Regarding home and kitchen appliances, we tend to gravitate towards high-quality and high-yielding products in nature as well. Bosch is a brand that we have pretty much grown up loving.
This German brand is known for its high-quality products and advanced technology, best fitted to meet the needs of our current life. Bosch’s dishwashers are hands down one of the most popular items in the collection. However, like any other electronic item, even the high-quality Bosch dishwasher can break down from time to time.
This article will explore everything you need to know about the Bosch dishwasher error code 515 and how you can fix it.
Understanding The Bosch Dishwasher E15 Error
Before we go ahead and understand the causes and the fixes, let us first understand what the E15 error is.
When you see the E15 error pop up on the Bosch dishwasher, it indicates that there is remnant water present in the base of the machine. Since all the water must be drained before you start your machine, the appliance will show the E15 error when water is still left behind.
Remnant water in the machine could be a sign of a faulty drain hose, issues with the pressure switch, or a blocked flow meter – all of which must be fixed immediately.
Potential Causes Of The Bosch Dishwasher E15 Error
To fix the Bosch dishwasher E15 code, you must understand some of the potential causes contributing to it. If you don’t understand the underlying cause, there’s no way you can fix the issue properly without going crazy.
Following are some potential reasons you are seeing the E15 error:
1. Excess Soap
One of the most common reasons why you are noticing the E15 error pop up on your Bosch dishwasher is due to excess soap or detergent in the dishwasher. When you use excess detergent, it leads to the formation of excess suds in the dishwasher, which is the leading cause of the staple E15 error we see.
2. Leaking Water Tank
The next possible reason that could potentially lead to a faulty Bosch dishwasher is a leaking water tank. This could be a sign of a faulty seal in the dishwasher that needs immediate fixing. If you notice there are any kinds of leaks in the water tank, it is mandatory that you replace or immediately repair the broken seal to stop the water from leaking.
3. Broken Fixture
Not many realize this, but if some part of the dishwasher is broken from the inside, that’s another potential reason why you could see the E15 error code popping up. Some fixtures you need to pay close attention to are the heating element, drain pump, drain valve, etc.
4. Sump Basin Leak
The sump basin is an integral part of your Bosch dishwasher. So, if you have any kind of blockages or clogged filters in the sump basin, that’s one of the main reasons why an error code E15 could appear on the screen.
5. Defective Sprinkler
The sprinkler is one of the most important parts of the dishwasher, which means that any issues with this part will lead to an E15 error code. This can happen due to a worn-out motor, a blocked filter, or a malfunctioning pump.
6. Issues With The Water Hose
The water hose responsible for supplying water in the dishwasher for cleaning the utensils can become damaged. Not only does it lead to water damage in the long run, but the issue also causes potential disruption in the function of the entire appliance. In that case, understanding the base of the problem is quintessential.
7. Issues With The Drainage System
A blocked drainage system is the last thing you want in your Bosch dishwasher. Not only is it inconvenient, but it also leads to various complications like bad odor, water build-up, damage to the dishwasher, and even mold growth in some cases. If that’s happening with your dishwasher, noticing the E15 error code is quite normal.
8. Issues With The Pressure Switch
Not many pay attention to this, but if you have a faulty pressure switch in your Bosch dishwasher, that’s another reason you notice the E15 error in your appliance. A faulty pressure switch blocks the water and prevents it from entering the dishwasher, often leading to an error. In this case, your work is to check the anti-flood switch and ensure everything is in order.
9. Improper Ventilation
If the dishwasher doesn’t have the appropriate ventilation, that’s one of the most common reasons you are seeing the E15 error code. But the question is, “Why?” If the ventilation is improper, the dishwasher does not receive enough water to complete its cleaning cycle.
10. Faulty Flow Meter
If you are wondering what a flow meter’s function is, it measures the total amount of water entering the dishwasher. Any error in this meter will lead to the E15 error code because it indicates signs of blockages in the water flow.
How To Fix Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E15?
Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of the potential causes let us walk you through a few quick fixes that work to fix the Error Code E15 in your Bosch dishwasher.
1. Reduce The Detergent Amount
The first and potentially most effective way to fix the E15 error is by monitoring the amount of soap or detergent you use. The sudsing issue leads to blockages in the filter, which is one of the reasons why you need to reduce the detergent amount. This will reduce the potential blockage risks and ensure you don’t see the E15 error.
