The Bosch dishwasher E24 error code usually means that wastewater cannot leave the dishwasher correctly. Depending on the model and installation, the cause may be a kinked or blocked drain hose, a closed sink or siphon connection, debris around the drain pump, or a pump cover that is not secured properly.
Start by stopping the cycle and checking the filter and visible pump area. Disconnect the dishwasher from power before reaching into the sump, and wear protective gloves because broken glass or other sharp debris may be present.
Do not continue running full wash cycles while E24 remains displayed. Stop using the appliance and arrange professional service if water is leaking underneath it, the drain pump does not operate, or the code returns after the accessible drainage path has been checked.
Bosch E24:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Error code | E24, E-24 or E:24 |
| Appliance | Dishwasher |
| Brand | Bosch |
| Confirmed meaning | Water is not draining correctly |
| Common causes | Blocked drain hose, blocked pump, loose pump cover or closed drain connection |
| Safe first check | Clean the filter and inspect the accessible pump area |
| Repair difficulty | Easy to moderate for external checks |
| Can you keep using it? | Not until normal drainage has been restored |
| Reset method | Hold Reset 4 Sec. or Start for about four seconds on applicable models |
| Professional help | Needed if the error returns or internal testing is required |
Bosch manuals identify E24 as a water-drainage problem. On documented models, the listed causes include a blocked or kinked wastewater hose, a closed siphon connection, a blocked wastewater pump, or a loose pump cover.
What Does E24 Mean on a Bosch Dishwasher?
E24 means the dishwasher has detected that water is not being removed normally.
The code does not automatically prove that the drain pump itself has failed. In many cases, the pump is working but water cannot pass through another part of the drainage route.
The restriction may be located in:
- The filter or sump area
- The drain-pump chamber
- The pump cover
- The dishwasher drain hose
- The connection beneath the sink
- A countertop air gap
- A garbage-disposal inlet
- The household waste pipe or siphon
Bosch’s UK support page describes E24 as improper drainage caused by a blockage. Current Bosch manuals provide a broader explanation that includes the wastewater hose, siphon connection, pump and pump cover.
Common Symptoms That May Appear With E24
A dishwasher showing E24 may also:
- Leave water at the bottom after a cycle
- Stop before the programme or cycle finishes
- Make a humming sound while trying to drain
- Produce gurgling noises near the sink
- Drain slowly
- Display E24 again shortly after a reset
- Stop near the beginning or end of a cycle
Standing water does not always mean the pump is defective. A hose blockage or restricted sink connection can produce the same symptom. Bosch lists pooled water, interrupted operation and unusual drainage sounds among the signs associated with E24.
Common Causes of the Bosch Dishwasher E24 Error
| Possible cause | What may be happening | Homeowner action |
|---|---|---|
| Blocked drain hose | Food residue or debris restricts wastewater flow | Check accessible sections for blockage |
| Kinked drain hose | A sharp bend reduces or stops flow | Correct the hose position without crushing it |
| Closed siphon connection | The sink-side connection has not been opened | Inspect the connection if recently installed |
| Blocked drain pump | Glass, labels or food debris obstructs the impeller | Clean only as described in the model manual |
| Loose pump cover | The pump cannot create correct drainage flow | Refit the cover until it locks or clicks |
| Dirty filter | Debris restricts water reaching the pump area | Remove, wash and reinstall the filter |
| Blocked air gap | Wastewater cannot pass through the air gap | Clean the air gap where fitted |
| Disposal plug installed | A new disposal inlet remains sealed | Have the knockout plug removed |
| Internal pump fault | The pump may be damaged or electrically faulty | Arrange professional diagnosis |
Blocked or Kinked Drain Hose
The drain hose carries wastewater from the dishwasher to the household drainage connection. Bosch manuals list a kinked or blocked wastewater hose as a direct E24 cause.
Look beneath the sink for a hose that is:
- Folded sharply
- Crushed behind stored items
- Pinched by cabinetry
- Twisted near the waste connection
- Sagging in a way that allows debris to collect
Do not pull a built-in dishwasher out of its cabinet merely to inspect the hidden part of the hose. Moving the appliance may strain its water, power and drainage connections.
