Bosch Dishwasher E22 — What It Means & How to Fix It
E22 is one of the most fixable Bosch codes: the filter at the bottom of the tub is blocked and water is backing up in the sump, so cleaning the filter usually clears it.
What this code means
E22 means the filter has clogged with food debris to the point that water cannot pass through and pools in the sump. The filter is the cylindrical mesh-and-plastic assembly in the base of the tub that catches food soil, and it is designed to be removed and rinsed. A blocked filter is the everyday cause of poor cleaning and standing water, and E22 is the machine asking you to clean it.
E22 consistently means a blocked filter on Bosch dishwashers. If the filter is genuinely clean and E22 returns with water still pooling, the blockage may be further down toward the pump — see the E24 and E25 drain checks.
Most likely causes
| Cause | How likely | DIY-fixable? |
|---|---|---|
| Filter clogged with food debris | Very common | Yes — no tools |
| Filter not refitted or seated correctly after cleaning | Common | Yes — no tools |
| Coarse debris past the filter and into the sump | Occasional | Yes — cup/sponge, 15 min |
| Blockage further toward the drain pump | Less common | Partly — see drain checks |
What you can try yourself
- Switch the dishwasher off and pull out the lower rack to reach the filter at the base of the tub.
- Twist the cylindrical filter anticlockwise to unlock it and lift the whole assembly out — it usually separates into a coarse cup and a fine mesh.
- Rinse both parts under a running tap with a soft brush and a little mild soap until the mesh is clear, picking out anything trapped.
- Wipe out the filter recess and scoop any standing water and debris from the sump below where the filter sits.
- Refit the filter, turning it clockwise until it locks — a loose filter can re-trigger the code — then run a short rinse to confirm E22 has cleared.
When to call a technician
- Water still pools in the base after the filter is cleaned and correctly locked in.
- E22 returns within a cycle or two despite a clean filter.
- The filter is clear but the drain is slow, pointing further down the drain path.
Typical professional repair cost: Cleaning the filter is free. If a deeper blockage or the drain pump is involved, a technician visit typically runs $90–$200.
Frequently asked questions
How do I clear a Bosch dishwasher E22 error?
Remove the filter at the bottom of the tub, rinse it clean under the tap with a soft brush, clear any debris and standing water from the sump, then lock the filter back in and run a short cycle. That resolves most E22s, because the code simply means the filter is blocked.
How often should I clean my Bosch dishwasher filter?
Every few weeks for most households, and more often if you do not pre-scrape plates. Regular cleaning keeps water flowing and prevents E22 as well as odours and cloudy results.
E22 came back after I cleaned the filter — now what?
Make sure the filter is locked in fully, since a loose filter can re-trigger it. If it is seated and the code returns with water still pooling, the blockage is likely nearer the drain pump, so follow the E24 and E25 checks or call a technician.
Related Bosch codes
- Bosch Dishwasher E15 Water reached the base pan under the tub and Bosch's leak protection locked the machine — sometimes a genuine leak, often a one-off spill or condensation that clears once the base dries.
- Bosch Dishwasher E24 The dishwasher can't drain properly — start with the filter, then the drain hose path, and don't skip checking that the drain pump cover is seated.
- Bosch Dishwasher E25 The drain pump itself is blocked or its cover is loose — and Bosch makes the pump cover owner-accessible, so this is one of the most fixable codes the brand throws.
- Bosch Dishwasher E09 The heating system isn't raising the water temperature — beyond one reset, the flow-through heater is a mains-voltage part that belongs to a technician.
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