Door latch switch
Common interlock fault part on appliance no-start errors.
E13 is a flood protection signal — not a routine mechanical fault. Bosch washers include a safety system called AquaStop (or Waterproof System) that monitors for water in the base tray of the machine. When the float switch in the tray detects water, the machine shuts down and displays E13. Take this one seriously: it means there’s a water leak somewhere in or around the machine.
Quick Reference Table
| Code | Meaning | Severity | DIY? |
|---|---|---|---|
| E13 | AquaStop / Waterproof system triggered — water in base | High | Partial |
Immediate Steps
Do not restart the machine until you’ve cleared the water from the base tray. Running with water in the base can damage electrical components.
- Turn off the water supply valves behind the machine.
- Unplug the washer from the electrical outlet.
- Lay down towels around the machine.
Step 1 — Drain the Base Tray
The base tray sits underneath the machine’s internal components. To drain it:
- With the machine unplugged and supply valves closed, carefully tilt the front of the machine upward — prop it against the wall or have someone hold it.
- Alternatively, on some Bosch models you can remove the bottom front kick plate and use a wet/dry vacuum or towels to absorb the standing water.
- Once the tray is dry, the float switch (the small plastic float that triggered E13) will drop back down and the error can clear.
Allow the base tray to fully dry before running the machine — use a fan or hairdryer on low to accelerate drying if needed.
Step 2 — Find the Leak Source
This is the critical step. E13 cannot return if there’s no leak, so find it.
Common leak sources:
Door seal (gasket) — Inspect the rubber seal around the door opening. Look for cracks, tears, holes, or sections that have pulled out of the groove. A damaged door seal allows water to leak forward and down into the base tray during washing.
Detergent drawer and housing — Remove the detergent drawer and look into the cavity. Mineral buildup or a cracked housing can cause water to run down instead of into the drum.
Drum bearings / rear seal — A failing drum bearing allows water to escape from the rear drum seal. Signs: grinding noise during spin, or water visible at the rear of the machine.
Internal hose connections — With the machine unplugged and tilted back, inspect the internal hoses connecting the inlet valve, drum, and pump. Look for loose clamps, cracked hoses, or deteriorated connections.
Pump filter housing — An improperly tightened filter cap can leak during cycles. Make sure the filter is fully threaded and snug.
Water inlet valve — Cracked valve body or loose connection can drip into the base.
Step 3 — Fix the Leak
- Door seal — replacement is DIY-friendly; the seal peels out of its groove and the new one presses in.
- Detergent drawer housing — clean thoroughly with descaling solution; replace if cracked.
- Loose hose clamps — tighten or replace with new screw-type clamps.
- Pump filter — ensure it’s tight; inspect the O-ring seal on the filter cap.
- Drum bearing — this is a major repair best left to a technician; front-load washer drum bearing replacement requires significant disassembly.
Step 4 — Reset and Test
- After the tray is dry and the leak is repaired, plug the machine back in.
- Open the supply valves.
- Run a short cycle (Quick Wash, 30 minutes) and monitor closely for any leaks.
- E13 should clear once the float switch drops back to its resting position.
If E13 immediately returns on the test cycle, the tray isn’t fully dry, the leak wasn’t fully fixed, or the float switch itself is stuck (rare — it can be cleaned or replaced).
Parts you may need:
- Bosch Washer Door Seal / Door Gasket
- Washing Machine Hose Clamp Set
- Wet Dry Vacuum for Water Removal
- Bosch Washer Water Inlet Valve
If the Leak Is From a Drum Bearing
A failing drum bearing is a significant repair with a typical cost of $200–$400 for a technician. Weigh the cost against the machine’s age and the price of a replacement washer before committing to this repair. If the machine is 8+ years old and the bearing has failed, replacement may be more economical.