The E13 error on your Bosch Dishwasher means the appliance has detected a water heating or leak-related fault during the wash cycle. This is often linked to a faulty heating element, a blocked sensor, or water escaping into the base tray. In many cases you can check the affected parts yourself before calling an engineer.
| Error code | E13 |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Water heating fault or leak detected by the dishwasher's aquastop/flood safety system |
| Severity | Medium — the dishwasher may still run but should not be ignored, as leaks can cause water damage |
| Time to fix | 15–45 minutes |
| Tools needed | Torch, towels, multimeter (optional), screwdriver |
What the E13 error means
E13 is triggered when the dishwasher's internal sensors detect either a problem with heating the water or a small amount of water sitting in the base tray where it shouldn't be. The control board reads this as a safety issue and stops or restricts the cycle to prevent damage. It's a protective error rather than a sign of total appliance failure, and it's usually traceable to a specific component once you know where to look.
Common causes
- A build-up of limescale or debris on the heating element
- A small leak from a hose connection or door seal dripping into the base
- A faulty float switch or leak sensor giving a false reading
- Condensation collecting in the base tray after a previous cycle
- A worn or damaged heating element that can no longer heat water correctly
- A loose or corroded wiring connection to the heater or sensor
How to fix the E13 error
- Power down and inspect the base tray: Switch off the dishwasher, open the door, and check underneath the lower spray arm for any standing water or debris.
- Check all hose connections: Look at the inlet and drain hoses behind and beneath the machine for drips or loose fittings, tightening where needed.
- Clean the heating element: If limescale is visible on the heater, wipe it down and run a descaling cycle using a dishwasher-safe cleaner.
- Test the float switch: Gently lift the float in the base to make sure it moves freely and isn't stuck down by debris.
- Dry the base thoroughly and reset: Mop up any remaining water, close the door, and restart the dishwasher to see if the error clears.
- Call a qualified engineer: If the error returns after these checks, the heating element or sensor may need replacing by a professional.
If you're comfortable doing basic appliance diagnostics yourself, the same careful, step-by-step approach used for other Bosch tools applies here too — for example, guides like Bosch Drill Won'T Start: Causes and How to Fix It or Bosch Drill Battery Not Connecting: Causes and How to Fix It show how loose connections and worn components often cause similar intermittent faults across Bosch appliances.
FAQ
Can I still use my dishwasher if it shows E13?
You can try, but it's best to fix the cause first since it may indicate a small leak that could get worse over time.
Does E13 always mean the heating element is broken?
No, it often points to a leak or sensor issue rather than a fully failed heater, so check the base tray and hoses first.
How do I know if I need a professional repair?
If the error persists after cleaning the base, checking hoses, and resetting the machine, it's time to call a qualified engineer.
