Appliance Repairs technicians work on both Smeg and Bosch dishwashers regularly, and carry genuine filters, pumps, heating elements, and door seals for dishwasher repairs across both ranges. Most faults are diagnosed and fixed in a single visit, backed by a 12-month parts warranty and 3-month labour warranty.

Keeping Both Brands Running Well

• Clean the filter on a regular schedule, weekly if the dishwasher runs daily
• Wipe down the door gasket periodically to prevent the mould and residue build-up that eventually causes tears
• Avoid overloading the detergent dispenser, since excessive suds are a common trigger for flood protection codes on both brands
• Address a fault code as soon as it appears rather than resetting it repeatedly and hoping it clears on its own

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an E15 code mean on a Bosch dishwasher?

Water's been detected in the base of the machine, triggering the flood protection system. It's usually caused by a leak from the door gasket, a hose connection, or excessive suds, and resetting the code without finding the actual leak just means it returns.

Why do Smeg dishwasher codes seem to mean different things depending on who you ask?

Because they genuinely do vary by model. Smeg uses LED flash patterns rather than a universal number system, and the same pattern can indicate different faults across different generations of machine. Your specific model's manual is the most reliable reference.

What's the difference between a Bosch E24 and E25 code?

Both relate to drainage, but E24 usually points to a blocked filter or hose, while E25 points more specifically at the drain pump itself. It's worth checking the simpler cause, the filter, before assuming the pump has failed.

Can I clean a blocked filter myself on either brand?

Yes, on both. Removing and rinsing the filter assembly under hot water with a soft brush is safe and straightforward, and it resolves a large share of both brands' fault codes on its own.

What does it cost to repair a Smeg or Bosch dishwasher?

It depends entirely on the fault. A filter clean costs nothing. A heating element, control board, or pump replacement is more substantial. Call 1300 434 380 for a free phone consultation and ballpark pricing.

The Bottom Line

Bosch tells you fairly precisely what's wrong through its E-codes. Smeg tells you something's wrong and leaves the specifics to your model's manual. Either way, the filter, the hose, and the door seal solve most faults before you need a technician. Still showing a code after those checks? Get in touch with National Appliance Repairs or call 1300 434 380 for a same-day assessment, subject to availability, across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth.

How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter

by Marsh | Jun 3, 2026 | Dishwasher Repair

If your dishes come out with bits of food still stuck to them, or if there is a persistent bad smell after a cycle, the filter is almost certainly to blame. It does a lot of quiet work--trapping food particles to stop the drain blocking--but gets very little attention until something goes wrong.

Cleaning the dishwasher filter is one of the quickest, highest-impact maintenance tasks you can do. Takes about five minutes once you know how. No tools. No special products. And it makes a noticeable difference to both how clean your dishes come out and how the machine smells.

Here at National Appliance Repairs, we service dishwashers across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. A blocked or neglected filter is one of the most common reasons customers call us. Before you reach for the phone, check whether a simple filter clean solves the problem.

What Does a Dishwasher Filter Actually Do?

The filter sits at the base of the dishwasher tub, right under the lower spray arm. Its job is to catch food particles, grease, and debris during a wash cycle. That way they do not recirculate back onto your dishes or clog the drain pump.

Most modern Australian dishwashers--including popular brands like Bosch, Fisher & Paykel, Miele, Smeg, and Electrolux--use a manual filter system. That is a cylindrical mesh filter you have to clean by hand. Older dishwashers sometimes had self-cleaning filters built in, but you do not see those much anymore.

CHOICE Australia says grease and food scraps collecting in the filter cause most dishwasher odour and hygiene problems. A filter full of old, rotting food residue also makes the machine underperform. Your dishes come out less clean than they should be.

How Often Should You Clean the Dishwasher Filter?

For a typical Australian household using the dishwasher daily:

• Inspect: Once a week (just a visual check takes 30 seconds)
• Rinse under water: Every one to two weeks if used heavily
• Full clean (soak and scrub): Once a month

If you have a large household, frequently wash heavily soiled pots and pans, or run the dishwasher multiple times per day, increase the cleaning frequency. In a rental property context, filters often go uncleaned for months at a time -- getting into a monthly habit prevents the machine from deteriorating.

