Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E24: Easy Way to Fix It Fast

It always happens at the worst time. You load up your Bosch dishwasher, press start, and walk away with a smile. A few minutes later, you come back and see it flashing E24. That little code feels like bad news. Dishes are dirty, water is stuck, and your plans are ruined. But don’t worry. This code is common, and it usually means something simple. Want to know how to clear it without stress? Let’s dive in.

Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E24: What It Really Means and How to Solve It

Check the Drain Hose First

When error code E24 appears, the drain hose is one of the first things you should look at. This hose is the pathway where dirty water leaves your dishwasher. If it is bent, clogged, or not connected right, the water cannot move out. That makes the dishwasher stop and show the code.

Take a close look at the hose behind the dishwasher. Is it kinked or pressed against the wall? That can block the flow. If you see any sharp bends, straighten them out gently. A hose that is too tight can also make the machine struggle. Try to give it a little space so water can pass through without trouble.

Sometimes grease, soap, or small food pieces collect inside the hose. This slows down the water. To check this, disconnect the hose carefully. Place a towel or bowl nearby because water might spill. Run some water through it in the sink. If the flow is weak, use a small cleaning brush or pipe cleaner to clear it out.

If the hose looks damaged or cracked, it may be best to replace it. A faulty hose will only bring more problems later. Replacement hoses are not too expensive, and fitting a new one can solve many drainage issues for good.

• Look for bends or kinks in the hose
• Disconnect it to flush with water
• Clean out grease or food particles
• Replace if cracked or leaking

Clean the Filter Area

The filter is another common place where problems start. Bosch dishwashers have a filter system at the bottom. It catches food bits, dirt, and small items so they don’t block the pump. But when the filter is dirty, the water can’t drain well. That makes the dishwasher show the E24 code.

Open the dishwasher and remove the bottom rack. You will see a round or rectangular filter in the center. Twist it gently and lift it out. Look inside. If you see bits of pasta, rice, or other leftovers, that’s likely the cause. Rinse the filter under warm running water. Use a soft brush if needed to remove sticky stuff.

Don’t forget to check the area around the filter. Food sometimes hides under the cover or inside the mesh. A quick clean here can improve drainage right away. Many people skip this step and keep getting the error.

If you clean the filter often, the dishwasher runs smoother and doesn’t smell. Try to make it a weekly habit if you use the machine a lot. It only takes two minutes but prevents so many problems.

• Remove the bottom rack to access the filter
• Twist and lift out the filter gently
• Rinse with warm water and brush off food bits
• Clean the filter area before putting it back

Inspect the Drain Pump

The drain pump is what pushes water out of the dishwasher. When it gets blocked or fails, error code E24 will appear. The pump sits under the filter area, and you can often reach it after removing the filter.

Shine a flashlight into the pump opening. Look for small objects like glass pieces, fruit pits, or even labels from jars. These can block the impeller from spinning. Use tweezers or a spoon handle to remove anything you see. Be careful, the edges inside can be sharp.

Sometimes the pump motor itself stops working. If you don’t hear it running during the drain cycle, that could mean an issue with the motor. In this case, you may need a new pump. This repair can be done at home if you’re handy, but many people prefer calling a technician.

If you check the pump regularly, it will stay in good shape longer. Cleaning it takes only a few minutes, but it can save you from replacing parts too soon.

• Remove the filter to see the pump opening
• Check for glass, seeds, or food bits
• Listen for pump noise during draining
• Replace the pump if the motor has failed

Look at the Air Gap and Garbage Disposal

Many dishwashers connect to the sink area through an air gap or disposal. If these parts are blocked, the water has nowhere to go, and the dishwasher throws the E24 code.

The air gap is a small fitting usually found next to the sink faucet. Unscrew the cap and look inside. Food buildup often clogs this part. Clean it out with water and a brush. If your dishwasher is connected to a garbage disposal, check that too. A clogged disposal line is a common cause of poor draining.

If you just installed a new garbage disposal, make sure the knockout plug inside the drain port was removed. This is a small plastic piece that blocks water if not taken out. Many people forget this step, and it leads to error codes right away.

Keeping the air gap and disposal clear helps both your sink and dishwasher run smoothly. Cleaning them once a month is a simple way to avoid future blockages.

• Check and clean the air gap near the sink
• Clear food buildup inside with water and brush
• Inspect garbage disposal for blockages
• Remove knockout plug in new disposals if present

Reset the Dishwasher

Sometimes the error is caused by a simple electronic glitch. A reset can clear the code and let the dishwasher start fresh. This is worth trying if the machine seems fine after cleaning the hose, filter, and pump.

To reset, press and hold the Start button for about three to five seconds. On some models, you may need to press two buttons together. After that, the dishwasher should pump out water and shut down. Wait a minute, then turn it back on and select a new cycle.

