Bosch Dishwasher E24 Fix: Step by Step Guide to Clear the Drain Error
Introduction: What this guide will do for you
If your Bosch just flashed E24 and stopped draining, you are in the right place. E24 is Bosch speak for a drain error, which usually means water cannot exit the tub because of a clogged filter, a trapped bit of glass, a kinked drain hose, or a blocked garbage disposal. In plain terms, the machine thinks water is still there, so it will not move on.
This guide gives a practical bosch dishwasher e24 fix you can do today, no expensive service visit required. I will walk you through a short checklist, explain what to look for at the filter and sump, show how to free a stuck drain pump impeller, and how to inspect the drain hose and air gap. You will also get safety tips, the small tools you need, and quick tests to confirm the problem is solved.
Most common fixes take 20 to 60 minutes. For example, a friend of mine cleared the error in 30 minutes after removing a shard of glass from the filter, and another time it was a blocked garbage disposal knockout plug. Follow the steps that match what you find, and you should be back to clean dishes by tonight.
What E24 means, in plain English
E24 is Bosch’s drain error code, plain and simple: the machine cannot remove water. That water sits in the bottom, the sensor detects it, and the dishwasher pauses the cycle and shows E24 to protect your floor and pump.
Common causes are easy to spot. A clogged filter full of food scraps, a blocked pump inlet with glass or coffee grinds, a kinked or clogged drain hose, or an unremoved garbage disposal knockout plug are the usual suspects. I once cleared E24 by pulling out a chunk of bread from the filter and resetting the unit, job done.
Why it stops, and what to try first. Start with the filter and basket, then check the hose and disposal connection, then run a drain only cycle. For many users, that is the Bosch dishwasher E24 fix.
Safety first, before you start
Before you touch anything, stop and set up a safe workspace. Turn off power to the dishwasher at the breaker panel, or unplug the unit if it has a plug. Verify power is off with a noncontact tester or multimeter, because some models are hardwired. Next, shut off the water supply at the shutoff valve under the sink, or shut the house main if needed. Open the dishwasher door and place thick towels on the floor, and a shallow bucket under the toe panel to catch residual water when you inspect the drain. Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses, remove rings or watches, and use a flashlight for visibility. Keep basic tools nearby, for example a Phillips screwdriver, pliers, a wet vac, and a small basin. These steps protect you and make a Bosch dishwasher E24 fix safer and faster.
Quick reset and simple checks that often fix E24
First try the low effort fixes. Turn the dishwasher off at the breaker for 30 to 60 seconds, then flip it back on to power cycle and clear temporary faults. You can also cancel the current cycle by pressing and holding Start or Start/Stop for about three seconds, then restart a normal cycle to see if the E24 goes away.
Quick physical checks that often solve Bosch dishwasher E24 fix issues: make sure the door latch closes with a solid click, if it feels loose the door may not seal and the unit will refuse to run. Inspect the drain hose for kinks, crushes, or a low routing; create a high loop under the countertop at least 20 inches above the floor or use the air gap if present. Finally, check the connection to the garbage disposal, confirm the knockout plug was removed when the disposal was installed, and tighten the hose clamp. These fast checks fix most drain error problems without tools.
Step by step diagnostic checklist
Start by cutting power to the dishwasher, then set a clear workspace under the sink. This checklist isolates the problem quickly, so you can apply the Bosch dishwasher E24 fix that actually solves the issue.
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Run a short drain cycle while listening. If you hear the pump motor humming but no water moves, suspect a blockage or a failed pump. If nothing runs, move to step 4.
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Check the filter and sump. Pull out the lower rack, remove the filter assembly, and inspect the sump for broken glass, food, or ribbon like debris wrapped around the impeller. Use needle nose pliers to extract obstructions.
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Inspect the drain hose. Look for kinks along the hose path, then detach the hose at the dishwasher end into a bucket. Blow or run water through it, or use a plumber’s snake if you feel resistance.
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Verify the air gap on the sink. Remove the cap, clear any trapped gunk, then run the dishwasher. A clogged air gap causes the E24 drain error in many homes.
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Check the garbage disposal. Make sure the knockout plug was removed when the disposall was installed. Run the disposal to clear clogs, then reconnect the dishwasher hose and test.
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Test pump operation. With power on briefly and water drained, listen for humming or use a multimeter to check for continuity. No continuity means pump replacement.
If the drain error persists after these checks, you have narrowed it to the pump or a hidden blockage, time to call a technician.
How to clean the filter, sump and pump area
Start by turning off power and closing the water supply, then pull out the bottom rack and set it aside. The filter assembly is usually in the center, turn the outer ring counterclockwise and lift out the coarse and fine filters. Rinse both under hot water, scrub trapped grease and food with an old toothbrush, and soak metal parts in a cup of white vinegar for 10 minutes if they are grimy.
With filters removed, check the sump for debris, coins, labels, eggshells and bits of glass. Use a flashlight and a small brush or gloved fingers to lift out anything visible, and soak up standing water with a towel or sponge. Locate the drain pump cover or impeller, feel it gently and clear any lodged particles with tweezers. If the impeller will not turn freely, that can trigger the E24 code.
Reinstall the cleaned filters, slide the rack back in, restore power and run a short rinse cycle. If the Bosch dishwasher E24 fix fails, next inspect the drain hose and disposal connection.
Parts that fail and how to inspect them
When you tackle a bosch dishwasher e24 fix, three parts fail most often: the drain pump, the float switch, and the inlet valve.
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Drain pump. Remove the lower panel, clear visible debris, spin the impeller by hand; resistance, grinding, or a burnt smell means failure. Check continuity with a multimeter; no reading equals replace.
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Float switch. Lift the float in the tub corner, it must move freely and click. Sticky movement or no electrical change when actuated indicates replacement after cleaning.
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Inlet valve. Inspect the mesh screen for grit, listen for the solenoid click during fill, watch for slow fill or constant trickle into the tub. Cracks, corrosion, or no click mean replace.
Always photograph wiring before disconnecting, and use OEM Bosch parts for reliable repairs.
When to call a pro or order parts
If the E24 drains after you clear visible debris, or you can remove the filter and hose without tools, this is a DIY safe Bosch dishwasher e24 fix. Call a pro if water keeps returning, the pump hums loudly, you smell burning, or you are uncomfortable removing the base pan.
To order parts, copy the model and serial from the sticker inside the door, search Bosch part numbers, confirm photos and hose diameter, and buy OEM parts from Bosch Parts or a trusted appliance supplier.
Prevent E24 from coming back
After you complete a bosch dishwasher e24 fix, prevent repeat drain errors with a simple routine. Rinse and inspect the filter after every few cycles, pull out the lower spray arm and clear trapped debris monthly, and run the garbage disposal before starting the dishwasher to prevent large particles from entering the drain. Check the drain hose for kinks and confirm the high loop or air gap is clear. Once a month run an empty hot cycle with white vinegar to dissolve grease and mineral buildup.
Conclusion and quick troubleshooting checklist
Quick summary, follow this diagnostic order for a fast bosch dishwasher e24 fix. 1) Turn off power, pop out and rinse the coarse and fine filters, 20 seconds. 2) Inspect the drain hose for kinks and debris, straighten and blow through, 15 seconds. 3) Check the air gap or garbage disposal knockout for blockages, remove cover and clear, 10 seconds. 4) Open the pump access, pull out visible gunk, 20 seconds. 5) Restart a short drain cycle to confirm the error is gone.