What You'll Need

• Hot water
• Dish soap (a few drops)
• A soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush
• White vinegar (optional, for stubborn build-up)
• A bowl or sink basin large enough to submerge the filter
• Rubber gloves (recommended -- it's not a glamorous job)

Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Dishwasher Filter

Step 1: Remove the Bottom Rack

Pull out the bottom dish rack. Set it aside. Now you can actually see the base of the dishwasher where the filter lives.

Step 2: Locate and Remove the Filter

Look for a round opening in the centre or rear of the dishwasher floor. That is where the filter assembly sits. It usually has two parts: a cylindrical upper filter and a flat mesh plate underneath (the lower filter). Together they trap particles of different sizes.

Here is how to remove them.

Twist the upper cylinder anticlockwise until it unlocks. That is usually about a quarter-turn. Lift it out. Then lift out the flat lower filter from the surrounding housing.

Not sure how your specific model comes apart? Check the user manual. Or search online for your dishwasher model. For dishwasher repairs or questions about a particular model, we are happy to help.

Step 3: Rinse Under Hot Water

Hold both filter pieces under the hot tap. Rinse away loose food particles. A lot of the debris will wash off right away. If you cleaned the filter recently, this might be all you need.

Still see grease, a slimy film, or food stuck in the mesh? Move to the next step.

Step 4: Soak in Soapy Water (or Vinegar)

Fill your sink or a large bowl with hot water. Add a few drops of dish soap. Drop both filter pieces in. Let them soak for five to ten minutes. This loosens grease and softens any dried-on food.

Has it been a while since the last clean? Significant build-up? Add half a cup of white vinegar to the soak water instead of--or in addition to--the dish soap. The acetic acid in vinegar breaks down grease and mineral deposits really well.

Step 5: Scrub the Mesh

After the soak, grab a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush. Gently scrub the mesh on both filters. Pay extra attention to the fine mesh screen on the flat lower filter. Food particles love getting lodged in that weave.

Do not use anything abrasive. No steel wool. No scouring pad. That damages the mesh and makes it worse at trapping particles.

Step 6: Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse both parts under hot running water. Keep going until the water runs clear and no soap or debris remains.

Hold each filter up to the light. Look at the mesh. Still looks clogged? Repeat the soak and scrub.

Step 7: Clean Around the Filter Housing

Before you put the filter back, take a damp cloth or your toothbrush and wipe around the filter housing in the base of the dishwasher. Food and grease collect there too. Leave it dirty and you are wasting half the benefit of a clean filter.

Step 8: Reinstall the Filter

Place the flat lower filter back into the housing. Insert the cylindrical upper filter. Twist it clockwise to lock it in place. It should sit flush and turn smoothly. If it feels stiff or will not lock, pull it out and check the seating. Then replace the bottom rack. Done.

Common Filter Problems and What They Mean

When the Filter Isn't the Problem

If you've cleaned the filter thoroughly and your dishwasher still:

• Isn't draining properly
• Leaves dishes dirty or wet
• Makes unusual grinding or rattling noises
• Shows an error code on the display

...then the issue has moved beyond simple maintenance and likely involves a component fault -- a blocked drain pump, a failing spray arm, a water inlet valve issue, or a sensor problem. These aren't DIY fixes.

We provide dishwasher repairs across all major Australian cities, with same-day service available for urgent faults. Our technicians carry parts for the most common brands and models, so many repairs can be completed in a single visit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know if my dishwasher has a manual or self-cleaning filter?

Look at the bottom. See a mesh thing you can twist out by hand? That is manual. Clean it regularly. No removable filter? Check your manual. Some old models have self-cleaning filters. They are noisier but need less attention from you.

Can I put the filter in the dishwasher to clean it?

