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.
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.
Meaning
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
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.
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.
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 problems
- Low
Maytag Dishwasher Not Draining: Reset, Filter Location & Error Codes
Maytag has been built by Whirlpool since 2006 and shares the same twist-out filter and kickplate pump design. Filter cleaning is still…
- Low
Frigidaire Dishwasher Not Draining: Reset, Filter Location & Error Codes
Most Frigidaire dishwashers use a self-cleaning macerating system with no manual filter, so a drain problem usually points to the pump, hose,…
- Low
KitchenAid Dishwasher Not Draining: Reset, Filter Location & Error Codes
KitchenAid dishwashers share Whirlpool's platform, same twist-out filter and kickplate pump access, but parts sold under the KitchenAid name often cost more…
Related guides
When to call a professional
If the simple checks didn’t solve it, if the fix involves electrical wiring, gas, or the refrigerant circuit, or if you have any doubt at all: stop there and hand the appliance to a qualified repair professional.