E22
Bosch · Dishwasher · Error Code

Bosch Dishwasher E22 / E-22 Error Code — Blocked Filter or Residual Water in the Sump

DIY Friendly Also shown as: E 22 E-22
Quick Answer

The E22 / E-22 error code on a Bosch dishwasher means the filter is blocked and water can't drain properly — Bosch's own guidance is simply "filters blocked, clean filters." Start by removing and thoroughly rinsing the filter assembly at the bottom of the tub — this resolves the large majority of E22 cases at no cost. If E22 returns after a clean filter is reinstalled, check for a loose pump cover underneath the filter and confirm the drain hose isn't kinked or blocked before considering a technician visit.

Most common — Clogged filter

Food debris and residual water built up in the filter and sump. The filter is designed to be removed and cleaned every 3–6 months; skipping this lets particles clog the mesh and trap standing water underneath. Symptoms: dishes look mostly clean, but the display shows E22 and there may be a faint odor. Repair: remove, rinse, and reinstall the filter — a 15-minute DIY job.

Less common — Drain path or pump issue

Blocked drain hose, loose pump cover, or a failed drain pump. If E22 keeps returning after the filter is confirmed clean, water isn't making it out of the sump fast enough further downstream. Symptoms: standing water at the bottom of the tub after a completed cycle. Repair: check the pump cover and drain hose first; a technician if the drain pump itself has failed.

Time
15–45 min
Difficulty
Easy
Tools
Soft brush, mild soap
DIY Cost
$0

What the E22 / E-22 Code Means

E22 is Bosch's filtration-system fault code. On its own support pages, Bosch describes it plainly: the dishwasher filter is blocked and needs cleaning. The filter sits at the bottom of the tub and catches food particles during the wash cycle so they don't recirculate onto clean dishes or work their way into the plumbing. Left uncleaned for too long, it clogs and traps residual, often dirty-looking, water in the sump underneath it — the area the control board is actually monitoring when it raises E22.

Because the code is tied to residual water in the sump beneath the filter rather than the filter mesh itself, a blocked filter is only the most common trigger — not the only one. If the filter is confirmed clean and E22 still appears, the next most likely culprits are a loose pump cover just underneath the filter basket, or a restriction further along the drain path (kinked hose, clogged air gap, or a garbage disposal knockout plug that was never removed).

Unlike codes tied to the main control board or power module, E22 does not usually point to an electronic fault. Bosch's own troubleshooting guidance for E22 is entirely mechanical: remove the filter, clean it under running water with mild soap and a soft brush, and reinstall it. There's no breaker-reset step listed because a reset won't clear a physical blockage.

If you've cleaned the filter and E22 returns almost immediately, or the tub still has standing water after a full cycle, the blockage has likely moved downstream to the drain hose or pump — worth checking before assuming the drain pump itself has failed.

Common Causes — Most Likely First

1
Clogged or dirty filter. Food particles, grease, and debris have built up in the filter mesh over time, restricting how quickly water can drain out of the tub. Bosch recommends cleaning the filter every 3 to 6 months to prevent this. Very common
2
Residual water trapped in the sump beneath the filter. Even with the filter itself looking reasonably clean, debris can settle in the sump area below it, leaving standing water the control board flags as E22. Common
3
Loose pump cover. The pump cover sits underneath the filter basket at the bottom of the tub. If it isn't seated and locked correctly, drainage can be disrupted and trigger E22. Occasional
4
Kinked or blocked drain hose. A sharply bent hose, or one clogged with grease and sediment, slows or stops water leaving the sump, producing the same residual-water symptom as a dirty filter. Common
5
Garbage disposal knockout plug left in place. On a newly installed or recently replaced disposal, the factory knockout plug in the dishwasher drain inlet blocks drainage entirely if it wasn't removed during installation. Occasional — new installs
6
Excess detergent or rinse aid. Overdosing detergent or rinse aid can create foam that slows drainage enough to trigger a false residual-water reading. Occasional
7
Failed drain pump or internal check valve. If filter, pump cover, and hose are all confirmed clear and E22 still returns, the drain pump itself may not be moving water out fast enough, or a check valve is stuck. This is the one E22 cause that typically needs a technician. Less common — needs technician

How to Fix the E22 / E-22 Error — Step by Step

Remove the filter assembly

Open the dishwasher and locate the filter at the bottom of the tub, usually a twist-lock cylinder in front of the lower spray arm. Turn it counter-clockwise and lift it out along with the coarser outer filter, if separate. Check your owner's manual for the exact release mechanism on your model.