You can. But do not bother. The spray arms will not hit the fine mesh properly. And any gunk on the filter just ends up back on your dishes. Hand-clean with a brush. Takes a few minutes. Works better.

Filter looks clean but dishwasher still smells. Now what?

Check the door seal. Mould hides there. Wipe with a vinegar-dampened cloth. Check the spray arm holes too. Still stinky? Run a hot cycle with a cup of vinegar in the top rack--empty dishwasher. Then a baking soda cycle.

Is there a special product for cleaning filters?

No. Dish soap and hot water. That is it. White vinegar for grease and scale. Commercial cleaners are fine for the machine itself. But they do not clean your filter for you.

How long does a filter last?

The life of the machine. If you are gentle with it. No steel wool. No hard scrubbing. If the mesh is torn or warped, get a new one. A technician can supply the right filter for your model.

Conclusion

Here is the truth. Cleaning the dishwasher filter is the most effective maintenance task you will ever do for this machine. Five minutes a month. That is all it takes. No smells. No pump failures. Just properly clean dishes, cycle after cycle.

If filter cleaning doesn't solve your dishwasher's issues, or if you'd like a professional to run a full service on the machine, National Appliance Repairs is here to help. We service all major dishwasher brands across Australia -- call 1300 434 380 for a free phone consultation.

How to Clean a Dishwasher

by Marsh | Jun 2, 2026 | Dishwasher Repair

Your dishwasher cleans your dishes every day. When did you last return the favour?

Most Australian households run their machine several times a week. But they never think about maintaining it. That catches up with you. Food particles pile up. Grease hardens. Hard water leaves its mark. Soap scum settles in. Spray arms clog. The filter turns into a science experiment. Bacteria and mould start growing. Next thing you know, your dishes come out dirty, your machine smells bad, and you have a fault that was totally preventable.

According to CHOICE Australia, most dishwasher problems start with a dirty filter. And the mould or bacteria that build up inside, in addition to being unpleasant, are genuine hygiene issues and potential health hazards. Regular cleaning keeps the machine running smoothly. It also genuinely extends its life. Worth the ten minutes.

National Appliance Repairs does dishwasher repairs across all major Australian cities. Truth is, many of the calls we get could have been avoided with routine maintenance. So here is how to do it properly.

How Often Should You Clean a Dishwasher?

• Filter: Inspect weekly, clean monthly (or as needed)
• Interior drum cycle (vinegar or commercial cleaner): Monthly
• Door seal and edges: Monthly
• Spray arms: Every three months
• Exterior: As needed

If your dishwasher is used heavily -- in a busy family home, a rental property, or a commercial setting -- increase the filter cleaning frequency to every two weeks.

What You'll Need

• White vinegar (1--2 cups)
• Bicarbonate of soda (half a cup)
• Dish soap
• An old toothbrush or soft-bristled scrubbing brush
• Microfibre cloths
• A toothpick (for clearing spray arm holes)
• Rubber gloves

Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Dishwasher

Step 1: Clean the Filter

Pull out the bottom rack. Look at the floor of the dishwasher. That cylinder? That's the filter. Most twist anticlockwise and lift out. Check your manual if it resists.

What you'll find inside: old food, grease film, sometimes black mould. Rinse it under hot water. Then fill a bowl with hot water and a squirt of dish soap. Soak it for five minutes. Scrub the mesh parts with an old toothbrush. Rinse again. Set it somewhere to dry.

Step 2: Clear the Spray Arms

Those little holes in the spray arms collect gunk over time. Remove the arms--they usually click off or unscrew by hand. Hold each arm under the tap. Poke a toothpick through every blocked hole you see.

If the holes are crusted with white scale, soak the whole arm in white vinegar for 15 minutes first. Then poke, rinse, and click them back in.

Step 3: Wipe the Door Seal and Edges

Run your finger along that black rubber strip around the door. Feels gritty? That is moisture, old food, and sometimes mould hiding in the folds. Grab a damp microfibre cloth and wipe every inch of that seal. Got dark spots? Dip the cloth in undiluted white vinegar and scrub them out.

