How to Clear a Blocked Dishwasher Drain Pump (Bosch E15 & E24 Errors)

The Nightmare of Standing Water

You open your dishwasher and find a pool of dirty, soapy water at the bottom. This means the drain cycle failed. Modern dishwashers like Bosch, IFB, or Siemens have water-level sensors and will trigger error codes like E15 (water in base pan) or E24 (drain error) to prevent flooding.

Common Causes of Drainage Failure

• Food Blockage: Seeds, toothpicks, or bone shards slip past the filter screen and jam the small drain pump impeller.
• Clogged Drain Hose: The grease from plates cools down and solidifies inside the flexible corrugated drain hose, narrowing the passage.
• Burnt Drain Pump Motor: If the impeller is jammed for too long, the pump motor coils overheat and burn out.

Resolving Bosch E15 Error Code

The E15 error indicates that the safety float switch in the bottom base tray has detected a leak. The machine will run the drain pump continuously to prevent leaks. The unit must be pulled out, tilted to drain the dry pan, and the source of the leak (usually a cracked pump seal or loose hose) must be repaired.