Error code E15 with a flashing faucet indicator icon is the single most widely searched dishwasher error code in the appliance industry. When E15 appears, the dishwasher’s drain pump runs continuously at high speed—even when you open the door or press the power button off—and the controls refuse to respond. This is not a software crash; it is the physical activation of the German-engineered AquaStop Leak Detection System.
Beneath the stainless steel wash chamber sits an engineered plastic base trough pan. Inside this pan rests a lightweight circular styrofoam float disc coupled to a microswitch. If as little as 2 ounces of leaked water pools in the pan, the styrofoam disc floats upward, trips the safety microswitch, cuts power to the water inlet valve, and locks the drain pump in continuous emergency evacuation mode.
Step 1: The 45-Degree Backward Tilt Emergency Reset
To silence the drain pump and restore control console operation immediately, you must evacuate the standing water from the base trough pan:
Place old towels or a folded blanket on the floor behind and around the dishwasher before tilting to prevent water from soaking into hardwood or laminate cabinetry.
- Turn off the dedicated dishwasher circuit breaker in your electrical service panel (or unplug from under-sink outlet).
- Turn off the hot water shutoff valve beneath the kitchen sink.
- Remove the two mounting screws securing the dishwasher top mounting brackets to the underside of the kitchen countertop.
- Gently pull the dishwasher forward 6 to 8 inches out of its under-counter cavity.
- Tilt the dishwasher backward at a 45-degree angle. Hold in this position for 45 to 60 seconds. Standing water will drain out from the rear corners of the plastic base tray onto your towels.
- Return the dishwasher upright, slide back into the cavity, and restore electrical power.
If all water escaped, the styrofoam float disc drops down, the microswitch opens, and the E15 code disappears. Important: If a chronic leak exists, E15 will return within 1 to 3 cycles until the underlying leak is sealed.
Step 2: Accessing the Base Pan via Lower Toe-Kick Cover
If you cannot pull the dishwasher out from under the granite or quartz countertop, you can sponge dry the base pan directly from the front:
- Disconnect power at the circuit breaker.
- Use a Torx T20 driver to remove the two screws securing the metal bottom toe-kick panel.
- Remove the sound insulation felt pad to expose the white plastic structural base tray.
- Look into the center of the tray: you will see the round white styrofoam disc and safety microswitch.
- Use a clean, dry cellulose kitchen sponge to soak up all standing water from the base pan until bone dry.
Step 3: Permanent Repair — Installing the Sump Basin Silicone Seal Kit
In over 80% of Bosch E15 cases, water is leaking through the factory rubber gasket that seals the stainless steel tub floor to the plastic sump basin. Detergent enzymes cause the original rubber seal to relax over 3 to 5 years, allowing water droplets to seep into the base pan.
Bosch engineered an official repair kit (Part #00645701 / #12005744) that installs directly from the inside of the tub in under 15 minutes without removing the dishwasher:
- Remove the lower dish basket and lift out the cylindrical microfilter.
- Remove the 4 Torx T20 screws securing the stainless sump ring to the tub floor.
- Hook the OEM special silicone O-ring gasket around the outer lip of the plastic sump bowl.
- Re-fasten the 4 Torx T20 screws in a cross pattern to compress the new silicone ring firmly against the stainless steel tub. This permanently stops the leak.
OEM Replacement Part Information
Bosch Sump Basin Silicone Gasket Repair Ring Kit
OEM Part Number: 00645701 / 12005744 (Includes special pre-stretched silicone sealing ring, installation pull wires, and 4 replacement Torx screws)
Compatibility: Fits Bosch 300 Series (SHEM63), 500 Series (SHPM65, SHP865), 800 Series (SHPM88, SHP888, SHX68), Ascenta, Thermador, and Gaggenau.
Installation Time: 15 minutes from inside the wash tub.
Connected Diagnostic Procedures & Next Steps
AquaStop flood switch trips frequently originate from sump basin overflows or pump impeller restrictions. Cross-reference these essential sister guides:
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t the drain pump stop running even when the door is open?
The AquaStop flood switch is hardwired to override all normal software controls and the door interlock switch. As long as water lifts the styrofoam disc, the pump will continue running 24/7 to prevent kitchen floor flooding.
Can dish soap (like Dawn) trigger error E15?
Yes! If regular hand dish soap was accidentally used in the dishwasher, immense suds will overflow past the door gaskets and channel directly into the base pan, lifting the float switch. Sponge drying the base and running vinegar through the tub clears it.
