EN

Severity: Low

Bosch Dishwasher Error E24 – Drain Fault – Water Not Pumping Out

Your Bosch couldn't pump the water out in time. Most often a clogged filter or a blocked drain under the sink.

At a glance

Severity: 2/5 – Low2/5

Severity: Low

Meaning
Drain Fault – Water Not Pumping Out
Typical repair cost
$0–$420
DIY difficulty
Easy

While the drain pump runs, the Bosch control watches the water level in the sump and expects it to drop within a set time. If water is still sitting there, the cycle stops and E:24 appears. The restriction can be anywhere on the way out: the filter assembly in the tub floor, the drain pump behind its small cover, the drain hose, the air gap or the garbage disposal. In US kitchens, the disposal connection is behind a large share of these codes, especially right after installation.

How it looks on the display

Bosch Dishwasher display showing error E24

Model families & display variants

Model familyShowsNote
100, 300 and 500 Series (controls on top edge of door)E:24The code appears in the door-edge display, so you only see it with the door open. The faucet symbol may light up at the same time.
800 Series and BenchmarkE:24Same code and same meaning; the larger display may also show a symbol pointing you to the drain.
Older Ascenta, Integra and Evolution modelsE24Shown without the colon on older displays. The filter and pump cover layout is very similar.
Models without a digital displayblinking LEDsFaults are signaled by a blinking indicator pattern that varies by model; check the pattern table in your use and care manual.

Safety first · Consult a professional

Unplug the dishwasher or switch off its breaker before you reach into the sump, and wear gloves: broken glass likes to collect around the pump cover. Keep towels on the floor, because standing water will spill when you lift the filters.

  • Unplug the appliance or switch off the breaker before opening any panel. Mains voltage can kill.
  • Water and electricity: unplug first, keep towels ready and never stand in water while the appliance is connected.

Symptoms

  • E:24 on the display at the top edge of the door, cycle stopped
  • Dirty water standing in the bottom of the tub
  • Faucet symbol or other warning light may be on
  • Drain pump hums or clicks but the water level does not drop
  • Dishes come out with food particles or a greasy film

Possible causes

Ranked by how often each cause is behind this code (editorial estimate).

  1. Filter assembly in the tub floor clogged with grease, food scraps or labels 35%
  2. Garbage disposal knockout plug never removed on a new install, or disposal full/clogged 20%
  3. Drain hose kinked or crushed when the dishwasher was pushed back into the cabinet 15%
  4. Debris jamming the drain pump under the pump cover (glass, pits, seeds) 15%
  5. Countertop air gap or sink drain line clogged 10%
  6. Drain pump motor failed 5%

Fix it step by step

Diagnostic flow: E241Cancel and cut the power2Bail out the standing water3Clean the filter assembly4Check under the pump cover5Check the disposal and air gap6Inspect the drain hose7Test with a Rinse cycle

  1. Cancel and cut the power

    Hold Start for about 3 seconds to cancel, then switch the dishwasher off and unplug it or turn off the breaker. Put towels in front of the tub.

    Tools: Towels & shallow pan

  2. Bail out the standing water

    Pull out the lower rack and scoop the water out with a cup, then soak up the rest with a sponge. You need to see the filter and the floor of the sump clearly.

    Tools: Towels & shallow pan, Gloves

  3. Clean the filter assembly

    Turn the round filter counterclockwise, lift it out and pull the flat fine filter out after it. Rinse everything under the faucet and scrub grease off the mesh with a soft brush; hot water works better than cold.

    Tools: Soft brush, Gloves

  4. Check under the pump cover

    Below the filter opening sits a small white or gray pump cover. Hook a spoon handle under the tab, lever it up until it snaps loose, pull it out and shine a light into the pump chamber. Remove any glass or seeds, then press the cover back until it clicks.

    Tools: Flashlight, Gloves

  5. Check the disposal and air gap

    If the disposal is new, make sure the knockout plug in its dishwasher inlet was punched out. Run the disposal, then pull the cap off the air gap on the sink and clear any buildup.

    Tools: Screwdriver, Flashlight

  6. Inspect the drain hose

    Look under the sink for kinks and check the hose has a high loop or goes through the air gap. If the hose was squeezed behind the unit, loosen the mounting screws and pull the dishwasher forward a few inches to free it.

    Tools: Flashlight, Screwdriver

  7. Test with a Rinse cycle

    Reassemble everything, restore power and run Rinse. After a few minutes, cancel with Start held for 3 seconds and listen: you should hear the pump and the water gurgling out through the sink drain.

How to reset E24

  1. Press and hold Start for about 3 seconds until the display shows 0:01; the dishwasher pumps out for roughly a minute.
  2. Switch the dishwasher off with the power button and wait a moment.
  3. Switch it back on and choose a program. If E:24 returns within minutes, the blockage is still there.

Where the parts are

Dishwasher: filter, drain pump and sump – E24123456789
Dishwasher: filter, drain pump and sump
  1. 1Door lock
  2. 2Water inlet valve
  3. 3Filter
  4. 4Circulation pump
  5. 5Heating element
  6. 6Drain pump
  7. 7Float switch
  8. 8Temperature sensor
  9. 9Water level sensor

Repair options & costs

RepairDIY?Estimated cost
Clean filters and clear pump cover Yes $0–$10
Knock out disposal plug / clean air gap Yes $0–$15
Replace kinked or split drain hose Yes $20–$45
Technician service call to clear the drain No $120–$220
Drain pump replacement (parts and labor) No $220–$420

Rough US estimates; technician call-out fees vary by region. Not a quote.

When to call a technician

Call a technician if E:24 keeps coming back after the filters are clean, the pump cover area is clear and the hose, air gap and disposal are free. Also call if you hear no pump sound at all during Rinse, or only a loud hum with no water moving: the pump or its wiring is the likely problem.

Frequently asked questions

E:24 showed up the first time I used my new Bosch. Is it defective?

Almost never. On a new install the usual culprits are the disposal knockout plug that was never removed, or a drain hose that got kinked when the unit was slid into the cabinet. Check both before calling for warranty service.

What is the difference between E:24 and E:25?

E:24 means the water isn't leaving fast enough, wherever the blockage is. E:25 points more specifically to the drain pump being jammed, usually by something stuck under the pump cover. In practice you check the pump cover for both.

Can I pour drain cleaner into the dishwasher?

No. Chemical drain openers can attack pump seals and hoses, and the fumes are dangerous in a closed tub. Clear the filters and pump cover by hand and treat a clogged sink drain from the sink side.

How often should I clean the filter on a Bosch?

Check it roughly once a month, more often if you don't pre-rinse or often wash pots with baked-on food. A greasy film on the mesh slows drainage long before you see big food chunks.

Sources