Bosch dishwasher E23 error code
What E23 means on a Bosch dishwasher
Drain pump fault: the appliance is not draining.
Meaning checked by NAC's engineers, 9 November 2026.
What our engineers say
On a Bosch dishwasher, error code E23 points to a drain pump fault, which means the machine is not draining. You may notice beeping or flashing lights, water left in the bottom, leaking, water not heating or dishes not coming out clean.
Engineers sometimes find that the drain pump itself has failed. This can happen when it has worn out electrically, when dishwasher salt has got into it, or when it has sat in water after a leak. Engineers also sometimes find plastic or food debris partly blocking the pump, and now and then that debris has damaged the pump that circulates and heats the water, so that part needs replacing too. Scraping plates before loading them can help prevent this.
An engineer will usually check the filter and the waste hose for blockages, listen for whether the pump runs, test the pump and look for water in the base of the machine. Where debris is the problem, clearing it can be enough. More often the drain pump is replaced, sometimes along with the heating pump and the seal around it. The new pump often has to be ordered and fitted at a second visit.
Written by our engineers from NAC's own jobs.
Faults this code turns up with
What our engineers found and fixed for each, from NAC's own repair records, with Bosch's own figures where we have enough of them.
What we fixed. We'll add what our engineers found, the parts they fitted and what customers typically paid once enough of these repairs are confirmed. How we work out our figures.
Before you check anything yourself
- Switch the dishwasher off and unplug it, or turn it off at the isolator switch, before you touch anything. Our guide to safely isolating an appliance walks you through it.
- An error code tells you where to look, not that it's safe to take the dishwasher apart. Don't remove panels or covers to get at the parts it points to: that's an engineer's job.
- If it involves the mains supply, sealed parts, or you're not confident at any point, stop and book a qualified engineer rather than risk injury or further damage.
Rather leave it to us?
- Fixed-price quote before any work starts
- Same or next-day visits where available
- UK-wide engineer coverage