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Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E15 (Leak Detected)

E15 means the base pan’s leak sensor detected water and shut the dishwasher down as a safety measure.

Risk: Moderate

Meaning

E15 means Bosch’s leak sensor found water sitting in the base pan and shut the dishwasher down to prevent damage. A worn door gasket is the most common source, but the water could also be coming from a supply line or the tub itself.

The information provided here is a diagnostic aid and does not replace the intervention of a qualified professional.

Possible causes

No cause is certain until it has been checked on the appliance.

Very likely Worn or misaligned door gasket letting water past during the wash
Likely Water supply line connection leaking under the unit
Possible Condensation pooling from a previous cycle
Rare Cracked tub or internal hose

Tools needed

Towels
Shallow tray
Flashlight

First checks

Tilt the dishwasher forward carefully to drain water pooled in the base pan.
Run a finger along the door gasket looking for cracks, gaps, or debris preventing a full seal.
Check the water supply line fitting under the unit for drips.
Run a short cycle and watch the base pan and door seal closely for where water first appears.

Step-by-step diagnosis

Cut power and close the water supply.
Pull the unit out, lay towels down, and tilt it gently forward to drain the base pan. Bosch will hold the code until that pan is dry.
Dry the pan and the polystyrene float that sits in it, then check the float slides up and down without catching.
Run a finger along the full length of the door gasket. Look for a flat spot, a split at the corners, or trapped food holding the seal open.
Check the supply fitting and the drain connection under the unit for a dried mineral trail, which marks a slow drip better than a wet patch does.
Bosch models with Aquastop have a valve in the supply hose that latches once tripped, so a hose that has fired will not pass water until it is reset or replaced.
Restore power and run a short cycle with a flashlight underneath, watching where water first appears rather than waiting for the code.

What not to do

Running further cycles before finding and drying the leak source, this can trip E15 repeatedly or cause worse water damage.
Assuming it's the pump or valve before checking the door gasket, the cheapest and most common fix.

When to stop

The base pan refills on a cycle with a sound gasket and dry fittings.
The Aquastop hose has tripped. Replace the hose rather than defeating it, it is the part protecting the floor.

An error code varies by brand

The same code can have a different meaning depending on the brand and model. Always check your appliance's manual before acting.

Related guides

When to call a professional

If the simple checks turned up nothing, if the repair involves electricity, gas, or the sealed refrigerant system, or if you have any doubt at all: stop there and hand the appliance over to a qualified technician.