Appliance Spares
Quick answer: E24 means your Bosch dishwasher failed to drain within the set time — in most cases a clogged filter or kinked drain hose is the culprit, and a 10-minute clean resolves it. If the filter and hose are clear, the drain pump may need replacing.
Decode any appliance error code — instant lookup
Browse Bosch dishwasher drain parts · find your model
What does E24 mean on a Bosch dishwasher?
E24 is a drainage timeout fault. The dishwasher’s control module starts a timer at the beginning of each drain phase and expects the machine to empty within a fixed window — typically around two minutes. If the water level sensor has not confirmed an empty sump by the time that window closes, the machine stops mid-cycle and displays E24.
It is worth knowing the difference between E24 and E25 before you start pulling the machine apart. E24 is a timing failure — the pump is trying to drain but something is restricting flow. E25 means the pump motor itself cannot turn because a foreign object is physically lodged in the impeller. Start with a filter and hose check for E24; if the impeller is jammed you will usually hear a buzzing or humming sound from the motor straining against the blockage, which points more directly to E25.
What causes E24 on a Bosch dishwasher?
| Cause | How to identify it | Likelihood |
|---|---|---|
| Clogged filter basket and fine mesh | Visible food debris, grease film, or limescale on filter; water pooled in base of tub | Very likely — most common cause by far |
| Kinked or crushed drain hose | Hose pinched behind machine or under cabinetry; restricted water flow | Common |
| Blocked pump impeller (debris) | Filter is clean but pump hums or buzzes without draining — overlaps with E25 | Common |
| Blocked or partially closed sink trap/standpipe | Slow-draining kitchen sink at the same time; shared drain point | Common — often overlooked |
| Drain hose too high or creating air lock | Hose loop above cabinetry is missing or too high, creating siphon back-pressure | Possible — particularly after reinstallation |
| Faulty drain pump motor | Filter clear, hose clear, no audible pump activity during drain phase | Less common — but likely if all other causes ruled out |
How to fix Bosch E24: step-by-step
- Cancel the programme and switch off power at the wall. Open the door carefully — there may be water inside the tub. Use a towel or shallow tray to soak up standing water if needed.
- Remove and clean the filter assembly. Twist the cylindrical filter anti-clockwise, lift it out, then remove the flat mesh plate beneath it. Rinse both under running water. Use a soft brush to scrub the mesh — food grease can block the fine holes without being visually obvious. Rinse until water runs through freely.
- Check the drain hose at the rear of the machine. Pull the dishwasher forward slightly and inspect the corrugated hose for kinks, sharp bends, or crush marks. The hose should have a high loop (above the height of the drain connection under the sink) to prevent back-siphoning.
- Check the sink trap and standpipe. If the drain hose connects to a fitting on the sink trap, ensure the trap cap is removed and the port is clear. Run the sink tap and confirm it drains freely.
- Manually check the pump impeller. With the filter removed, shine a torch into the sump opening and look for visible debris around the pump housing. Gently rotate the impeller with a finger — it should spin freely. If it is stiff or will not turn, proceed to the E25 guide for obstruction removal.
- Reassemble, restore power, and run a drain programme or short cycle. Most Bosch models allow you to force a drain by holding the Start button for three seconds while the door is open.
E24 vs E25 — which code do you have?
Both E24 and E25 relate to drainage, but they have different root causes and different repair paths. E24 is a drainage timeout — the pump is running but flow is restricted somewhere upstream. E25 is a pump obstruction — the impeller physically cannot rotate. If you hear a buzzing or strained humming noise during the drain phase, that points toward E25. If the machine is silent during drain, E24 with a dead pump motor is more likely.
Frequently asked questions about Bosch E24
How do I reset E24 on my Bosch dishwasher?
Hold the Start button for three to five seconds to cancel the active programme, then switch off power at the wall for 30 seconds. After clearing the fault’s root cause (usually the filter), power back on and start a fresh cycle. Resetting without fixing the underlying issue will just trigger E24 again.
My Bosch dishwasher shows E24 but the filter looks clean — what next?
Check the drain hose for kinks behind the machine, inspect the sink trap for blockage, and confirm the drain hose is looped high enough under the bench. If all of those are clear, manually check the pump impeller for debris and listen for pump activity during a drain attempt.
Can a blocked air gap cause E24?
Yes. If your installation includes an air gap fitting on the benchtop or sink deck, a clogged air gap will restrict drainage and cause E24. Remove the top cap of the air gap and clear any debris from inside the fitting.
How often should I clean the Bosch dishwasher filter to prevent E24?
Bosch recommends cleaning the filter assembly at least once a month under normal household use. Households that wash heavily soiled items — pots, pans, dishes with rice or pasta residue — should clean it fortnightly. A quick rinse under the tap takes under two minutes and is the single most effective maintenance step you can do.
Could E24 be caused by a faulty door latch?
Indirectly, yes. If the door latch does not seal correctly, the machine may not complete the cycle properly, which can cause interrupted drain attempts. However, a door latch fault usually also produces a door-open warning. E24 by itself is almost always a drainage restriction or pump issue rather than a latch problem.
Related articles
- Bosch Dishwasher E25 Error Code — Drain Pump Blocked Fix
- Bosch Dishwasher E22 Error Code — Filter Blocked Fix
- Bosch Dishwasher E15 Error Code — Water in Base Fix
Ready to fix it?
A filter clean takes five minutes and costs nothing. If the pump needs replacing, use the Part Finder to locate the correct drain pump for your Bosch model — fitting the right part first time avoids costly mistakes.
Disclaimer: this article is general information only and is provided without warranty of any kind. Appliance designs vary between models and production runs — always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, switch off and unplug the appliance before starting any work, and confirm parts against the model number on your appliance’s model sticker. Any repair is undertaken at your own risk and Oz Appliance Spares accepts no liability for injury, loss or damage arising from work performed after reading this guide, to the maximum extent permitted by law. If in doubt, use a qualified technician.