While you are at it, wipe the door edges and the control panel. Grease splatter lands there more often than you realise.

Step 4: Clean the Interior with Vinegar

Put the racks back in. Leave the dishwasher empty. Set a heatproof cup or bowl with 1–2 cups of white vinegar upright on the top rack. No detergent. Run the hottest cycle your machine has got.

Vinegar cuts grease and dissolves mineral buildup. But here is the catch. Only do this once a month. Vinegar wears down rubber seals over time. Need to freshen things up weekly? Buy a dishwasher cleaning tablet instead. Much gentler on the machine.

Step 5: Deodorise with Baking Soda

When the vinegar cycle finishes, skip the detergent. Sprinkle half a cup of bicarbonate of soda across the dishwasher floor. Run a short hot cycle. The bicarb kills any leftover smells and gives the inside a mild scrub.

One rule: never put vinegar and baking soda in the same cycle. They react and neutralise each other. Separate cycles only.

Step 6: Replace the Clean Filter

Once everything has air-dried for a few minutes, put the clean filter back in. Replace the bottom rack. Then leave the dishwasher door slightly open--just a crack. That last step stops mould from coming back.

Dishwasher Cleaning Schedule

Common Signs Your Dishwasher Needs Cleaning (Or a Repair)

Regular cleaning stops most problems before they start. But if you notice any of the following, your dishwasher needs attention now.

• Cloudy, greasy, or still-dirty dishes. That usually means a blocked filter or spray arm.
• A bad smell coming from inside. Food trapped in the filter. Or mould hiding in the door seal.
• Visible mould around the seal or inside the drum.
• White film or mineral deposits on the walls. That's hard water scale--common in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Perth.
• Water pooling at the bottom after a cycle finishes. Could be a drain issue. Could be a blocked filter.

If cleaning doesn't fix dirty dishes, standing water, or strange noises during a cycle, you're probably looking at a mechanical fault. In that case, you’ll need to have it looked at professionally.

Tips to Keep Your Dishwasher Cleaner for Longer

• Scrape (but don't necessarily rinse) dishes before loading -- food particles are the primary source of filter blockages and bad smells
• Use the correct type and amount of dishwasher detergent for your water hardness -- excess detergent leaves residue
• Run the dishwasher on hot cycles regularly, especially if you normally use an eco or low-temperature setting
• If you have hard water, use dishwasher salt (if your model has a salt reservoir) to prevent mineral scale build-up -- this is particularly relevant in cities like Adelaide, which has notoriously hard water
• Leave the door ajar between uses where practical; this prevents moisture from sitting stagnant inside

FAQ

Why does my dishwasher smell even though I use it every day?

Using it every day actually makes the smell worse if you never clean the filter. Think about it. Every cycle dumps more food residue into that filter. That residue rots. Bacteria love it. Pull the filter out. It will probably look disgusting. Clean it. Then run a vinegar cycle. Smell will be gone.

Can I use bleach to clean my dishwasher?

Please don't. Bleach is terrible for stainless steel--it corrodes the metal over time. It also chews up rubber seals. You want a leaking dishwasher? Because that's how you get one. Stick with vinegar and baking soda. They are safer and they actually work.

How do I deal with hard water stains inside my dishwasher?

White vinegar does the job on light scale. Pour it in a cup, run a hot cycle. But if your dishwasher looks like a limestone cave, vinegar alone won't cut it. Get a commercial descaler. Use it every three to six months. And for the love of clean dishes, use dishwasher salt regularly. That stops new scale from forming.

Is it worth cleaning a dishwasher that's already several years old?

Absolutely. A clean old dishwasher runs better than a dirty new one. The seals last longer. The pump lasts longer. The spray arms actually spin instead of just dribbling water. Cleaning costs you maybe ten minutes. Replacing a pump costs you a few hundred dollars.

My dishwasher isn't draining after I cleaned the filter. What's wrong?