Blocked or Closed Sink Connection
In many UK, Irish, Australian and New Zealand installations, the dishwasher hose connects to a sink trap, waste fitting or siphon.
A new waste fitting may still be sealed, or residue may obstruct the connection. Bosch manuals specifically advise checking that the siphon connection is open and free from blockage.
Blocked Drain Pump or Loose Pump Cover
Food particles, glass fragments, paper labels and other objects can reach the pump chamber. The pump cover must also be fitted correctly.
Bosch instructs users to remove standing water, clear visible debris and reinstall the pump cover so that it clicks into position. Pump-cover design varies, so follow the instructions for your dishwasher’s exact E-Nr. rather than forcing a part that does not release easily.
Dirty Dishwasher Filter
Some Bosch manuals use a separate code, such as E22, for a blocked filter. However, Bosch’s broader support guidance includes filter cleaning among the first drainage checks because a heavily contaminated filter can restrict water flow toward the pump.
Clean the filter even when it does not look completely blocked. Grease and fine debris may be difficult to see.
Blocked Air Gap
An air gap is a small fitting usually installed beside the kitchen faucet in some North American homes. It helps prevent dirty sink water from flowing back into the dishwasher.
Remove its outer cover and check for visible debris. Do not push sharp tools deeply into the fitting or dismantle plumbing connections unless you can control the water and reinstall them correctly.
Bosch US lists a blocked air gap or drain hose as a possible E24 cause.
Garbage-Disposal Knockout Plug
A new garbage disposal has a sealed dishwasher connection. The internal knockout plug must be removed before the dishwasher drain hose is attached.
This cause is especially likely when E24 appeared immediately after:
- A dishwasher installation
- A garbage-disposal replacement
- Plumbing work beneath the sink
North American Bosch manuals also identify a plugged garbage-disposal inlet as a cause of newer drainage code E61-03.
Before Troubleshooting: Safety Precautions
Follow these precautions before opening the filter or pump area:
- Switch off the dishwasher.
- Disconnect the plug or isolate the appropriate circuit when the plug is inaccessible.
- Allow hot water inside the dishwasher to cool.
- Place towels around the appliance.
- Wear protective gloves.
- Remove water with a sponge or small container.
- Keep children away from the work area.
Broken glass may be hidden beneath cloudy water. Bosch specifically warns that glass fragments and pointed objects can collect around the wastewater pump and cause injury.
Stop troubleshooting when the work would require:
- Removing the dishwasher from cabinetry
- Opening electrical housings
- Testing live voltage
- Disconnecting internal wiring
- Bypassing a safety device
- Opening the appliance base
- Replacing an internal pump or control board
How to Troubleshoot Bosch Dishwasher E24
Step 1: Cancel the Current Cycle
On many Bosch models, press and hold Reset 4 Sec. or the Start button for approximately four seconds.
The dishwasher should attempt to pump out the remaining water. Bosch states that the cancellation process normally takes about one minute.
If the dishwasher only hums and no water leaves, stop the appliance. Repeatedly resetting it will not remove a physical blockage.
Step 2: Disconnect the Power
Once the cycle has stopped, switch off the dishwasher and disconnect it from its power source before reaching into the sump.
Do not rely only on the control-panel power button when touching the pump area.
Step 3: Remove and Clean the Filter
- Pull out the lower basket.
- Unlock and remove the cylindrical filter assembly.
- Separate its removable sections where the manual allows.
- Rinse the filter under running water.
- Use mild soap and a soft brush for greasy residue.
- Check the filter well for food particles or labels.
- Do not reinstall the filter yet.
Bosch recommends cleaning the filter under running water with mild soap and a soft brush.
Step 4: Remove the Standing Water
Use a sponge or a small cup to remove water from the sump.
Avoid tipping the dishwasher. Water could enter areas that are meant to remain dry and create a second fault.
Step 5: Inspect the Pump Cover
The pump cover is normally located beneath the filter, but its design and release method vary.
Using the instructions for your exact model:
- Release the pump cover carefully.
- Lift it out without forcing it.
- Check whether it was loose or incorrectly seated.
- Inspect the surrounding area for debris.
- Do not reach blindly into the opening.
Some Bosch manuals show the cover being released with the handle of a spoon, while other models use a different locking design. Treat the owner’s manual as the controlling instruction.
