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Bosch Dishwasher E15 Error: Causes & Fixes

On a Bosch (or Siemens) dishwasher, error code E15 means the leak-protection safety switch has detected water in the base of the appliance and the leakage protection system has activated.

Before you work on your dishwasher

  • Power: Unplug the dishwasher or switch off its circuit breaker before removing panels or touching wiring.
  • Water: Turn off the water supply valve before disconnecting hoses or the inlet valve.
  • Heat: Water and the heating element can be hot right after a cycle; let the dishwasher cool first.
  • Sharp debris: Wear gloves when reaching into the filter or sump; broken glass often collects there.
  • Stop: If you smell burning, see smoke or sparks, or find water near wiring, switch off the breaker and call a technician.
  • Disconnect power before accessing internal dishwasher parts: Unplug the dishwasher or switch off the circuit breaker that powers it before removing panels, the filter, or the drain pump cover, or before reaching into the sump.
  • Shut off the water supply before disconnecting hoses: Turn off the water supply before disconnecting the drain hose, siphon connection, or water inlet, or before pulling the dishwasher out for service.

What causes Bosch E15

  1. Leak safety switch tripped by water in the base pan: E15 is directly triggered when a foam float in the base pan rises as water collects there and trips the leak safety switch; iFixit lists this tripped switch as the second documented cause. Difficulty 1/5.
  2. Underlying leak reaching the tub base or door area: Resetting the leak safety switch does not fix the leak that tripped it; iFixit directs users to find the water source, and Bosch's general dishwasher troubleshooting guide lists common causes of water reaching the tub base or door area, including oversudsing, a misaligned door seal, a blocked condensation vent, or improper installation. Difficulty 1/5.
  3. Temporary control-board error (no real leak): iFixit lists a temporary control-board error as a possible cause of a one-off E15 reading, distinct from an actual leak reaching the base pan. Difficulty 1/5.

Find the cause of E15 on your dishwasher

Step-by-step checks for Bosch E15

Inspect for a common underlying leak source

About 10 minutes

  1. Check for excess suds or spilled rinse aid.
  2. Check that the door seal is securely inserted into its track.
  3. Check whether the condensation vent is blocked.
  4. Consider whether the dishwasher was installed correctly.

Power-cycle the dishwasher and inspect the base

About 5 minutes

  1. Disconnect power to the dishwasher for about five minutes, then restore it.
  2. If the E15 code returns, disconnect power again and inspect the base of the dishwasher for standing water before continuing.

Inspect and reset the leak safety switch and float

About 20 minutes

  1. Switch off the circuit breaker (or unplug the dishwasher) and close the water supply valve before removing the kick plate.
  2. Remove the outer door panel and kick plate with a Torx or Phillips screwdriver.
  3. Locate the leak safety switch near the center of the dishwasher base.
  4. Twist and lift the switch to release it, then remove the foam float and check for standing water or debris.

How to fix Bosch E15

Fix a common underlying leak source

About 15 minutes · Difficulty 1/5

  1. Use an appropriate dishwasher detergent and don't overfill rinse aid; if suds persist, add one tablespoon of vegetable oil and run a cycle.
  2. Make sure the door seal is securely inserted into its track.
  3. Clean out the condensation vent and move tall items away from it.

Power-cycle the dishwasher

About 5 minutes · Difficulty 1/5

  1. Disconnect the dishwasher from power for about five minutes.
  2. Restore power and check whether E15 returns.
  3. If the code returns, continue troubleshooting for an actual leak rather than repeating the reset.

Reset the leak safety switch and dry the base pan

About 30 minutes · Difficulty 3/5

  1. Switch off the circuit breaker (or unplug the dishwasher) and close the water supply valve before removing the kick plate.
  2. Remove the outer door panel and kick plate with a Torx or Phillips screwdriver.
  3. Twist and lift the leak safety switch to release it, then remove the foam float.
  4. Absorb standing water and dry the float and base thoroughly.
  5. Remove any debris obstructing the float.
  6. Reassemble only after the base and electrical connections are fully dry, then restore power.

Bosch dishwasher models reported with E15

  • GM926710
  • SHE43P25UC/64
  • SHE45M05UC/50
  • SHE45M06UC/50
  • SHE4AP06UC/06
  • SHE55M12UC/64
  • SHE55M15UC/64
  • SHE55M16UC/64
  • SHE58C05UC/48
  • SHI4302
  • SHI4306
  • SHI6802
  • SHI6805
  • SHI6806
  • SHU9915UC/11
  • SHX43C05UC/46
  • SHX45M05UC/50

The same models are also listed in Bosch dishwasher E24 error.

When to call a technician about Bosch E15

  • Have a professional remount an improperly installed dishwasher
  • Turn off the water supply and contact Bosch Customer Service

Sources

  1. Dishwasher SP.. Instruction Manual, Bosch Home Appliances US (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  2. Dishwasher SHSM63****, SHS863****, SHS843****, SHVM63****, SHV863**** Operating Instructions, Bosch Home Appliances US (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  3. Dishwasher SMS6HAI01A User Manual, Bosch Home Appliances US (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  4. Dishwasher Error Codes | Support | Bosch, Bosch Home Appliances US (retrieved 2026-09-19)
  5. E15 Bosch Dishwasher Error Code | Dishwasher Troubleshooting | Bosch, Bosch Home Appliances US (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  6. Bosch Dishwasher E15 Code - iFixit Troubleshooting, iFixit (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  7. Bosch Dishwasher E24 Code - iFixit Troubleshooting, iFixit (retrieved 2026-09-18)

Last updated September 29, 2026 · facts last verified September 19, 2026 · How we source and verify

Guidance only; follow your appliance manual and local codes. If anything looks unsafe, stop and call a qualified technician. Safety disclaimer