Bosch E24 Error Code — What It Means
E24 is a drainage fault. Your Bosch dishwasher is detecting that water is not leaving the machine as expected. This code does not point to a wash or circulation problem. Instead, it signals a restriction somewhere in the drain path, a pump issue, or occasionally a control sensor reading incorrectly.
In most cases the dishwasher will have standing water at the bottom of the tub when E24 appears. The machine has either attempted to drain and failed, or it sensed slow drainage and stopped the cycle. Less commonly, the dishwasher drains normally but still throws E24, which can indicate a control board or sensor glitch rather than a real blockage.
Common Causes
- Clogged filter or sump area Food particles, broken glass, or other debris accumulate in the cylindrical filter assembly at the bottom of the tub and prevent water from reaching the pump.
- Foreign object at the drain pump A piece of bone, toothpick, or twist-tie lodges in the pump cover or impeller, blocking rotation or preventing the pump inlet from opening fully.
- Kinked or blocked drain hose The rubber drain hose is pinched behind the machine, crushed under the dishwasher, or has internal grease and soap buildup restricting flow.
- Improper drain hose routing The hose lacks a proper high loop before connecting to the disposal or sink drain, allowing backflow or air-lock conditions that trigger the error.
- Blocked air gap or disposal connection If your installation uses an air gap on the countertop or connects to a garbage disposal, debris in those fittings can stop drainage completely.
- Failed drain pump When the hose and filter are clear but the dishwasher still will not drain, the pump motor or impeller has failed and no longer moves water out of the tub.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Cancel the cycle and attempt a drain. Press and hold the Start or Reset button (consult your model’s manual for the exact button) to force a drain cycle. If the machine drains completely and the code clears, the fault may be intermittent or control-related rather than a true blockage.
- Remove and clean the filter assembly. Open the door, pull out the lower rack, and twist out the cylindrical mesh filter and flat fine filter at the bottom of the tub. Rinse both under running water and inspect the sump well below for any debris, broken glass, or foreign objects.
- Inspect the drain pump cover and impeller. With the filters out, look into the sump opening and check the plastic pump cover for cracks or lodged debris. If accessible on your model, remove the cover and turn the impeller by hand to confirm it spins freely without binding or grinding.
- Check the drain hose for kinks and blockages. Pull the dishwasher forward enough to see the corrugated drain hose where it exits the machine. Look for sharp bends, pinch points under the unit, or crushing against the cabinet. Disconnect the hose at the sink or disposal end and blow through it or run water backward to confirm it is open.
- Verify proper hose routing and connections. Make sure the drain hose rises in a high loop under the countertop before descending to the disposal or drain tailpiece. If an air gap is installed on the sink deck, remove the chrome cap and clear any buildup inside. If the hose connects to a garbage disposal, confirm the knockout plug was removed when the dishwasher was installed.
- Test the drain pump. Reconnect everything, start a drain cycle, and listen at the front left corner of the machine for pump noise. The pump should hum or buzz and expel water into the hose. If you hear the motor but no water moves, or if the pump is silent, the pump assembly has likely failed and needs replacement.
- Perform a hard power reset if the machine drains but E24 persists. Turn off the circuit breaker for two minutes, then restore power and run a short rinse cycle. If E24 reappears despite confirmed drainage, the control board or water-level sensor may be sending a false signal and professional diagnostics are warranted.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Bosch dishwasher drain pump assembly | Amazon | Required when the pump motor does not run or the impeller is cracked and will not move water even after clearing blockages. |
| Bosch dishwasher filter set (fine and cylindrical) | Amazon | Order a matched pair if your existing filters are cracked, warped, or have damaged mesh that allows debris past the screen. |
| Dishwasher drain hose (universal or OEM) | Amazon | Replace if the hose is kinked beyond straightening, has internal buildup that will not clear, or shows cracks and splits. |
When to Call a Pro
Call a professional if you have cleaned the filter, confirmed the hose is clear and properly routed, and verified the disposal or air gap connection is open, but the dishwasher still will not drain or the E24 code returns immediately. A technician can test the drain pump motor windings, check control-board outputs, and measure water-level sensor behavior to distinguish a component failure from a wiring or logic fault. Also call for help if you are uncomfortable pulling the dishwasher out from under the counter, disconnecting plumbing, or working near the pump while the unit is powered.