Stop cleaning. You have done what you can. If the filter is spotless and water is still sitting at the bottom, the problem is somewhere else. Could be a blockage in the drain hose. Could be the drain pump died. Either way, you cannot fix it with a toothbrush or a bottle of vinegar. Call someone who does this for a living.

Conclusion

The secret to a well-performing dishwasher is literally just spending 30 minutes cleaning it every month. Do the steps above consistently, and you’ll be able to catch most issues before they even start.

If your machine has developed a fault that cleaning hasn't resolved -- dishes coming out dirty, water not draining, or error codes appearing -- National Appliance Repairs is ready to help. Our qualified technicians service all major brands across Australia. Call 1300 434 380 for a free phone consultation.

Bosch Dishwasher E15 Error: Causes, Fixes, and When to Call a Technician

by Marsh | May 20, 2026 | Dishwasher Repair

“Water where it shouldn't be” – that's what the E15 code on the display of your Bosch dishwasher is telling you. Specifically, the sensor in the base tray of your Bosch dishwasher has detected moisture -- and as a result, the machine's AquaStop flood protection has kicked in, cut off the water supply, and left everything at a standstill.

It won't clear on its own. The error stays until the source of the water is found and dealt with.

National Appliance Repairs sees this fault regularly across homes in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. Some are straightforward. Some aren't. Here's how to tell the difference.

What AquaStop Actually Does

The AquaStop system is standard on most Bosch dishwashers. It’s a double-walled inlet hose that sits at the back of the machine, plus a float switch lives in the base pan. The moment water touches that float switch -- even a small amount -- it sends a signal to the control board to close off the inlet and hold the drain pump running. The E15 code appears on the display.

Bosch describes this as lifelong flood protection. The trade-off is that it's sensitive by design, so even minor seepage that has pooled over time will trigger it.

What Causes the E15 Error

Several different failure points can let water into the base pan:

• Worn door seal: Daily use degrades the rubber gasket around the door edge. Water begins escaping during the wash cycle and runs down into the base. This is the most common cause.
• Loose or cracked inlet hose: The connection points where the hose meets the machine can loosen over time, or the hose itself can crack. Water drips into the base rather than the tub.
• Leaking sump seal: The sump sits at the very base of the tub. Its seal wears gradually and is one of the more frequent E15 culprits in older Bosch machines.
• Inlet valve not closing fully: A valve that sticks open allows water to continue trickling in after the fill phase ends. Over multiple cycles, enough accumulates in the base to trip the float.
• Cracked tub: Less common, but physical damage to the dishwasher's interior can allow water to bypass the tub entirely.
• Faulty float switch: Occasionally the switch itself is the problem -- stuck or corroded, it reads a leak that isn't there. A technician can test this quickly.

What Not to Do First

One piece of advice that circulates in Australian home improvement forums is to tilt the dishwasher forward to drain the base pan. Don't do this. Tilting shifts the pooled water toward the machine's electrical components at the back, which can turn a manageable repair into a far more expensive one.

When E15 appears:

• Switch the machine off at the power point
• Turn off the water supply tap behind the dishwasher
• Leave the machine upright -- do not run another cycle
• Put towels down if there's visible moisture on the floor around the base

What You Can Check Yourself

A few checks are worth doing before calling anyone out:

• Run your finger along the door seal, looking for tears, flat spots where the rubber has lost its shape, or food and detergent residue preventing a full seal
• Follow the inlet hose from the back of the machine and check for kinks, cracks, or loose connections at either end
• Look around the base of the machine for any sign of where moisture is originating

That's roughly where DIY ends for E15. Accessing the sump seal, testing the inlet valve, or replacing the float switch all require removing machine panels and working near live electrical components. Under Australia's Model Work Health and Safety Laws, this work should be handled by a licensed technician.

What a Technician Does on an E15 Job

Keeping E15 Away

Regular habits that make E15 less likely:

• Wipe the door seal periodically to stop detergent and food residue from degrading the rubber
• Run a hot maintenance cycle monthly with a dishwasher cleaner -- it flushes mineral deposits from hoses and the inlet valve
• Every six months, pull the machine out slightly and check the inlet hose connection at the back for loosening, particularly if the dishwasher vibrates noticeably during operation
• If the machine gets heavy daily use, a service check every two years is worth doing before a fault develops

FAQ

What does E15 mean on a Bosch dishwasher?