If the code disappears and the dishwasher runs, it was just a small fault. But if the error comes back quickly, then there is still a real drainage problem to fix. A reset works best after you’ve checked the main parts first.

• Hold the Start button for 3–5 seconds
• Wait for the dishwasher to shut down
• Restart with a fresh cycle
• Use only after cleaning main parts

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve checked the hose, filter, pump, and reset the machine but the error keeps coming back, it may be time for expert help. Some problems are deeper, such as faulty sensors, damaged control boards, or broken wiring. These are harder to fix at home without tools and knowledge.

A technician can run tests and see what the exact issue is. They also have replacement parts ready if something needs changing. While it costs more, professional help saves time and prevents bigger damage.

If your Bosch dishwasher is still under warranty, always call the official service first. Repairs may be free or discounted. Even if it’s not, calling sooner can stop water leaks or electrical faults that would cost much more later.

• Call if code comes back after all checks
• Let a technician handle sensors or control board
• Use warranty service if available
• Early repairs prevent costly damage

Final Thoughts

Bosch dishwasher error code E24 feels like a nightmare, but it rarely means disaster. Most times, it’s just a clogged hose, filter, or pump. With simple checks and a little cleaning, you can get the machine back to normal quickly. If the problem continues, a technician can solve it safely. The key is not to ignore the code. Fix it early, and your dishwasher will stay reliable for years.

Do Bosch dishwashers stop mid-cycle with error code E24?

Yes, they often do. The machine will usually detect that water is not draining properly, and it will pause to prevent damage. Bosch designed the dishwasher to stop mid-cycle when this happens, because letting it run could cause flooding inside the tub. The dishwasher senses the water level, and if the level does not go down in time, the E24 code appears. This is not a random stop but a built-in protection feature.

When this happens, the machine will usually keep the dirty water inside. This protects your kitchen from leaks, but it also means your dishes stay soapy and unwashed. If you try to restart the cycle without fixing the issue, the dishwasher will likely show the same code again. It may even stop sooner than before because the fault has not been cleared.

The best way to deal with this is to check the drain system right away. Start with the filter and hose since those are easy. If the dishwasher keeps stopping mid-cycle after cleaning, then the pump or air gap might be the cause. These need a little more effort to check, but they are still doable for most people at home.

If the machine keeps stopping mid-cycle even after you clean everything, you should call a technician. Sometimes a faulty sensor can misread the water level. That makes the dishwasher think there is a problem when there is none. This can only be confirmed with special tools. A professional can test the sensor and replace it if needed.

So yes, Bosch dishwashers often stop mid-cycle with error code E24. It is not just a glitch—it is the machine protecting itself. You can usually fix it with cleaning, but if the code keeps returning, deeper issues may be involved. Acting quickly saves both your time and your dishwasher.

Can you fix Bosch dishwasher error code E24 without a technician?

Yes, in most cases you can. Error code E24 is one of the easier problems to handle yourself. It usually points to a drainage problem, and the good news is most of those are caused by clogs or blockages that you can clear at home. This means you don’t always need a technician right away.

Start with the simple things. The drain hose is often the main reason for E24. If it’s bent or blocked, the dishwasher cannot drain. Straighten it out, flush it with water, and see if that clears the problem. The filter is another easy part to check. Just twist it out, rinse it under water, and remove food scraps. These two checks solve the issue for many people.

Next, look at the pump area. Shine a light and see if anything is stuck inside. Seeds, glass, and paper are common culprits. Removing them with tweezers can get the pump moving again. If the air gap is clogged, unscrew the cap and clean it. These steps take a little effort but don’t require special tools.

A reset is also worth trying after you clean. Hold the Start button until the machine shuts down, then restart it. This clears the memory and lets you see if the error comes back. Sometimes a simple reset fixes everything, especially if the error was caused by a temporary glitch.

Of course, there are times when you cannot fix it alone. If the pump motor has failed or if the control board is faulty, then a technician is needed. But most E24 cases are not that serious. Cleaning the hose, filter, and pump solves it for the majority of people.

So yes, you can fix Bosch dishwasher error code E24 without a technician in most situations. Try the easy checks first. They save you money and time, and often the machine will work perfectly again once the water can drain properly.

Do clogged filters always trigger error code E24?

Not always, but very often. The filter plays a big role in keeping your dishwasher drain clear. When it gets blocked with food scraps, the water cannot flow as it should. That often triggers error code E24, but not every time. Sometimes the dishwasher may show other symptoms first, like water pooling at the bottom, strange smells, or slow draining.

The filter is like the first guard in the system. It catches large pieces so they don’t reach the pump. If you ignore it, food builds up and creates a wall that water struggles to pass. The machine senses this and then shows the error. However, in some cases, the blockage might not be bad enough yet to stop the dishwasher completely. That means the filter can be clogged without showing E24 right away.

