The E10 error on your Bosch Dishwasher means the appliance has detected a water inlet or fill problem, usually linked to low water pressure, a blocked filter, or a faulty inlet valve. In most cases you can clear it yourself by checking the water supply and filters before calling an engineer.
| Error code | E10 |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Water inlet fault — dishwasher is not filling with water correctly or within the expected time |
| Severity | Medium — the dishwasher won't run a cycle until resolved, but most causes are simple to fix |
| Time to fix | 10–30 minutes |
| Tools needed | Adjustable pliers, a bowl or towel for water spillage |
What the E10 error means
E10 is triggered when the dishwasher's control board doesn't sense enough water entering the machine within a set time limit. This is a built-in safety check to stop the appliance running a cycle without adequate water, which could damage the pump or heating element.
It's one of the more common Bosch dishwasher fault codes and, in the majority of cases, it points to something outside the machine itself — the water supply, the hose, or a clogged filter — rather than an internal electrical fault.
Common causes
- Water supply valve under the sink is partially or fully closed
- Kinked, trapped, or crushed water inlet hose
- Blocked inlet filter or mesh screen at the hose connection
- Low mains water pressure in the property
- Faulty water inlet valve that isn't opening properly
- Frozen pipes in cold weather, restricting flow
How to fix the E10 error
- Check the water supply valve — Make sure the tap or valve feeding the dishwasher is fully open. A partially closed valve is the most common cause of this fault.
- Inspect the inlet hose — Pull the dishwasher out slightly and check the hose isn't kinked, twisted, or trapped behind the unit.
- Clean the inlet filter — Disconnect the hose at the tap end and clean out the small mesh filter, which often collects debris and limescale over time.
- Test water pressure — Run the kitchen tap on full to confirm you have normal household water pressure; low pressure elsewhere in the home suggests a supply issue.
- Reset the dishwasher — Turn off the power for two minutes, then switch it back on and start a new cycle to see if the error clears.
- Call an engineer — If the fault persists after these checks, the water inlet valve itself may need replacing, which requires a qualified repair technician.
FAQ
Can I still use my dishwasher with an E10 error showing?
No. The machine won't start a wash cycle until it detects enough incoming water, so the error needs to be cleared first.
Is E10 the same on every Bosch dishwasher model?
The meaning is consistent across most Bosch dishwasher ranges, though the display method (flashing lights vs. a digital code) varies by model.
Do I need a plumber to fix this?
Usually not. Most E10 faults are resolved by checking the tap, hose, and filter yourself. A plumber or appliance engineer is only needed if the water inlet valve has failed.
