What Does E24 Mean On Bosch Dishwasher: Fix Error Fast

If your Bosch is flashing E24, you’re dealing with a drain problem. I’ve fixed dozens of these in the field, and I’ve seen it at home too. The short answer: E24 means the dishwasher can’t drain water. It’s often a clogged filter, a kinked hose, or a blocked pump. In this guide, I’ll show you the exact steps to diagnose and fix E24 fast, using simple tools and common sense. If you searched “what does e24 mean on bosch dishwasher,” you’re in the right place.

What E24 Means On A Bosch Dishwasher

E24 is Bosch’s drain error. The machine sensed that water did not leave the tub when it should. That can happen at the start, mid-cycle, or at the end.

What usually causes it:

• The drain filter and sump are packed with gunk.
• The drain hose is kinked, clogged, or installed wrong.
• The air gap is blocked or missing.
• The garbage disposal knockout plug was never removed.
• The drain pump is jammed or the non-return valve is stuck.

A quick note on E24 vs E25:

• E24 is a general drain issue.
• E25 leans more toward a pump blockage. In real life, I see the same fixes help both.

Quick Diagnosis Checklist

Use this 2-minute scan before you grab a screwdriver:
– Is there standing water in the tub after a cycle? That points to a blockage.
– Open the filter in the bottom and check for food sludge, glass, or labels.
– Look under the sink. Is the drain hose kinked or sitting flat on the cabinet floor?
– Do you have an air gap on the sink deck? Pop the cap and check for gunk.
– Is your dishwasher connected to a new disposal? Make sure the knockout plug is removed.

If the basics look fine, go deeper with the steps below.

Step-By-Step Fix For Bosch E24

Safety first:
– Turn off power to the dishwasher at the breaker.
– Turn off the water supply if you will move the machine.

1. Reset the dishwasher

• Hold Start for 3 to 5 seconds to cancel and drain. On some models, press Start and close the door. If it drains now, you had a one-time hiccup.

2. Clean the filter and sump

• Remove the bottom rack.
• Twist and lift out the filter. Rinse it under hot water.
• Lift the metal screen. Check the sump opening. Scoop out debris. I once found a pasta twist blocking the opening. The fix took 30 seconds.

3. Check the drain hose

• Follow the hose from the dishwasher to the sink drain or disposal.
• Fix kinks. Straighten bends. If the hose is soft and collapses, replace it.
• Detach the end at the sink side. Put a towel down. Blow through it or flush with water. It should be clear.

4. Confirm the high loop or air gap

• A high loop means the hose rises up under the counter before dropping to the drain. It prevents backflow.
• If you have an air gap on the sink, remove the cap and clean the chamber. You can use a small bottle brush.

5. Check the garbage disposal knockout plug

• If your drain hose connects to the disposal, there is a plastic plug inside the inlet from the factory. It must be knocked out before use.
• Turn off power to the disposal. Remove the hose. Shine a light in. If you see plastic blocking the inlet, punch it out with a screwdriver and hammer. Remove the loose plastic.

6. Inspect the drain pump and non-return valve

• Remove the filter and metal screen again.
• In the sump, you’ll see a small cover for the pump. Pop it off.
• Spin the impeller with your finger. It should move freely. Pull out debris. I have found bones, glass, and seeds here.
• Check the little flap valve (non-return valve). Make sure it moves and is not stuck shut.

7. Run a test drain

• Restore power. Start a rinse cycle. Listen for the pump. Watch the sink drain. If it drains well, you’re done.

If E24 returns, repeat steps and focus on the hose routing and the air gap. Most repeat E24 cases I see come from a hose installed without a high loop.

Why E24 Keeps Coming Back

When E24 shows up again and again, the root cause is often design or setup:
– No high loop or air gap. Backflow fills the tub and confuses the sensor.
– Long drain run with many elbows. Grease and food settle and clog.
– Low water temperature and short cycles. Grease builds up over time.
– Hard water. Scale sticks to the sump and impeller.

What I do in stubborn cases:

• I reroute the hose with a proper high loop clipped to the cabinet.
• I trim extra hose length to reduce dips where water can sit.
• I run a hot cycle with a dishwasher cleaner to cut grease.

Practical Tips From The Field

A few real-world lessons I’ve learned fixing Bosch E24:
– The quiet ones lie. Even if it sounds fine, the pump can be jammed by a tiny seed.
– Do the towel test. Put a towel under the sink and loosen the hose. If water rushes out, the line was full and likely clogged downstream.
– Keep it hot. Run the hot water at the sink before starting a cycle. It boosts wash and keeps grease soft.
– Monthly clean. Rinse the filter and run a cleaner once a month. Five minutes now avoids a Saturday emergency later.
– Photograph your hose path. If you pull the dishwasher out, take a photo first. Reinstall the hose exactly with the high loop.

Prevent E24 In The Future

Simple habits make a big difference:
– Scrape, don’t rinse. Large bits go in the trash. The dishwasher needs some food soil, but not chunks.
– Use a quality detergent. Pods or measured powder both work. Avoid over-soaping.
– Hot water start. Run the sink hot for 20 to 30 seconds first.
– Monthly maintenance. Clean the filter and run a dishwasher cleaner.
– Check the hose every six months. Make sure the loop is high and the hose is not crushed.

When To Call A Pro And What It Might Cost

Call a technician if:
– The pump hums but will not spin after cleaning.
– You see error E24 and a leak or burning smell.
– You find damaged wiring or a cracked sump.

Typical costs in my area:

• Basic drain clean and hose correction: low to mid range.
• Pump replacement: mid range plus parts.
• Major sump or sensor issues: higher range, decide based on the age of the unit.

If your Bosch is over 10 years old and needs a pump plus labor, compare repair cost to replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions Of What Does E24 Mean On Bosch Dishwasher

Is E24 Dangerous Or Will It Flood My Kitchen?

E24 itself is not dangerous. It stops the cycle to prevent overflow. You may see some standing water in the tub, but it should not flood if the door is closed.

What Is The Fastest Way To Clear E24?

Clean the filter and sump, check the high loop, and clear the hose at the sink connection. Those three steps fix most cases in under 15 minutes.

Do I Need An Air Gap If I Already Have A High Loop?

Many areas allow a high loop. Some plumbing codes require an air gap. Both prevent backflow. If local code requires it, install the air gap.

Why Did E24 Appear After Installing A New Garbage Disposal?

The knockout plug inside the disposal inlet may still be in place. Remove it so the dishwasher can drain. This is a very common oversight.

Will A Hard Reset Fix E24 Permanently?

A reset clears the error but not the cause. Fix the filter, hose, air gap, or pump issue to keep it from returning.

What’s The Difference Between E24 And E25 On Bosch?

E24 is a drain fault. E25 usually points to a pump blockage. The same cleaning steps often solve both, but E25 more often needs pump access.

Can I Use Vinegar Or Baking Soda To Clear The Drain?

You can flush with hot water and a dishwasher cleaner. Avoid dumping baking soda and vinegar into the sump. It can foam and does not remove solids stuck in the pump.

Conclusion

E24 means your Bosch is not draining as it should. In most homes, the fix is simple. Clean the filter and sump, set a proper high loop or air gap, and clear the hose. If you take 20 minutes today, you can save hours of headache later.

Take action now. Do the quick checklist, run a hot rinse, and make monthly cleaning a habit. If you hit a wall, call a pro with confidence and a clear list of what you tried.

Want more tips like this? Subscribe, share your E24 story in the comments, or ask a question. I’m here to help you get your dishwasher back to quiet, clean glory.

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