Bosch Dishwasher Error Code 24 usually means the dishwasher is not draining fast enough because water is trapped by a clogged filter, blocked drain hose, or restricted drain pump. The single most likely fix is to clean the filter and check the drain hose and pump cover for food debris, glass, grease, or a kink.

⚡ Quick Fix

1. Start with a basic reset. Unplug the dishwasher or switch off the breaker for 15 to 30 minutes, then restore power and restart a short cycle. This clears temporary control board logic faults and can restore normal pump operation if the code was triggered by a one-time drain interruption.
2. Check the most common real fix: the drain path. Remove and clean the filter assembly, inspect the sump area, and make sure the drain hose is not kinked, crushed, or clogged where it connects to the sink drain or garbage disposal. On many Bosch units, Error 24 is simply caused by a restriction that prevents the drain pump from moving water out quickly enough.
3. If the code returns, move to a deeper diagnostic check. Listen for the drain pump, inspect the pump impeller for jams, and test the drain pump circuit, wiring harness, and control board output with a multimeter. If the pump is not receiving voltage or the PCB is not commanding a drain cycle, the problem may be electrical rather than a simple blockage.

What This Error Means

On a Bosch Dishwasher, Error Code 24 indicates a drain fault. The control board expects the water level to drop within a specific time after the drain pump is energized. If the pressure system, water level sensor feedback, or programmed drain timing does not match what the PCB expects, the dishwasher stops the cycle and displays the code.

In practical terms, Bosch Dishwasher Error Code 24 most often points to a restricted drain path rather than a failed main control. Food particles, labels, broken glass, grease buildup, or a kinked hose can reduce flow enough to trigger the fault. The drain pump may still run, but if it cannot move water through the hose and check valve efficiently, the board interprets the slow drain as an error.

Less commonly, the cause is electrical. A weak drain pump motor, damaged wiring harness, poor connector contact, faulty pressure sensor input, or a problem on the control board can all produce the same symptom. That is why the correct approach is to first rule out a blockage before testing pump voltage, continuity, and board output.

Common Causes

Clogged filter or sump debris

The filter assembly and sump area collect food residue, grease, bones, paper labels, and small fragments of glass. If debris reaches the pump cover or impeller chamber, water flow slows down and the dishwasher may not empty within the expected time window.

Kinked or blocked drain hose

A drain hose can become pinched behind the dishwasher, clogged with sludge, or restricted at the sink connection. If the hose cannot pass water freely, the drain pump works harder but the water level drops too slowly, causing Error 24.

Drain pump obstruction or failure

The drain pump impeller can jam on seeds, toothpicks, glass, or hardened grease. In other cases, the pump motor windings weaken or the impeller becomes damaged, so the pump hums or runs weakly without moving enough water.

Sink drain or garbage disposal blockage

If the dishwasher drain line connects to a clogged disposal or blocked sink tailpiece, the dishwasher cannot discharge properly. This is especially common after a new garbage disposal installation when the knockout plug was not removed.

Wiring or control board fault

If the pump and hose are clear, the issue may be in the wiring harness, connector terminals, or PCB relay circuit. A loose connection, burnt trace, or failed relay can prevent the drain pump from receiving full voltage during the drain portion of the cycle.

Step-by-Step Fix

Tools you may need: screwdriver, multimeter, flashlight

Safety warning: Disconnect power before opening any panels or touching internal components.

1. Reset the dishwasher and confirm the symptom. Turn off power for 15 to 30 minutes, then restore power and run a cancel-drain or short rinse cycle. If you hear the drain pump but water remains in the tub, you are likely dealing with a blockage or weak pump instead of a simple software glitch.
2. Clean the filter and inspect the sump. Remove the bottom rack, unlock the filter assembly, and wash all filter parts under hot water. Use a flashlight to inspect the sump and pump cover area for food scraps, glass, labels, or grease buildup that could obstruct the impeller or check valve.
3. Inspect the drain hose and sink connection. Pull the dishwasher out carefully if needed and check the full hose for kinks, crushing, or sagging that can trap debris. Disconnect the hose at the sink or garbage disposal, clear any blockage, and verify that a disposal knockout plug has been removed if the unit was recently installed.
4. Check the drain pump mechanically. Access the pump area according to the service layout for your Bosch dishwasher and look for a jammed impeller. The impeller should turn with slight resistance but should not be seized, broken, or loose on the motor shaft.
5. Test the drain pump electrically. With power disconnected, check the pump wiring harness for corrosion, heat damage, or a loose connector. Use a multimeter to check the pump for continuity and, if you are trained to work live safely, verify whether the control board sends proper voltage to the pump during a drain command.
6. Inspect related drain components and feedback systems. Some Bosch designs use a check valve, pressure system, or water level sensing path that can become restricted by grease or detergent residue. If the board does not receive proper feedback that the tub is empty, it may keep reporting Error 24 even when the pump itself is operational.
7. Examine the control board only after drain path and pump checks pass. Look for burnt relay contacts, damaged solder joints, swollen capacitor tops, or signs of moisture on the PCB. Stop and call a professional if live-voltage testing is required, if the dishwasher must be fully disassembled, or if the pump circuit points to a board-level failure.

Related Errors

• Error E15 — leak protection has activated because water is detected in the base pan.
• Error E22 — the filter system is dirty or restricted, reducing normal water circulation and drainage.
• Error E25 — the drain pump area is blocked or the pump cover is obstructed.
• Error E09 — the heating circuit has failed, often involving the heat pump or heater assembly.
• Error E19 — the dispenser or diverter-related circuit has an electrical fault, depending on model design.
• Error E01 — the main control board has detected an internal electronic fault.

FAQ

Can I reset this error without a technician?

Yes. A power reset is the first thing to try and sometimes clears a temporary drain logic fault. Unplug the dishwasher or switch off the breaker for 15 to 30 minutes, then restart a short cycle. If the code returns, the reset did not solve the underlying drain restriction or component problem.

Why does Bosch Dishwasher Error Code 24 keep coming back after I clean the filter?

If the filter is clean but the code returns, the restriction may be deeper in the drain hose, sink connection, check valve, or drain pump impeller chamber. It can also indicate a weak pump motor, wiring issue, or control board fault. Cleaning the filter helps, but it does not rule out the rest of the drain circuit.

Can a garbage disposal cause Error 24?

Absolutely. If the dishwasher drains through a garbage disposal, a clog in the disposal or drain tailpiece can block water flow. On new installations, the disposal knockout plug is a very common cause. If that plug was never removed, the dishwasher cannot discharge and will quickly trigger a drain error.

How much does it cost to fix?

The least expensive repair is usually a basic cleaning of the filter, hose, or sink connection. Costs rise if the drain pump, wiring harness, or PCB needs replacement. If you can safely remove debris yourself, the repair may cost little or nothing, but electrical diagnosis and board repair are usually best left to a service technician.

Is it safe to keep using the dishwasher with Error 24?

No. If the unit cannot drain correctly, dirty water may remain in the tub and repeated attempts to run it can stress the drain pump and control system. Stop using the dishwasher until you confirm the drain path is clear and the pump is operating normally.

When should I call a professional for Bosch Dishwasher Error Code 24?

Call a professional if you have already cleaned the filter, cleared the drain hose, and checked the sink connection but the code still appears. You should also get service if the pump is silent, only hums, trips a breaker, or if testing points to a failed wiring harness or control board relay on the PCB.