Bosch E24 Error Code — What It Means
The E24 error code on a Bosch dishwasher signals a drain problem. The machine has detected that water is not draining properly from the tub, usually because something is blocking the drain path. This can range from a clogged filter at the bottom of the tub to a kinked hose or an obstruction in the drain pump itself. In rare cases, the dishwasher may drain normally but the control board or sensor still throws the code due to an electronic fault.
Common Causes
- Blocked drain filter or sump area Food particles and debris accumulate in the fine filter and sump, preventing water from reaching the pump.
- Foreign object in pump inlet or impeller A piece of plastic, bone, or other item lodges in the pump cover or impeller, stopping the pump from moving water.
- Kinked or restricted drain hose The drain hose is pinched, crushed, or internally clogged, blocking the flow of water out of the dishwasher.
- Improper drain hose routing The hose lacks a proper high loop or is incorrectly connected to the disposal or air gap, allowing backflow or poor drainage.
- Drain pump obstruction or failure The pump itself is mechanically stuck or electrically failed and cannot push water through the drain line.
- Control board or sensor misread The dishwasher drains correctly but a faulty sensor or board continues to report an E24 error.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Disconnect power to the dishwasher at the breaker or by unplugging it, and wait five minutes to reset the control board.
- Force a drain cycle by pressing and holding the Start or Reset button for a few seconds to see if the machine drains on command.
- Remove the lower dish rack and unscrew or lift out the cylindrical filter assembly at the bottom of the tub, then clean it under running water and inspect the sump for debris or foreign objects.
- Check the pump cover and impeller by removing the filter assembly completely and looking into the sump area for any obstruction, then pull out any plastic, bone fragments, or other items.
- Inspect the drain hose from the dishwasher to the sink or disposal for kinks, pinches, or blockages, and verify it has a high loop or air gap per installation instructions.
- Detach and flush the drain hose if you suspect an internal clog, using a sink snake or running water through it in the opposite direction.
- Test the drain pump by restoring power and running a drain cycle while listening for pump noise, or use a multimeter to verify the pump receives voltage and is not electrically open if the mechanical path is clear.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Drain pump assembly | Amazon | Required if the pump does not run or tests electrically open after clearing obstructions. |
| Drain hose | Amazon | Replace if kinked, crushed, or internally blocked beyond cleaning. |
| Drain filter assembly | Amazon | Order if the filter is cracked, warped, or missing its fine mesh screen. |
| Control board | Amazon | Only needed when drainage is confirmed good and the E24 error persists as a false alarm. |
When to Call a Pro
If you have cleaned the filter, cleared the pump area, verified the drain hose is unobstructed and properly routed, and the E24 error still appears or the dishwasher will not drain at all, call a qualified appliance technician. A professional can test the drain pump electrically, diagnose intermittent sensor or board faults, and safely replace internal components that require disassembly of the dishwasher base or control module.