What Does E24 Mean On A Bosch Dishwasher: Fix It Fast

If your Bosch flashes E24, take a breath. I’ve fixed this error more times than I’ve stubbed my toe, and that’s saying a lot. Here’s the short version: what does E24 mean on a Bosch dishwasher? It’s a drain problem. The machine can’t push water out. Most of the time, it’s a simple clog, a kinked hose, or a tiny plastic plug hiding in the garbage disposal. Stick with me, and I’ll show you how to find it fast without breaking anything—or your spirit.

What E24 Means On Bosch Dishwashers

E24 is Bosch’s way of saying “drainage issue.” The control board sees that water is not leaving the tub as expected. So it stops and throws the error to protect the pump.

In most cases, E24 relates to:

• A blocked or kinked drain hose
• A clogged filter or sump area
• An air gap or disposal connection issue
• A jammed drain pump impeller
• A check valve stuck shut
• Incorrect drain hose height causing siphoning

From experience and Bosch manuals, E24 is usually a plumbing or debris problem—not a bad control board. That’s good news for you and your wallet.

Quick Reset And First Checks

Start with the easy wins. You’ll be surprised how often one of these solves it in 5 minutes.

• Run a cancel/drain cycle. Press Start for 3–5 seconds to force a drain.
• Check the sink. If the sink is backed up, the dishwasher can’t drain.
• Inspect the drain hose under the sink. Make sure it isn’t kinked or crushed.
• If recently installed to a garbage disposal, confirm the knockout plug was removed. No hole = no drain.
• Clean the filter. Twist and lift the cylindrical filter in the tub and rinse it well.

I’ve seen E24 vanish after someone simply unkinked the hose or knocked loose a cherry pit hiding in the filter.

Common Causes And How To Fix Them

Kinked Or Blocked Drain Hose

– Symptom: Loud pump, little to no water movement.
– Fix: Straighten bends. Remove the hose and flush it with warm water. If you see gunk, run a flexible brush through. Reinstall with a smooth loop and proper high loop.

Clogged Filter Or Sump

– Symptom: Standing water over the filter, gritty residue.
– Fix: Pull the filter, rinse it, then check the sump opening with a flashlight. Remove debris with gloves or tweezers.

Garbage Disposal Knockout Plug Not Removed

– Symptom: Brand-new install, instant E24.
– Fix: Disconnect the dishwasher hose at the disposal nipple. Stick a screwdriver in the nipple. If it hits plastic, the knockout is still there. Tap it out with a hammer, remove the plastic, reconnect.

Air Gap Or Sink Branch Clog

– Symptom: Water or gunk spewing from the air gap cap.
– Fix: Remove the cap. Clean the cap and chamber. Snake the short hose to the disposal or drain line.

Drain Pump Obstruction

– Symptom: Buzzing or humming sound, no flow.
– Fix: Remove the filter. Access the pump via the sump opening. Check for glass, seeds, or labels around the impeller. If needed, access from the bottom panel and inspect the pump more directly.

Stuck Check Valve

– Symptom: Backflow into the tub after drain.
– Fix: Inspect the non-return valve near the pump outlet or in the hose assembly. Free or replace if stuck.

Siphoning Or Wrong Hose Height

– Symptom: Intermittent E24, odd drain-refill cycles.
– Fix: Ensure a high loop under the counter or install an air gap. Check that the drain connection is above the waterline per Bosch specs.

Control Glitch (Less Common)

– Symptom: No physical block found, random E24.
– Fix: Power-cycle the dishwasher at the breaker for 5 minutes. If it recurs, test components before assuming the board is bad.

Pro tip from the field: 7 out of 10 E24 calls I get are disposal knockout or hose issues. Check those first.

Step-By-Step Troubleshooting Checklist

Follow this path to save time and avoid guesswork.

1. Cancel and drain. Listen. If the pump runs but no water moves, think blockage.
2. Open the door. Remove and rinse the filter. Check the sump for debris.
3. Inspect under-sink plumbing. Verify the high loop and hose condition.
4. If connected to a disposal, confirm the knockout is removed.
5. Check the air gap (if present). Clean the cap and hoses.
6. Detach the drain hose at the sink end. Run water through it in a sink or tub. Clear clogs.
7. Look at the drain pump. Remove small debris from the impeller area.
8. Verify the check valve moves freely.
9. Restore power. Run a short cycle and watch the drain stage.
10. Still stuck? Test voltage at the pump, check continuity, and consider a pump replacement before blaming the control board.

