E23
Bosch Washing Machine
Severity: CriticalWhat Does This Error Mean?
The E23 error means your Bosch washer's AquaStop or leak protection system has activated. Water has been detected in the base of the machine — somewhere it should not be. The washer stops all operations and activates the emergency pump to remove water. This is a critical error — find the leak source before running the machine again.
Affected Models
- WAT28401UC
- WAW285H2UC
- WAS24460UC
- WAE24469GB
- Bosch washers with AquaStop
Common Causes
- Cracked or loose water inlet hose at the back of the washer
- Damaged door seal (gasket) allowing water to drip down into the base
- Cracked internal hose or loose clamp inside the washer cabinet
- Damaged pump housing leaking water into the base tray
- Condensation buildup in the base over time triggering the float switch
How to Fix It
-
Do not press start again — let the machine complete its emergency drain.
When E23 activates, Bosch washers automatically run the drain pump to remove water from the drum. Let this finish before touching the machine.
-
Unplug the washer and turn off the water supply valves.
Close both the hot and cold water supply valves behind the washer. Then unplug the power cord to make inspection safe.
-
Inspect the water inlet hoses at the back of the machine.
Run your hand along both hoses from the wall connection to the back of the washer. Feel for dampness, cracks, or loose fittings. Tighten any loose connections.
-
Check the door seal all the way around the door opening.
Look carefully for cracks, tears, or areas where the gasket has pulled away from the frame. Even a small hole in the gasket can allow water to drip into the base.
-
Tilt the washer forward slightly to drain the base tray.
Carefully tilt the machine forward about 15–20 degrees for 30 seconds to let water in the base tray drain forward and out. Dry the base thoroughly before restarting.
When to Call a Professional
If you cannot find a visible external leak, call a technician. Internal hose and pump leaks require disassembling the washer cabinet. The AquaStop system is Bosch's flood protection — do not bypass it or disable it. Expect repair costs of $100–$350 depending on where the leak originates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AquaStop on a Bosch washer?
AquaStop is Bosch's built-in flood protection system. It includes special water inlet hoses with a shut-off valve that activates if a hose bursts. There's also a float sensor in the base tray that detects any water that reaches the bottom. When water is detected, the E23 error appears and the machine stops immediately.
Can the E23 error be a false alarm?
Yes, occasionally. Condensation from temperature differences can collect in the base tray and trigger the float sensor. If you tilt the machine to drain the base, dry it thoroughly, and the error doesn't return, it may have been condensation. But always inspect for actual leaks first — do not assume it's condensation without checking.
How do I reset the E23 error on a Bosch washer?
After draining the base tray and fixing the source of the leak, unplug the washer for 10 minutes. This resets the float switch and clears the error from the control board. Do not reset the error without fixing the leak first — the E23 will return immediately.