Step 6: Check the Pump Area
Wearing gloves, remove visible food residue, labels, glass or other foreign material.
Where the model manual permits, check whether the accessible impeller can move. A small amount of magnetic resistance may be normal on some pumps. Do not use force, metal tools or lubricants.
Reinstall the pump cover firmly. It should lock or click into its correct position on models using that design.
Step 7: Reinstall the Filter
Refit the filter assembly in the same position.
Make sure:
- The filter sits flat
- Its arrows or alignment marks match
- The locking handle reaches its normal position
- No food or packaging is trapped beneath it
A loose filter can allow debris to return to the pump.
Step 8: Check the Drain Hose
Inspect the hose beneath the sink.
Correct any visible:
- Kink
- Tight bend
- Crushing
- Twist
- Blockage at the connection
Do not shorten the hose or change its routing without checking the installation instructions. North American installations may require a proper high loop to reduce wastewater flowing back into the hose.
Step 9: Inspect the Sink-Side Drainage Connection
The correct check depends on the installation.
For a siphon or sink-waste connection:
- Confirm that the connection is open
- Check for grease or food residue
- Make sure the hose is not pushed too deeply into a standpipe
For an air-gap installation:
- Remove the outer cap
- Clear visible debris
- Check that water can pass through the fitting
For a garbage disposal:
- Confirm the dishwasher inlet is not blocked
- Check whether the knockout plug was removed
- Inspect for debris at the hose connection
Disconnecting a drain hose can release dirty water. Use a bucket and stop when the connection is difficult to access or reinstall securely.
Step 10: Test the Dishwasher
Reconnect power after all covers, filters and hoses are correctly positioned.
Run a rinse or short cycle and watch for:
- Water draining into the sink connection
- Leaks beneath the sink
- Gurgling or repeated humming
- E24 returning
- Water remaining in the tub
Stop the test immediately if water appears beneath the dishwasher.
How to Reset a Bosch Dishwasher After E24
A reset cancels the current programme. It does not repair a clogged drainage system.
On many models:
- Press and hold Reset 4 Sec. or Start for about four seconds.
- Allow approximately one minute for the dishwasher to attempt drainage.
- Open the door after the cancellation finishes.
- Press the On/Off button.
- Start a short test programme after the drainage checks are complete.
Integrated models may have controls along the top edge of the door. Some older or region-specific models use different button combinations. Check the control panel and owner’s manual before assuming the four-second procedure applies.
Bosch E24 Error but the Filter Is Clean
A clean filter rules out only one possible restriction. Continue with the remaining drainage path.
Check these areas next:
- Pump cover: Confirm that it is installed and locked correctly.
- Pump chamber: Look for glass, fruit stones, labels or hard food debris.
- Drain hose: Check for bends and restrictions beneath the sink.
- Sink connection: Inspect the siphon, air gap or disposal inlet.
- Installation: Confirm that a new waste connection was opened.
- Backflow: Check whether debris has returned through an incorrectly routed hose.
When all accessible areas are clear and E24 still returns, the fault may involve a damaged pump, an internal hose restriction, a non-return component, wiring or electronic control. Those possibilities require model-specific diagnosis rather than further general cleaning.
Bosch E24 Versus E25
| Code | Typical Bosch description | Main distinction |
|---|---|---|
| E24 | Water is not draining | Often includes the hose, siphon, pump or pump cover |
| E25 | Wastewater pump is blocked or pump cover is loose | More directly focused on the pump area |
| E61-03 | Water is not draining on selected newer models | May include disposal plug, hose, pump cover or missing high loop |
| E61-02 | Pump cover loose or foreign object blocking pump | Newer code more focused on the pump chamber |
The exact distinction varies by model. For example, one current Bosch manual lists the hose, siphon, pump and pump cover under E24, while selected newer North American manuals use E61-03 for a similar no-drain condition.
Do not assume that codes from different generations are interchangeable. Search using the complete model number and read the error table in that dishwasher’s manual.
E24, E-24, E:24 and F24
The same code may be written as:
- E24
- E-24
- E:24
Some Bosch regional support pages also refer to F24 alongside E24 as a possible blocked-pump or drainage fault. This does not mean every Bosch dishwasher supports both formats.