The AquaStop flood protection has detected water in the base pan. The water inlet shuts off automatically. The error won't clear until the source of the water is identified and fixed.

Can I reset E15 and keep using the dishwasher?

Resetting clears the display, not the leak. Running the machine again will almost certainly retrigger E15 and risks more water reaching your floor and cabinetry. Get the leak fixed first.

Is E15 always an actual leak?

Usually. In rare cases a faulty or stuck float switch triggers E15 with no real leak present. A technician can confirm this by testing the switch directly.

How long does a Bosch E15 repair take?

If the technician has the right part -- door seals and inlet hoses are commonly stocked on the van -- the repair is typically done on the same visit. Parts that need to be ordered may mean a return visit within a few days.

Does Australian consumer law cover an E15 repair?

It depends on the cause. Manufacturing defects are covered under the Australian Consumer Law, which requires goods to be of acceptable quality and last a reasonable time. Normal seal wear on a heavily used older machine is generally a maintenance matter rather than a warranty claim.

Conclusion

E15 is one of the Bosch dishwasher faults you shouldn't put off. The AquaStop system stopped the flooding -- but the leak is still there, and the next cycle will just trigger it again. Get the door seal, hoses, and sump inspected before the machine runs again.

If you're in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, or Adelaide, National Appliance Repairs can have a qualified technician to your door the same day, with upfront pricing and a 12-month warranty on all parts.

Bosch Dishwasher E22 Error: What It Means and How to Fix It

by Marsh | May 19, 2026 | Dishwasher Repair

You open the dishwasher after a cycle and find water sitting in the bottom of the tub, E22 on the display. Nine times out of ten, the fix is cleaning a filter that hasn't been touched in months. This one you can usually handle yourself.

Here's what's happening and how to sort it out. For repairs that go beyond a blocked filter, National Appliance Repairs services Bosch dishwashers across Australia's major cities, with same-day availability and a 12-month parts warranty.

What E22 Actually Means

The E22 code fires when the pressure sensor detects standing water in the sump -- the basin at the base of the tub beneath the filter -- after the drain phase. The machine stops the cycle rather than keep running with water it can't shift.

It's worth knowing how this differs from other drainage codes. E22 points squarely at the filter and sump area. E24 is a drain path issue -- a kinked hose, blocked connection, or check-valve problem. If you're seeing E24, the filter clean below won't fix it.

Start With the Filter

This clears E22 in most cases.

Turn the dishwasher off at the power outlet. Pull out the bottom rack. At the base of the tub you'll find two filters: a cylindrical coarse filter on top and a flat fine mesh filter beneath it. Rotate the coarse filter anti-clockwise and lift it out, then remove the mesh filter underneath.

Rinse both under warm running water and scrub with a soft brush -- an old toothbrush is fine. White chalky deposits are mineral scale. If there's significant buildup, soak both filters in warm water with a splash of white vinegar for 20 minutes before scrubbing. Reseat the mesh filter first, then the cylindrical one, turning it clockwise until it locks.

Run a short cycle and see if the code clears.

If the Filter Was Clean

A clean filter with a returning E22 narrows things down:

• Non-return valve: A small rubber or plastic flap near the drain outlet. If it's jammed open by a food fragment, water backflows into the sump after each drain attempt. Check it moves freely.
• Drain hose: Trace the hose from the back of the machine to the connection under the sink. Look for kinks, sharp bends, or compression against cabinetry. Also check the hose end isn't sitting submerged in water under the sink -- that creates a siphon that blocks drainage.
• Pump area: With the filters removed, shine a torch into the sump cavity. Glass fragments and small plastic pieces sometimes get past the filter and jam the pump impeller. If you can see debris, remove it carefully with needle-nose pliers before reassembling.