Safety note: Unplug or switch off the breaker before opening panels or handling wiring. Wear gloves for sharp edges and hidden glass.

When To Call A Pro And Expected Costs

Call a technician if:
– You’ve cleared the hose, filter, and air gap, and E24 persists.
– The pump hums but won’t spin even when debris-free.
– You see leaks, burnt smells, or tripped breakers.
– You’re not comfortable removing kick plates or handling wiring.

Typical costs in my experience:

• Service call and diagnosis: 80–150 dollars
• Drain pump replacement: 120–250 dollars parts and labor
• Hose or air gap fixes: 20–100 dollars
• Control board (rare for E24): 200–400 dollars

Get an estimate first. Ask the tech to show the failed part or the blockage so you know it’s legit.

How To Prevent E24 In The Future

A little routine care keeps the code away.

• Scrape plates, but no need to prewash. Avoid pits, seeds, toothpicks, and labels.
• Clean the filter weekly if you cook often; monthly if not.
• Run hot water at the sink for 30 seconds before starting a cycle.
• Use rinse aid to improve flow and reduce film.
• Keep a proper high loop or air gap in the drain line.
• Every few months, run a dishwasher cleaner on a hot cycle.

My rule of thumb: if you wouldn’t put it in a smoothie, don’t put it in the dishwasher. Your pump will thank you.

E24 vs E25 vs E15: What’s The Difference

These Bosch codes look similar, but they point to different places.

• E24: General drain problem. Think hose, filter, air gap, or pump restriction.
• E25: Pump-level issue. Often a clogged or failed drain pump, or impeller stuck.
• E15: Leak detected in the base pan. The float switch sees water, so the unit stops.

If you switch from E24 to E25 after clearing hoses, it may mean the pump needs attention. If you see E15, unplug the unit, address the leak, and dry the base before further tests.

Model Notes And Installation Gotchas

Small differences matter by series and install:

• 800 Series quiet models often have tighter cabinet spaces. Hoses kink more easily.
• Drawer organizers can press the hose under the sink. Check after adding bins or bins of cleaning supplies.
• If you replaced a disposal, the new unit will have that pesky knockout again. Always check.
• New builds sometimes route the hose too low. Add a high loop or air gap per local code.

From years in the field, I’ve seen brand-new kitchens with perfect cabinets and a drain loop that looks like a roller coaster drop. Pretty, but wrong. Keep that loop high.

Frequently Asked Questions Of What Does E24 Mean On A Bosch Dishwasher

Is E24 dangerous or harmful to the machine?

No. It’s a protective stop. Fix the drain problem and you’re fine. Don’t force cycles while water sits in the tub.

Can I fix E24 without tools?

Often, yes. Clean the filter, unkink the hose, clear the air gap, and check the disposal knockout. Those take minimal tools.

Does a new garbage disposal cause E24?

Yes, if the installer forgot to remove the knockout plug. It’s very common after kitchen updates.

What if the dishwasher still shows E24 after I clear clogs?

Power-cycle at the breaker for 5 minutes. If E24 returns, test the drain pump, hose path, and check valve. Consider a pro if you’re unsure.

How do I know if the pump has failed?

If it hums but doesn’t move water, or tests show no continuity, it may be bad. Replace only after confirming no blockages.

Will using detergent pods cause E24?

Pods don’t cause E24 directly, but excess suds can affect draining. Use the correct detergent amount and rinse aid.

How high should the drain hose loop be?

Typically just under the countertop underside or per Bosch’s manual. The goal is a high loop to prevent backflow or siphoning.

Conclusion

E24 means your Bosch can’t drain. Most fixes are fast: clear the filter, unkink or clean the hose, check the air gap, and make sure the disposal knockout is out. If needed, look at the pump, check valve, and hose height. Keep things simple, start with the easy wins, and you’ll likely beat E24 in one coffee break.

Take action today: give your filter a rinse, eyeball that hose loop, and run a hot cycle. Want more DIY wins? Subscribe, share your E24 tale in the comments, and keep your kitchen running smooth.