2. Check The Water Tank
One of the integral parts of your Bosch dishwasher is the water tank. Issues in the water tank often lead to errors in the dishwasher. If not regularly, you should check the water tank at least once every few weeks.
If you feel that the issues with the E15 error code are due to the water tank, first disconnect the dishwasher from the power source. Once that is done, you need to empty the water tank. This is mandatory if you want to check the insides properly.
Once that is out, take a flashlight and check the water tank to look for leaks, cracks, and potential damage. If you find any issues with the water tank, you must get it fixed immediately.
3. Inspect The Sump Basin
We discussed the sump basin being why you have the error code E15 popping up. What you need to do is inspect it closely. Consider the sump basin as an end-of-the-road debris collector. All the dirty water and gunk filtered out of the dishwasher is collected in the sump basin.
To check the sump basin, you first need to analyze the extent of the damage. If you find a lot of debris and dirt accumulated in the sump basin, it is important to clean and replace it. You can disconnect the sump basin and check for leaks and damages too.
4. Check The Fixtures
While we often don’t pay attention to this, the fixtures in the dishwasher play an integral role in ensuring that the appliance functions as it should. Sometimes, disconnection or a faulty fixture can affect how the dishwasher functions.
What you need to do in that case is disconnect the dishwasher and then check the fixture individually. If you find anything damaged or corroded, it needs immediate fixing.
5. Check The Sprinkler
If this is your first time using a dishwasher, a sprinkler is the water sprayer that cleans your dishes inside the appliance. Hence, any damage to this element will lead to malfunctioning and the glaring E15 error code.
Sometimes you should check the sprinkler from time to time. Fixing smaller issues with the sprinkler reduces risks of long-term damage and extensive repair costs. Also, when you check the sprinkler, always disconnect it from the power source for safety.
6. Inspect The Water Hose and Connections
The main water supply to the dishwasher comes through the water hose and the connections. If there is a loose connection in any of these elements, it will lead to the E15 error code that you are noticing.
Hence, start by disconnecting the dishwasher and then removing the cover of the water hose. You are looking for noticeable damage, leaks, and breaks in the hose. If you find any, it’s either time to fix that or change the hose altogether.
7. Check The Drainage System
Sometimes, debris and water in the drainage system block it, leading to the dishwasher’s malfunctioning. What you need to do in that case is go inside and check the drainage system. Ensure that the Bosch dishwasher is disconnected from the power source.
Once you are at the drainage system, take a toothbrush and brush the entrance to get rid of any dirt or debris collected in the drainage mouth. Also, check for any potential damage.
8. Check The Flow Meter
The flow meter is an integral part of the dishwasher, so if it’s faulty, it will lead to an E15 error. What you need to do in that case is disconnect the dishwasher from the power supply and manually check the flow meter.
If you find blockages in it from debris and dirt, clean those immediately. Using a brush or toothpick works quite well. Once the blockage is cleared, you can switch on the dishwasher again.
How Does The Safety Switch Work?
The safety switch in your Bosch dishwasher is integrated to keep the appliance functioning optimally. If you want to eliminate the E15 error, you’d need to reset the safety switch. Here’s what you need to do:
- Twist and pull the safety switch to remove it.
- Remove the polystyrene disk carefully, avoiding any damage
- Use a towel or cloth to mop up the water in the basin and dry the disk.
- Ensure no obstructions like wiring, insects, or food debris in the basin that could interfere with the safety switch.
- Place the polystyrene disk back in the basin.
- Securely place the safety switch back in the basin.
- Inspect the wiring in the dishwasher base for any signs of damage. If found, seek assistance from a trained technician for replacement.
- Investigate the cause of the E15 error code, such as checking for leaking hoses or visible damage that could be causing a leak.
- Reassemble the dishwasher.
Once that is done, your dishwasher should no longer glare the E15 error code on it. You do have to work around things a little, so follow the steps mentioned.
Conclusion
Noticing the E15 error code on your Bosch dishwasher is much more common than you think. However, you need to realize that fixing this error isn’t rocket science, provided that you are following the steps and fixes we mentioned in the article. Some can be complicated, so contact a professional if you are confused.
