Signs of a Bosch drainage problem
Typical signs include water left in the bottom of the tub after a cycle, a musty smell, dishes that come out dirty or gritty, a cycle that stops partway, or an error code on the display. A drainage fault can also make a machine appear not to fill, because many dishwashers will refuse to take in more water if the tub already holds some.
Before you start
- Switch the dishwasher off at the household breaker, or unplug it if you can reach the plug safely.
- Wear gloves. Broken glass or sharp fragments can collect around the filter and pump.
- Have towels and a shallow container ready for water.
- Check your owner’s manual for the exact filter layout on your model, since designs vary.
Step 1: Remove standing water and clean the filter
- Scoop out standing water with a cup, sponge or turkey baster.
- Remove the lower rack to reach the base of the tub.
- Unscrew or twist out the cylindrical filter, usually counterclockwise, and lift out the flat mesh plate that sits with it. Your manual shows the exact method.
- Wash the filter parts under warm water with a little dish soap and a soft brush, then rinse. Bosch’s own guidance recommends this as the first step.
Food residue, seeds, labels and small fragments are common culprits.
Step 2: Check the pump cover and impeller area
Beneath the filter there is a pump cover. Bosch advises removing it, then checking the pump for debris and removing any remaining water with a sponge. Take care, because some debris can be sharp. If the cover has come loose, press it back until it sits firmly in place as shown in the manual, since a cover that is not seated can stop the pump working properly. Do not put your fingers into the pump area if you cannot see what is there, and never run the machine with the pump cover removed.
Step 3: Check the drain hose, air gap and disposal
If the filter and pump are clear, look at where the water leaves:
- Drain hose: Pull the dishwasher forward slightly if you can do so without straining the hoses, and check the hose is not kinked, crushed or twisted.
- Garbage disposal connection: If the dishwasher drains through a disposal, make sure any knockout plug was removed on a new installation and that the inlet is not packed with food waste.
- Air gap: If your sink has an air gap, check that it is not blocked.
Moving a dishwasher can strain water and electrical connections. If you are not comfortable doing this, ask a professional. If yours is an integrated model boxed into cabinetry, our guide to integrated dishwasher problems explains why access is harder.
What does E61 mean?
Bosch error codes vary by model and region, and different sources describe codes in different ways, so treat any list you find online with caution. Codes beginning with E and a number are often related to water or drainage faults, but the exact meaning of E61 or E61-03 on your machine should be confirmed in your owner’s manual or on Bosch’s support site using your model number. A sensible approach is to power the machine off, clear the filter and pump area as above, check the drain hose, then restart and see whether the code returns. If it comes back, the cause may be an electrical or pump fault that needs a technician.
Why is my Bosch not filling with water?
A Bosch that seems not to fill may actually have a drainage problem, because standing water or a clogged filter can stop the cycle. Work through the steps above first. If the tub is empty and still will not fill, see our wider guide to dishwasher fill problems, which covers the supply valve, door latch, float and inlet valve.
How to clean the dishwasher pump
In short: switch off power, remove the filter, lift off the pump cover, remove debris and water with a sponge, and refit everything firmly. Refer to your manual for the layout and do not force parts. If you cannot see or reach a blockage, or you find damaged parts, stop and call a technician.
Preventing future clogs
- Scrape plates and remove bones, seeds, labels and toothpicks before loading.
- Rinse the filter regularly. Many owners do so monthly, but follow your manual.
- Use a detergent and loading pattern that suit your machine, and avoid overloading.
When to call a professional
Call a technician if:
- the drain pump hums but does not move water after you have cleared the filter and cover
- the error code returns after cleaning
- you find water near electrical parts or signs of leaks, burning or melted wiring
- the breaker trips
- you are not comfortable removing parts or moving the machine
Water and mains electricity are a risky combination, so always disconnect power before reaching into the dishwasher.