Other times, the error code may appear even when the filter looks fine. This happens if the hose, air gap, or pump is blocked instead. So while clogged filters are a common cause, they are not the only one. It’s important to check all the other parts if cleaning the filter does not fix the problem.

Still, cleaning the filter regularly is one of the easiest ways to prevent E24. It only takes a couple of minutes. If you keep the filter clear, the water flows smoothly and the pump doesn’t have to work as hard. This also makes your dishwasher last longer.

So clogged filters don’t always trigger the error, but they are a major factor. If you see E24, checking the filter should always be your first move. Even if it’s not the only problem, cleaning it helps the whole system run better.

Can draining problems damage a Bosch dishwasher long term?

Yes, they can if ignored. When your Bosch dishwasher cannot drain properly, water stays inside for too long. That puts extra stress on the pump and motor. Over time, this can wear them out faster than normal. It also increases the risk of leaks, which can damage the floor under your machine.

Standing water is also not good for hygiene. If it sits inside the tub, bacteria and mold can grow. This makes your dishwasher smell bad and can even leave your dishes less clean. Long-term water buildup can also cause rust or damage to seals, leading to even more repairs down the road.

The electronics in the dishwasher can also suffer. Bosch machines use sensors to track water levels. If draining problems keep happening, these sensors may start to misread or fail. That can trigger more error codes, making the dishwasher unreliable.

Fixing draining problems quickly is the best way to avoid long-term damage. Most issues, like a clogged filter or hose, are easy to solve. If the problem is more serious, like a broken pump, it’s still better to repair it early before it affects other parts.

So yes, draining problems can damage your Bosch dishwasher if you leave them untreated. But if you handle them fast, you protect the machine, keep your kitchen safe, and avoid bigger costs later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to run my Bosch dishwasher after clearing error E24?

Yes, it is safe if you’ve cleaned the filter, hose, and pump and the water drains properly again. Once the blockage is gone, the dishwasher should run normally. However, if the error code comes back right away, stop and recheck. Running it with a real problem still inside could cause leaks or damage. Always make sure the water is draining fully before trusting it with a full load.

Can error code E24 go away on its own without fixing?

It might disappear after a reset, but it will usually come back unless you fix the cause. The code is not random. It’s the machine’s way of warning you. If you don’t clear the hose, filter, or pump, the problem will remain. Ignoring it may even make things worse, leading to bigger repairs. So while it can go away for a moment, it’s not solved until the drainage path is clear.

Do I need special tools to clean the Bosch dishwasher drain pump?

No, you don’t. Most of the time, you can clean it with just a flashlight and a pair of tweezers or pliers. These help you reach small objects stuck inside. If you want to flush it, warm water and a cloth are enough. A soft brush can help too. Special tools are only needed if the pump motor itself has failed and needs replacing. For basic cleaning, simple household items work fine.

Is it expensive to replace a Bosch dishwasher drain hose?

Not really. Replacement hoses are usually affordable and can often be bought online or from appliance stores. The price depends on the model, but it’s generally cheaper than calling a technician just for cleaning. If you can install it yourself, you save even more. But if you’re unsure, having a professional do it ensures the connection is tight and leak-free. It’s a small cost compared to bigger dishwasher repairs.

Can the Bosch error E24 mean a control board problem?

Yes, though it is less common. Most times, E24 is caused by simple clogs. But if everything is clear and the code still appears, the control board might be at fault. The board sends signals to the pump and sensors. If it fails, the dishwasher may think it’s not draining even when it is. This usually needs a technician to test and confirm. While rare, it’s possible in older machines.

Do I risk leaks if I ignore Bosch dishwasher error code E24?

Yes, there’s a risk. If the dishwasher cannot drain, water may back up into the tub or hose. This puts pressure on seals and joints. Over time, leaks can appear around the door or at the hose connection. Small leaks can damage floors and cabinets without you noticing right away. That’s why fixing the error as soon as possible is important. Preventing leaks saves you a lot of trouble later.

Is it possible to reset Bosch dishwashers without pressing Start?

On some models, yes. Different Bosch dishwashers have different reset methods. Some use a combination of two buttons pressed together, like “Cancel” and “Drain.” Others may need the power turned off and back on at the breaker. The most common way is holding Start, but if that doesn’t work, check the manual. No matter the method, resetting should always be done after cleaning the drain parts.

Can I prevent error E24 with regular cleaning habits?

Yes, absolutely. The easiest way to prevent it is by cleaning the filter once a week and checking the hose every few months. Scraping food off plates before loading also helps keep the system clear. Running a dishwasher cleaner or vinegar cycle once a month removes grease buildup. If you keep the filters, hose, and air gap clean, error E24 is far less likely to appear. Prevention is always better than repair.