Seeing E15 on your Bosch dishwasher means the AquaStop leak-protection float switch has detected water where it shouldn’t be, and shut off the water inlet to prevent flooding. Here’s how to handle it correctly.
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
Locate the water shutoff valve under the sink or behind the dishwasher and turn it off. This is the single most important step, regardless of whether the leak is real or the float switch triggered falsely.
Step 2: Look for Standing Water
If it’s safe to do so, gently pull the dishwasher forward slightly and look underneath and around the base for visible water. Don’t tilt or move it aggressively, and don’t attempt to access the internal base pan.
Step 3: Don’t Run Another Cycle
It might be tempting to just restart the cycle and see if the error clears. Don’t — if there’s an active leak, running the dishwasher again risks real water damage to your floor and cabinetry.
Step 4: Book a Diagnostic
A technician can quickly determine whether this is a genuine leak (from a hose, seal, or pump) or a false trigger from a stuck float switch or condensation buildup — something that isn’t reliably diagnosable without opening the base pan.
Visit our dishwasher repair page or call us directly — E15 calls are one of the situations we prioritize for same-day dispatch.
Not Confident Doing This Yourself?
A factory-trained technician can diagnose and fix it safely, usually same-day.