What does Bosch Dishwasher Not Draining - Causes & Fix mean?

Most often caused by a blocked drain filter. Remove the filter unit at the base of the tub, clean it thoroughly, and check for debris.

How do I fix Bosch Dishwasher Not Draining - Causes & Fix?

Follow the step-by-step diagnosis below. The most likely fix is identified by checking power, sensor resistance, and control-board signals in order — using a multimeter and the part numbers documented in the parts reference table.

Can I keep running the equipment with this fault active?

Generally no. Faults on Appliance units are emitted when a sensor, safety, or control circuit is outside its operating envelope. Running through an active fault risks compressor, heater, or control-board damage. Diagnose and clear the fault first.

What part is most commonly replaced for Bosch Dishwasher Not Draining - Causes & Fix?

The most frequently replaced parts for Bosch Dishwasher Not Draining - Causes & Fix are listed in the Parts Reference section of this guide with OEM part numbers and typical price ranges. Check the table for direct replacements.

Is Bosch Dishwasher Not Draining - Causes & Fix a DIY repair or do I need a technician?

Sensor swaps, fan motor replacements, and condenser cleaning are typical DIY-level repairs. Anything involving refrigerant, gas, or high-voltage (>240V) work requires a licensed technician for both safety and code-compliance reasons.

Bosch Dishwasher Not Draining - Causes & Fix

Bosch Dishwasher Not Draining — What’s Happening

When a Bosch dishwasher will not drain, the appliance is most commonly displaying fault code E24, which Bosch defines as a drain problem tied to a blocked drain filter. Water remains standing in the bottom of the tub after the cycle completes, and the dishwasher may stop mid-cycle or fail to advance to drying.

Bosch’s own troubleshooting guidance treats this as a drain-path fault and directs technicians to inspect the filter, drain hose, pump cover, and the connection to household plumbing. While a failed drain pump is possible, blockage-related causes are far more common and should be checked first.

Jump to Fix

Most Likely Causes

Blocked drain filter or filter unit Food debris, broken glass, labels, or grease accumulate in the filter basket at the base of the tub and prevent water from reaching the pump.
Kinked or blocked drain hose The drain hose running from the dishwasher to the sink or disposal is crushed, twisted, or clogged internally, stopping water flow.
Loose or improperly seated pump cover The pump cover under the filter is not locked down correctly, allowing the pump to lose prime or draw air instead of water.
Debris in the drain pump impeller area Small objects or food particles lodge in the pump chamber or around the impeller, preventing the motor from moving water.
Garbage disposal knockout plug not removed When a new disposal is installed, the dishwasher inlet plug inside the disposal must be punched out or the dishwasher cannot drain into it.
Restricted or sealed siphon or sink connection The drain hose connection at the air gap, siphon, or sink tailpiece is clogged or improperly sealed, blocking the path to house plumbing.
Failed drain pump motor After all blockages are ruled out, a mechanically seized or electrically dead pump will not evacuate water and must be replaced.

How to Diagnose and Fix

Disconnect power at the breaker or unplug the unit before opening the filter or pump area.
Remove the lower dish rack and lift out the cylindrical filter unit at the base of the tub, then rinse and inspect it for trapped debris.
Check the pump cover directly under the filter location and confirm it is seated flat and locked in place, not loose or tilted.
Look into the pump chamber below the cover for any glass shards, food particles, labels, or foreign objects around the impeller, and remove anything you find.
Pull the dishwasher forward and inspect the entire length of the drain hose for kinks, crushing, or internal blockage, and straighten or replace as needed.
Trace the drain hose to the garbage disposal or sink connection and verify the knockout plug has been removed from a new disposal and that the hose is firmly attached.
Reassemble the filter, cover, and any panels, restore power, and run a short rinse or drain cycle to verify water evacuates completely.
If water still does not drain and all paths are clear, remove the drain pump assembly and test it for mechanical freedom and electrical continuity, then replace if faulty.

Parts You Might Need

Part	Notes
Bosch dishwasher drain filter	Amazon \| Cylindrical mesh filter unit at the base of the tub.
Bosch dishwasher drain hose	Amazon \| Corrugated or smooth hose running from pump to sink or disposal.
Bosch dishwasher drain pump assembly	Amazon \| Motor and impeller unit under the sump, replaced when mechanically or electrically failed.

If your appliance also shows a code on the display, these match this problem:

When to Call a Pro

Call a professional if you have cleaned the filter, inspected the hose and pump cover, and confirmed the disposal knockout is removed but the dishwasher still will not drain. A technician can safely remove and test the drain pump motor, check for wiring faults, and replace the pump assembly if it has seized or failed electrically. Also call if you are uncomfortable working around standing water, removing the lower pump components, or pulling the dishwasher out to access the drain hose and plumbing connections.