Why Some People Get E22 Repeatedly

Two things make E22 a recurring problem rather than a one-off:

Water hardness. Mineral content in Australian tap water varies considerably by region. Adelaide and Perth sit at the harder end, and homes there tend to see scale accumulate in filters and drain components faster than the manufacturer's maintenance schedule accounts for. The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines outline hardness ranges across the country -- if your area runs hard, clean the filter more often than the manual suggests and run a descale cycle monthly. Running the spray arms under the tap when you do the filter clean is worth doing too; the holes block with the same mineral deposits.

Detergent and rinse aid habits. Too much detergent leaves residue that accumulates on the filter mesh. Skipping rinse aid in a hard-water area accelerates scale buildup on both the filter and the pump. Neither fix is expensive.

Maintenance to Keep E22 Away

When to Call a Technician

Clean filter, clear drain hose, no visible blockage in the sump -- and E22 is still there. At that point the fault is in a component: the non-return valve may have failed outright rather than just being blocked, the pump chamber clip may need reseating, or the drain pump itself is struggling. Any of these needs a technician. Working near the pump with the machine live is an electrocution risk, and the Australian Consumer Law is worth knowing about if the fault turns out to be a manufacturing defect on a machine that isn't old.

Unusual sounds during the drain cycle -- grinding, rattling, a pump that hums but doesn't shift water -- are useful information for the technician and worth noting before they arrive.

FAQ

Can I run the dishwasher with E22 showing?

No. The cycle is locked until drainage is restored. Running it won't override the error.

How long does clearing E22 take?

Cleaning the filter is 10 to 15 minutes. Checking the drain hose and sump adds another 20 to 30. If none of that works, it's time to book a technician.

Will vinegar dissolve the scale on the filter?

Yes. Soak the filter in white vinegar for 20 to 30 minutes and most scale comes off with light scrubbing. It won't damage the mesh.

How do I know if it's E22 or E24?

E22 is standing water in the sump with the filter as the primary suspect. E24 means water can't exit through the drain line -- kinked hose, improper installation, or a drain pump or check-valve fault. Different parts of the system.

Does the 12-month parts warranty cover E22 repairs?

National Appliance Repairs backs all repair work with a 12-month parts warranty and 3-month labour warranty. If a replaced part fails within that period, it's covered.

Conclusion

Most E22 errors come down to a filter that's overdue for a clean. Pull it out, scrub it, check the sump for debris, reseat everything, and run a cycle. If the code returns, the non-return valve or drain pump needs a look. National Appliance Repairs has Bosch-experienced technicians across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide -- call 1300 434 380 to book, same-day where available.

What Those Bosch Dishwasher Error Codes Actually Mean (E15, E22, E24 and E25)

by Marsh | May 18, 2026 | Dishwasher Repair

A Bosch dishwasher that stops mid-cycle and flashes a code isn't being difficult. It's telling you exactly what's wrong, in a language most people have never learned to read. Codes E15, E22, E24 and E25 are four of the most common faults Bosch owners run into, and they all point to real, fixable problems rather than a dying machine.

This guide breaks down what each code means, what typically causes it, and which ones are safe to check yourself before calling in a professional. National Appliance Repairs services Bosch dishwashers across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, so we see these codes on a regular basis.

How Bosch Error Codes Work

Bosch dishwashers use a control board that constantly monitors water level, drainage, and leak sensors. When something falls outside the expected range, the board locks the wash cycle and displays a two-digit code so the fault can be identified quickly rather than guessed at. Bosch shares this system across its own dishwashers and those made by sister brand Siemens, which is why the codes look similar across both.

E15: Leak Protection Has Been Triggered

E15 means the dishwasher's leak protection system, sometimes called AquaStop, has detected water sitting in the base pan underneath the tub. Rather than let that water spread, the machine shuts everything down.