Clean the filter thoroughly

Rinse both filter pieces under running water, using mild dish soap and a soft brush to work loose any trapped food particles, grease, or mineral buildup. Check the mesh carefully for anything lodged in the fine weave — this is the most common source of E22.

If E22 clears after reinstalling a clean filter and running a test cycle, a clogged filter was the cause. Clean it every 3–6 months to prevent recurrence.

Check the sump and pump cover underneath the filter

With the filter out, look into the sump area for any residual water, debris, or a pump cover that looks loose or misaligned. Reseat the pump cover firmly if it's not fully locked in place. Wipe out any standing water and debris you find before reinstalling the filter.

Inspect the drain hose and disposal connection

Under the sink, trace the drain hose from the dishwasher to the disposal or drain connection, checking for kinks or sagging low points where debris can collect. If a garbage disposal was recently installed, confirm the knockout plug was removed from its dishwasher inlet — this is a common oversight after a disposal swap.

Reinstall the filter and run a test cycle

Lock the filter assembly back into place, making sure it's seated correctly and turns fully to the locked position. Run a full wash cycle and check that the tub is empty of standing water once it finishes.

Call a technician if E22 persists

If the filter, pump cover, and drain hose are all confirmed clear and E22 still returns, the drain pump or an internal check valve likely needs professional diagnosis. Contact Bosch Customer Support at 1-800-944-2904, or book a certified technician for pump testing and replacement.

When to Call a Technician

Most E22 cases are a simple filter cleaning. Book a professional repair if:

  • E22 returns immediately after cleaning and reinstalling the filter correctly
  • The tub still has standing water at the bottom after a completed, full-length cycle
  • The pump cover is confirmed seated and the drain hose is kink-free, yet E22 keeps recurring
  • You hear unusual grinding, humming, or no sound at all from the pump during the drain phase
  • The drain pump or a check valve is suspected of having failed
  • You're not comfortable accessing the sump or pump cover area yourself

Repair Cost Expectations

If You Fix It Yourself

$0
Cleaning the filter, checking the pump cover, and inspecting the drain hose require no parts — just 15–45 minutes and basic care.

Professional Repair

$150–$350
Typical range in the Boston area for drain pump diagnosis and replacement if the pump or a check valve has failed — parts and labor included.

Related Bosch Dishwasher Codes

E24
Drain hose blocked or kinked
E23
Drain pump circuit fault
E15
Water leak detected in base pan
E09
Heating element / water not heating
View all Bosch dishwasher error codes →

Still Getting E22? We'll Fix Your Bosch Dishwasher.

Same-day appointments across Boston. Certified Bosch technicians, common parts stocked on the truck, and a 90-day warranty on every repair.

Book Bosch Dishwasher Repair Call (781) 666-9565

Frequently Asked Questions

What does E22 mean on a Bosch dishwasher?

E22 means the filter is blocked and water isn't draining properly out of the dishwasher. Bosch's own support guidance describes it simply as "filters blocked — clean filters." It's a mechanical fault, not an electronic one, so a breaker reset won't fix it — the filter needs to be physically removed and cleaned.

Are E22 and E-22 the same error?

Yes — E22 and E-22 are just different ways the same code is written or displayed depending on the model's screen and manual. Both refer to the same blocked-filter / residual-water-in-sump fault.

I cleaned the filter but E22 keeps coming back — what's next?

Check that the pump cover underneath the filter basket is seated and locked correctly, and that the drain hose under the sink isn't kinked or clogged. If you recently had a garbage disposal installed, confirm the knockout plug was removed from its dishwasher inlet. If all of these check out and E22 still returns, the drain pump itself may need professional diagnosis.

How often should I clean my Bosch dishwasher filter?

Bosch recommends cleaning the filter every 3 to 6 months under normal use. Households that run larger loads, wash greasy pans, or skip pre-rinsing dishes may need to clean it more often to avoid E22.

How much does it cost to fix E22?

Cleaning the filter, checking the pump cover, and inspecting the drain hose cost nothing and take 15–45 minutes. If the issue turns out to be a failed drain pump, professional diagnosis and replacement in the Boston area typically runs $150–$350, parts and labor included.