Dishwasher showing a leak error (Aquastop) or leaking? What to do
A leak error means there is water in the base of the dishwasher and the sensor has tripped. Often it's a one-off leak, for example from too much foam. Sometimes, though, something inside is leaking.
- Most common cause
- foam, door seal, leaking hose or pump
- Time
- 15 minutes + a day to dry
- Repair shop
- 200–570 zł
Turn off the water valve and unplug the dishwasher right away. Don't use it until the base is dry.
Step by step
Turn off the water and the power
This is the first thing to do when a leak error or a puddle appears.
Pour the water out of the base
Carefully tilt a freestanding dishwasher backward by about 45°. The water from the base will run out through the openings. With a built-in model you may need to pull the dishwasher out. Leave it for a day to dry.
Rule out foam
Dish soap, too much rinse aid or rinsing dishes with soap creates foam that overflows into the base. Use only dishwasher detergents.
Check the door seal
Look at the seal around the door and the bottom strip. Remove food residue and check that the rubber isn't cracked.
Check the inlet hose
Check the hose connection at the valve. Aquastop hoses have a safety valve inside. Once it has tripped, some of them need replacing.
Run a short program and watch
Once it's dry, start a short program and look under the dishwasher. If the error comes back, the leak is inside and you need a repair shop.
- The leak error returns after drying.
- Water leaks from under the dishwasher during every program.
- The drain pump runs non-stop.
How much does a repair shop charge?
| Door seal replacement | 140–340 zł |
| Aquastop hose replacement | 200–410 zł |
| Pump resealing / replacement | 270–570 zł |
Typical prices at independent repair shops in Poland, October 2026. Authorised service centres and big cities can be more expensive.
Repair or buy new?
Leaks are usually cheap to fix. It pays off for most dishwashers. It only gets expensive with a cracked tub or a corroded base in an old dishwasher.
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What does error E15 mean on Bosch and Siemens dishwashers?
It means the leak protection has tripped, so there's water in the base. Follow the steps above: dry the base and find the cause.
Does Aquastop protect against flooding?
Yes. It cuts off the water supply if a hose bursts or water appears in the base. That way you won't flood your kitchen or your neighbor.
Can I just pour the water out and keep washing?
You can, if the cause was a one-off case of foam. If the error returns, don't ignore it, because the dishwasher could flood your cabinets.