The appliance’s E-Nr., found around the door area or on its rating plate, is the safest way to locate the correct manual and compatible parts. Bosch’s official parts system requires the E-Nr. to confirm fit.
Possible Parts Associated With a Persistent E24
| Component | Possible relationship to E24 | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| Pump cover | Loose, damaged or incorrectly fitted | Inspect and refit using the manual |
| Drain hose | Kinked, obstructed or internally damaged | Inspect accessible sections |
| Filter assembly | Dirty, damaged or incorrectly locked | Clean and reinstall |
| Drain pump | Jammed, worn or electrically faulty | Technician diagnosis |
| Non-return component | May allow dirty water to return | Model-specific service check |
| Internal drainage hose | May contain a hidden restriction | Technician inspection |
| Wiring or control system | May prevent pump operation | Professional electrical diagnosis |
Do not order a drain pump based only on the E24 code. Bosch dishwasher parts differ by model and production version. Use the full E-Nr. and index number from the rating plate.
Can You Use a Bosch Dishwasher With E24?
Do not continue running normal wash cycles while the dishwasher is unable to drain.
Continued use may:
- Leave dirty water inside the tub
- Produce unpleasant odours
- Allow residue to return to dishes
- Place repeated strain on the pump
- Cause water to escape when the door is opened
A single short test is reasonable after the filter, pump cover, drain hose and sink connection have been checked.
Do not perform another test if:
- Water is leaking
- The appliance smells hot or electrical
- The circuit breaker trips
- The pump makes a harsh grinding noise
- The dishwasher repeatedly fills without draining
When to Call a Technician
Arrange professional service when:
- E24 returns after all safe checks
- The pump does not run
- The pump makes a loud grinding noise
- The impeller is damaged or inaccessible
- The pump cover will not lock
- The drain hose is blocked behind the appliance
- The dishwasher must be removed from the cabinet
- An internal hose or electrical part requires testing
- Water appears beneath the machine
- The appliance is under warranty
Bosch advises contacting customer support or arranging an engineer visit when the recommended checks do not resolve E24.
How to Reduce the Chance of E24 Returning
- Remove bones, fruit stones, paper labels and large scraps before loading.
- Clean the filter regularly.
- Check small glasses and containers for broken pieces.
- Prevent utensils from falling through the basket.
- Keep the sink waste connection clear.
- Avoid crushing the drain hose with items stored beneath the sink.
- Check the disposal inlet after plumbing work.
- Refit the pump cover and filter correctly after cleaning.
You normally do not need to pre-rinse every dish. The main goal is to remove hard objects and materials that cannot dissolve during a wash cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I clear Bosch E24 by resetting the dishwasher?
A reset may cancel the cycle and remove the displayed code temporarily, but it cannot clear a physical blockage. Check the filter, pump cover, hose and sink connection before resetting.
Why does my Bosch dishwasher show E24 when there is no standing water?
The dishwasher may detect slow or abnormal drainage even when most water has left the tub. A partial hose restriction, loose pump cover or sink-side blockage may still be present.
Does E24 mean the drain pump must be replaced?
No. Bosch lists several non-component causes, including a kinked hose, blocked siphon, debris in the pump and a loose pump cover. Pump replacement should follow model-specific diagnosis, not the code alone.
What should I check when the filter is already clean?
Inspect the pump cover, pump chamber, accessible drain hose, air gap, siphon and garbage-disposal connection. A clean filter does not rule out a blockage elsewhere.
Why did E24 appear after installing a new garbage disposal?
The dishwasher inlet on the new disposal may still contain its factory knockout plug. The dishwasher cannot drain through that connection until the plug is removed.
Can a blocked kitchen sink cause Bosch E24?
Yes. A restricted household drain, siphon or disposal connection can prevent dishwasher wastewater from leaving normally.
Is E24 the same as E25?
They are related drainage codes, but they are not always identical. E24 often covers the complete drainage route, while E25 is more directly associated with the wastewater pump or pump cover on documented models.
Where can I find my Bosch dishwasher model number?
Look around the inner door edge or on the rating plate. Bosch identifies the model number as the E-Nr. It is needed for the correct manual and compatible replacement parts.