Bosch Dishwasher E24 Error Code: Causes and Fixes

The E24 error on your Bosch dishwasher means water isn’t draining away properly. Nine times out of ten the cause is a blocked drain filter or a kinked drain hose — both DIY fixes in under 20 minutes.

What the E24 error means

Bosch dishwashers expect a drop in water level within a fixed time at the end of each wash and rinse phase. If the level doesn’t drop — because water can’t leave the machine fast enough — the cycle aborts and shows E24. The drain filter is the first place water passes on its way out, and food debris, grease, and broken glass collect there. Once it’s clogged, the error appears every cycle.

Common causes

• Blocked drain filter at the bottom of the tub (most common)
• Kinked or clogged drain hose behind the machine
• Drain pump jammed by debris
• Garbage disposal knockout plug not removed on a new install
• Standpipe or sink drain blocked downstream

How to fix the E24 error

1. Try a hard reset. Disconnect the dishwasher from power for five minutes, then plug it back in. If E24 was triggered by a one-off blockage that’s since cleared, the code may not return.
2. Clean the drain filter. Remove the bottom rack. The circular filter sits in the floor of the tub — twist it counterclockwise to release. Rinse under warm water with a soft brush to clear food debris and grease, then refit hand-tight.
3. Check the drain hose. Pull the dishwasher out and inspect the full length of the hose for kinks, crushes, or visible blockages. Disconnect the hose and run warm water through it; use a length of wire or a plumbing snake to clear stubborn clogs.
4. Check the disposal knockout plug. If your dishwasher drains into a newly installed garbage disposal, confirm the knockout plug inside the disposal inlet has been removed. This is a common installer miss.
5. If E24 returns, the drain pump itself may be blocked or faulty. That’s a deeper repair — call a qualified technician unless you’re comfortable removing the pump.

FAQ

How often should I clean the drain filter?
Every three to six months for normal use, more often if you don’t scrape plates before loading. Regular cleaning is the single biggest thing that prevents E24 from coming back.

Why do I get E24 again right after cleaning the filter?
The blockage is further down — usually the drain hose or pump. Pull the machine out, disconnect the hose, and check the full length before assuming the pump has failed.

Can I run a cycle while E24 is showing?
No — the dishwasher locks the cycle until water can drain. Forcing it risks overflow into the base tray, which then trips the leak sensor and gives you E15 on top of E24.