Common causes include:

• A worn or damaged door seal letting water escape during the wash
• A cracked or loose hose connection
• Overfilling caused by a stuck float switch
• Excess suds from using the wrong detergent, causing overflow

If E15 appears once and doesn't return, it may have been a one-off overflow. If it keeps coming back, there's an active leak somewhere in the system, and continuing to run the dishwasher risks water damage to your kitchen floor and cabinetry.

E22: The Filter Is Blocked

E22 is usually the simplest of the four to resolve. It means the fine filter at the base of the tub has become clogged with food debris, grease, or limescale, restricting water flow enough that the machine can't complete its cycle properly.

Regular filter cleaning prevents this from recurring. Bosch recommends removing and rinsing the filter assembly every few weeks, more often in households that don't pre-scrape plates.

E24: Drainage Failure

E24 shows up when the dishwasher can't drain water out at the end of a cycle. The most common causes are:

• A clogged drain filter or hose
• A kinked or incorrectly installed drain hose causing siphoning
• Debris caught in the drain pump

Because E24 and E25 both relate to drainage, it's worth checking the filter first (see E22 above), since a blocked filter often triggers both codes over time.

E25: Drain Pump Blocked or Disconnected

E25 points specifically to the drain pump. Either something is physically blocking the impeller, such as a piece of glass or a stray label, or the pump cover has come loose or wasn't reattached correctly after a previous clean.

This one usually requires removing the pump cover to inspect the impeller directly, which is a fiddly job and easy to get wrong on newer VarioDrawer or premium quiet models where components are more tightly packed.

Bosch Error Code Quick Reference

When to Call a Professional Instead

Cleaning a filter or checking a hose for kinks is reasonable weekend maintenance. Call a technician if:

• The same code returns after you've cleaned the filter and checked the hoses
• You see active dripping, pooling water, or corrosion around the base
• The dishwasher won't start at all after the fault
• You're not comfortable pulling the unit out from under the bench

Persistent E15 in particular shouldn't be left to run its course. A leak that keeps triggering the safety system is telling you it's still there, and letting a dishwasher run with an active leak risks water damage that costs far more than the repair itself.

While National Appliance Repairs isn't an official Bosch authorised service centre, our technicians are trained on Bosch's engineering and carry genuine parts for common faults across our vans. Many drainage and filter-related repairs on our dishwasher repair service are completed the same day, and every repair carries our 12-month parts and 3-month labour warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Bosch dishwasher if E22 keeps coming back after I clean the filter?

No. If E22 returns after a proper filter clean, there's likely a secondary blockage in the spray arm, drain hose, or pump that a filter clean alone won't fix. Continued cycles with a partial blockage can strain the pump motor.

Is E15 dangerous to ignore?

It can lead to water pooling under the dishwasher, which risks damage to flooring and cabinetry, and in some cases electrical components near the base of the unit. If E15 reappears after drying the base pan, treat it as an active leak rather than a one-off.

Are Bosch and Siemens dishwasher error codes the same?

Largely, yes. Bosch and Siemens are both part of the BSH Group and share much of the same control board platform, so the core E-codes generally match across both brands, though some model-specific sub-codes can differ.

How much does it cost to fix a Bosch dishwasher error code?

It depends on the cause. A filter clean or hose adjustment is typically low-cost, while a drain pump replacement or door seal repair is more substantial. Call 1300 434 380 for a free phone consultation and a ballpark estimate before booking.

Will fixing an error code myself void my Bosch warranty?

Basic maintenance like cleaning the filter generally won't affect your warranty. More invasive repairs, especially anything involving the pump or control board, are best left to a professional to avoid voiding cover or causing further damage.

Getting Your Bosch Dishwasher Back on Track

Most of these four codes trace back to a handful of causes: a blocked filter, a worn seal, or debris in the drain system. Regular filter cleaning prevents a good portion of these faults from happening in the first place, and catching a leak code early is far cheaper than dealing with water damage later.

If your Bosch dishwasher keeps throwing the same code after basic troubleshooting, National Appliance Repairs services Bosch appliances across Australia's metro areas with same-day appointments where available.

Contact us or call 1300 434 380 for a straightforward diagnosis and upfront quote.