Siemens dishwasher error E15 - what is dripping?

Siemens Geschirrspüler Fehler E15 Titelbild

A dishwasher as a practical helper in the kitchen not only saves time when washing up, but also reduces the amount of water needed in your household – as a rule. In addition, you save your patience and your hands. However, as with all technical devices, errors and problems can occur with dishwashers. You own a Siemens appliance and are currently facing the Siemens dishwasher error E15 and don’t know what to do?

Maybe the error is only caused by a small thing, so you can get your dishwasher up and running again in no time. But what can cause an E15 in the first place? We clarify.

Error E15 – When the water protection system prevents worse

Error E15 on a Siemens dishwasher indicates a problem with the water protection system. This usually means that water has gotten into the floor pan and triggered the float protection system. This float is located in a small tub in the bottom area of the dishwasher. As soon as water enters this tub, the float rises and actuates a microswitch, which then triggers the E15 error and immediately stops operation so that no more water can flow out of the system.

The causes of this error can be many. Starting with a leak somewhere in the system, a problem with the door’s seal, a fault in the pump, or even a defective drain hose. It is also possible that excessive foam is the cause of the error, for example, if you were a little too good with the detergent or used an unsuitable dishwashing detergent.

Tip: If you own a Bosch dishwasher and the E15 error is displayed on it, the troubleshooting steps are very similar. Bosch and Siemens dishwashers are often not only similar, but almost identical in design.

How you can fix Siemens dishwasher error E15 / Bosch dishwasher error E15

Siemens dishwasher error E15 can be attributed to various causes. To get to the bottom of the problem and fix it efficiently, you should proceed systematically. Let’s start with the simple, obvious sources of error first.

Check the filter and the sieve

The first step to fixing the Siemens dishwasher E15 is to check the filter and the sieve. These are responsible for retaining food debris and other particles, and can impede water flow if clogged.

First, open the dishwasher door and pull out the bottom rack to access the strainer and filter. The filter is usually located in a rotating socket at the bottom of the dishwasher. Turn the filter counterclockwise to loosen it and then pull it out upward. Check the filter and strainer for clogs and clean the component thoroughly under running water.

If necessary, you can also remove stubborn dirt with a brush or sponge. Put the filter and strainer back into the appliance, turn the filter clockwise to secure it, put the bottom rack back and close the dishwasher door. Then, perform a quick test run and see if the problem may have already been resolved.

Check the drain hose

Another important step to solve Siemens error E15 is to check the drain hose. This hose, as the name suggests, drains the dirty water from the dishwasher. If the hose is clogged or kinked, the water won’t be able to drain properly and among other things, the E15 error code may show up on the display here as well. To check the drain hose, however, you need access to the back of the dishwasher, i.e. you have to pull it out first.

Once you reach the drain hose, check it for kinks or blockages. If you find a kink in the hose, straighten it carefully. If you suspect a clog, carefully remove the drain hose from the connection on the dishwasher and rinse it with warm water. Again, you can use a pipe brush or a long object to unclog the hose.

Then reattach the hose to the appliance and check both connections for tightness. It is best to start with a test run while the unit is still disassembled. So you save your strength and nerves, if the error is not fixed with it.

Check the water supply

The water supply is another possible cause of Siemens dishwasher error E15. If the water does not enter the dishwasher properly, it may cause errors in the operation process.

First of all, make sure that the faucet your dishwasher is connected to is fully turned on and the water can flow freely. Also, take a close look at the hoses and connections between the faucet and the dishwasher. Are they tight and leak-free? If not, tighten the connections or replace damaged or leaking hoses.

Note: If the water does not flow properly into the dishwasher despite the faucet being open, there could also be a problem with the dishwasher’s water valve. In this case, it would be advisable to consult a professional, as repairing or replacing the water valve requires expertise and should not be done easily by yourself. In the worst case scenario, your appliance will flood your kitchen and your insurance will be cancelled because you, as a non-savvy end user, have tampered with the appliance.

Check and clean the drain pump

Next up is the drain pump. This is responsible for pumping water out of the dishwasher. If this component is blocked or defective, this can also trigger Siemens dishwasher error E15. However, the testing and cleaning in this case are a little more effort.

First, you should disconnect the dishwasher from the mains to avoid any risk of electric shock. After that, it’s time to remove the lower front panel of your dishwasher. Unscrew the retaining screws and pull the panel off towards the front.
Depending on the model, access to the drain pump may vary slightly. Some models may even require you to remove the side panels or the back panel of the unit. If you’re unsure how to access the drain pump, refer to the user or repair manual.
Once you have located the pump, remove the hoses attached to it by loosening the clamps with a screwdriver or pulling off the clips. Be careful not to damage the hose under any circumstances.
Then check the inside of the hoses as well as the pump for obvious blockages such as food residues or foreign objects. It is not uncommon for even a small piece of glass to cause the blockage and therefore prevent the pump from turning.
Turn the rotor of the pump manually to check if it can move freely. If the rotor is blocked or difficult to turn, clean the pump thoroughly and remove any blockages. If you feel up to it, you can also open the housing to get better access to the rotor. However, we advise against it.

After checking and cleaning (or replacing) the drain pump, assemble everything back to its original position, connect the dishwasher to the mains and perform a test run to see if the fault has been corrected.

Check the float switch and bottom pan

Another possible reason for Siemens dishwasher error E15 could be a problem with the float switch, which is located in the bottom tray of the appliance. This is a safety mechanism that prevents the dishwasher from overflowing. As soon as water enters the bottom tub, the float rises and activates the float switch, which then stops the water supply and triggers the E15 error code.

In most cases, you would need to remove the front pedestal panel of the dishwasher to access the bottom pan. After removing the bezel, shine a flashlight inside the unit.

If water has accumulated in the bottom pan, use a sponge or absorbent cloth to dry the bottom area again. Then check the float switch, usually located on one of the sides of the bottom pan, for free movement. If the float switch is stuck, clean it with a cloth or soft brush so that it can move freely again.

Replace the base cover, connect the dishwasher to the mains and perform a test run. Usually, the problem should already be solved. Of course, in rare cases, either the waste water pump or the float switch may have a defect that is not apparent at first glance and you may need to replace these components – should the Siemens, Bosch or Neff dishwasher E15 still show up on the display.

Preventive measures against a fault E15

It is always better to prevent problems instead of having to fix them later in a tedious and unexpected way. With some preventive measures, you can minimize the occurrence of Siemens dishwasher error E15 and extend the life of your dishwasher quite easily.

Food debris and other particles can accumulate in your dishwasher over time and cause problems. Regular cleaning of the strainers, sump, and drain hose can help effectively prevent many common problems.
Don’t overload your dishwasher, as this can impede water drainage and trigger error codes like the E15. Proper loading also ensures more effective cleaning.
Using high-quality detergents can further help prevent buildup and clogs in the drain lines.
Check your dishwasher’s seals from time to time for damage or wear. Defective seals can cause water leaks, which can trigger the E15 error.
If you are unsure about maintaining your dishwasher or don’t want to spend time on it, it might be a good idea to call in a professional technician for inspection and maintenance.