Bosch Dishwasher E15 Error: Water in Base Pan

The E15 error is Bosch’s AquaStop alert, indicating that the float sensor in the base pan has detected water. This is a safety feature that protects your home from water damage by shutting down the dishwasher when a leak is detected.

What the E15 Error Code Means

When your Bosch dishwasher displays E15:

• Water has accumulated in the base pan beneath the tub
• The float switch has risen and triggered the alarm
• The dishwasher will not operate until the water is removed
• There is likely an active leak or recent leak event

This is a protective feature—the underlying cause must be identified.

Model Coverage

This guide applies to Bosch dishwashers displaying E15:

• Bosch 100 Series: SHEM, SHE2 models
• Bosch 300 Series: SHP, SHE3 models
• Bosch 500 Series: SHP5, SHPM5 models
• Bosch 800 Series: SHP8, SHPM8 models
• Bosch Benchmark series
• Models manufactured 2016-2024

Common Causes

1. Door gasket leak (most common)
2. Excessive suds from wrong detergent
3. Loose internal hose connection
4. Pump seal leak
5. Cracked spray arm
6. Inlet valve stuck open (overfill)
7. Tub crack (rare)

Step-by-Step Fix

Step 1: Immediate Safety Steps

1. Cancel any running cycle
2. Turn off the dishwasher
3. Unplug it or turn off the circuit breaker
4. Turn off the water supply under the sink
5. Place towels around the dishwasher base

Step 2: Drain the Base Pan

The base pan must be drained to reset the float:

Tilting Method (most effective):

1. Get a helper—dishwashers weigh 80-100 lbs
2. Place towels or a shallow pan in front of the unit
3. Carefully tilt the dishwasher forward at about 45 degrees
4. Water will drain from the base pan area
5. Hold for 30-60 seconds until water stops flowing
6. Return to upright position

Step 3: Identify the Leak Source

Before using the dishwasher again, find where water came from:

Check the door gasket:

1. Open the door and examine the rubber seal
2. Look for tears, hardening, or gaps
3. Check for debris preventing seal
4. Clean the gasket with a damp cloth

Check for suds:

1. Look inside for excessive foam
2. Using regular dish soap (not dishwasher detergent) creates massive suds
3. Reduce detergent amount if suds are present

Inspect inside the base (if accessible):

1. Remove the kick plate at the bottom
2. Use a flashlight to look for water stains
3. Check hose connections for drips
4. Look at the pump area for wetness

Step 4: Allow to Dry

After draining:

1. Leave the dishwasher unplugged
2. Keep the door open
3. Let the base area dry for several hours
4. The float switch won’t reset until it’s dry and lowered

Step 5: Test Carefully

Once dried:

1. Restore power
2. Run a short cycle without dishes
3. Watch the door area for leaking
4. Check under the dishwasher during the cycle
5. Listen for unusual water sounds

Understanding the AquaStop System

Bosch’s AquaStop includes:

1. Base pan: Catches water that leaks from above
2. Float switch: Rises when water accumulates
3. Control logic: Stops operation when float triggers
4. Inlet valve shutoff: Some models also shut water supply

This multilayer protection prevents flooding but requires manual intervention to reset.

Preventing E15 Errors

Use Correct Detergent

• Only use dishwasher-specific detergent
• Never use hand dish soap
• Follow dosage recommendations
• Reduce amount if you see suds

Maintain the Door Gasket

• Clean monthly with damp cloth
• Remove food debris
• Check for wear or damage
• Replace if cracked or hardened

Don’t Overload

• Overloading can shift spray arms
• Spray arms hitting items can crack
• Items falling can damage seals

When E15 Returns Quickly

If E15 recurs shortly after draining:

1. There’s an ongoing leak
2. Run water test cycle and watch closely
3. Check at multiple points during cycle
4. The leak may be internal (pump, hose)

When to Call a Tech

Contact a professional if:

• E15 returns after draining and drying
• You can’t identify the leak source
• The leak is internal (pump area, inlet valve)
• The door gasket needs replacement
• Water damage has occurred

Internal leak repairs typically require pulling out the dishwasher and accessing the base.

Sources

For official Bosch support:

• Bosch Dishwasher Error Codes

Related Guides

• Bosch Dishwasher Error Codes Decoded
• E24 Error: Drain Pump Blocked
• E09 Error: Heating Element Failure