Bosch Dishwasher Door Seal / Gasket
Replacement seal if a worn gasket is leaking into the base.
$35
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E15 is the most common Bosch dishwasher error code. It means the AquaStop anti-flood sensor at the base of the machine detected water. The dishwasher has locked itself out. This is a safety feature — the machine is protecting your kitchen floor, not necessarily indicating a serious internal problem.
Quick Reference
| Code | Meaning | Severity | DIY or Call |
|---|---|---|---|
| E15 | Water in base pan | Medium | DIY |
| E16 | Water inlet stuck open | Medium | DIY |
| E24 | Drain blockage | Low | DIY |
What This Error Means
Beneath the Bosch dishwasher tub is a shallow base pan containing a float switch. If any water leaks down into this pan, the float rises, the AquaStop sensor triggers, and E15 appears. The machine won’t run again until the base is completely dry and the float drops back down.
Importantly, E15 doesn’t tell you where the water came from. You need to find the leak source and fix it before restarting.
Common Causes
- Door gasket failure — The rubber seal around the door opening cracks or hardens over time, allowing water to seep through during washing. The bottom corners are the most common failure point.
- Loose inlet hose — The water supply connection at the inlet valve can loosen or develop a slow drip.
- Loose or failed drain hose connection — Drain connections at the pump or at the sink drain can loosen.
- Pump seal wear — The seal around the pump housing can fail, causing a drip from the bottom of the unit.
- Cracked sump or tub component — Less common, but cracks in plastic components can occur with age.
Step-by-Step Fix
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Disconnect power. Turn off the circuit breaker for the dishwasher or unplug it.
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Open the door and remove any dishes.
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Pull the dishwasher out from under the counter.
- Open the door and look for two mounting screws at the top — they hold the machine to the underside of the counter.
- Remove those screws.
- Disconnect the power supply (or ensure the breaker is off).
- Close the door and slide the machine out carefully. The water supply hose and drain hose will limit how far it can come out — work within that reach.
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Tilt the machine backward 45 degrees.
- This allows water sitting in the base pan to drain back through the pump.
- Keep it tilted for 30–60 seconds while the water flows out.
- Set it back down gently. Have old towels on the floor.
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Find the leak source.
- Inspect the door gasket: run your fingertip all the way around the gasket, pressing gently to feel for cracks, tears, or sections that have separated from the door frame. Pay special attention to the bottom of the gasket where it runs along the door threshold — this is where cracks most often start.
- Inspect the inlet hose connection at the back of the machine. Look for water staining or mineral deposits that indicate dripping.
- Inspect the drain hose connection at the pump.
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Dry the base completely. Use paper towels to absorb remaining water, then let a small fan run aimed into the base for 12–24 hours. The float sensor will not reset until the base is completely dry.
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Fix the leak. Replace the door gasket if cracked. Tighten or replace any leaking hose connections. Don’t reinstall the machine until the fix is made.
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Reinstall and test. Run a short cycle and monitor for E15. If it stays clear, the fix worked.
Parts You May Need
- Bosch dishwasher door gasket (search your model number)
- Dishwasher drain hose replacement
- Dishwasher inlet supply hose
When to Call a Technician
If you’ve tilted the machine, dried the base, run a cycle, and E15 returns — meaning water is still getting into the base — the leak source hasn’t been fixed. A technician can run the machine pulled out and observe exactly where the drip is coming from.