Bosch · Dishwasher
Bosch Dishwasher E22 Error Code
Flood sensor triggered in base pan
What this error means
E22 is Bosch's flood protection code—the polystyrene float in the base pan detected water. The inlet valve shuts immediately and the display shows E22 to keep water off your kitchen floor.
How E22 is detected
When E22 appears on a Bosch dishwasher, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On Bosch SHPM88Z75N, Bosch SHEM78Z55N, and similar variants, the drain pump runs for a fixed interval—often three to seven minutes on washers and dishwashers—while a pressure switch or turbidity sensor verifies the tub or sump is empty. If water remains, the cycle stops to prevent spin with a full tub or overflow on the next fill.
Most E22 calls are resolved without parts: remove lower rack and twist filter counterclockwise, lift out. Restricted drain paths mimic pump failure because the impeller spins against a blocked hose or filter. Document whether the pump hums audibly during the drain step; a humming pump with no water movement points to a clogged filter or kinked hose, while silence may indicate a failed pump motor or loose wiring at the harness.
After clearing blockages, run a short cycle and listen at the drain hose for steady water flow. If E22 returns on the next load with a clean filter and straight hose, measure resistance at the pump motor connector per the service manual for your model before ordering a replacement pump assembly.
Common causes
- Loose drain hose clamp dripping at the garbage disposal connection
- Cracked inlet hose under the kick plate weeping during fill
- Over-sudding from hand soap instead of dishwasher detergent
- Worn door gasket along the bottom edge seeping during wash
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Turn off power at the breaker and remove the toe-kick panel
- 2Absorb water around the float until it drops freely in the base tray
- 3Inspect the sump, door gasket bottom, and hose clamps for active drips
- 4Tighten the drain hose at the high loop and disposal inlet before restoring power
When to call a technician
E22 after one dry empty cycle points to an internal tub seal or circulation hose—requires tilt and disassembly.
Affected models
- Bosch SHPM88Z75N
- Bosch SHPM65W55N
- Bosch SHEM3AY55N
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use dishwashers to prevent E22 from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when E22 appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your Bosch dishwasher—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for E22; Bosch uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting E22; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.