Bosch Dishwasher E24 Error Code – Meaning, Causes & Fix

What Does E24 Mean?

What Causes This Error?

• Clogged drain filter at the bottom of the tub — the most common cause; food particles, grease, and debris accumulate over weeks of use
• Kinked or pinched drain hose behind or under the dishwasher — particularly after reinstalling or moving the machine
• Drain hose not properly high-looped or air-gap missing — allows siphoning and backflow that prevents proper draining
• Garbage disposal inlet knockout plug still in place on a newly connected disposal — blocks the drain hose completely
• Clogged sink drain or blocked P-trap causing backpressure that prevents dishwasher water from entering the drain line
• Drain pump impeller blocked by a small piece of debris — overlaps with E25 territory
• Drain pump motor failed electrically — less common but causes persistent E24/E25 regardless of hose and filter status

How to Fix E24

1. 1

   Remove standing water from the tub if present. Use towels or a wet/dry vacuum to remove water from the bottom of the tub before servicing. This makes the filter and sump accessible.

2. 2

   Remove and thoroughly clean the drain filter. On Bosch dishwashers, the filter is at the bottom center of the tub. Twist the cylindrical micro-filter counterclockwise and lift out, then lift the flat mesh filter below it. Rinse both under hot running water and use a brush to remove grease and debris. Reinstall both correctly — an improperly seated filter can also cause E24 by allowing debris to reach the pump.

3. 3

   Check the drain hose under the sink. Open the cabinet under the sink and trace the corrugated drain hose from the back of the dishwasher to its connection point. Look for kinks, sharp bends, or a hose that has drooped below the sink drain connection. The drain hose must have a high loop — the hose should rise as high as possible under the counter before dropping to the drain connection, preventing backflow.

4. 4

   Check the garbage disposal connection if applicable. If the dishwasher drain hose connects to a garbage disposal, run the disposal for 30 seconds to clear any food backup in the disposal inlet. If the disposal was recently replaced, confirm the knockout plug was removed from the dishwasher inlet port — this is a very common installation oversight that completely blocks draining.

5. 5

   Check the drain hose connection at the sink drain tailpiece or disposal for partial blockage. Disconnect the hose and use a flashlight to look into the hose inlet on the disposal or tailpiece fitting — grease buildup can narrow this opening significantly. Clean with a bottle brush if necessary.

6. 6

   Reset the E24 error after clearing any blockages. Press and hold the Start button for 3 seconds to cancel the current program, then run a short Quick Wash or Rinse & Hold cycle to confirm the error is cleared. Listen for the drain pump running at the end of the cycle — it should run for 60–90 seconds and the tub should be dry afterward.

7. 7

   If E24 persists after all blockages are cleared, the drain pump itself may have failed. Access the pump from below (most Bosch models require removing the lower kick plate and tilting the machine). Test the pump motor with a multimeter for continuity. A failed drain pump for Bosch dishwashers costs $30–60 for the part (Bosch part number 00651956 or model-specific equivalent).

When to Call a Professional

Can You Still Use the Device?

Do not run additional cycles while E24 is active and water remains in the tub. Repeatedly starting a dishwasher with a full tub of standing water can cause the heating element to run above the water line, potentially cracking the element or causing odors. Remove the standing water manually first, then resolve the drain obstruction before resuming use.