Are you worried that your Bosch dishwasher can’t deal with all the dirty dishes because it seems to not have any water? You’re probably dreading both cleaning the dishes yourself and fixing the dishwasher at this point.
Don’t panic just yet, because, in this easy-to-read article, we will provide you with the necessary instructions to troubleshoot and repair the issues behind why your Bosch dishwasher won’t fill with water.
Each guide that we’ll be mentioning in this article will be comprehensive yet easy enough to understand and follow. Most of the problem-solving can be done by yourself, although some may require professional help if you start feeling overwhelmed.
Why won’t my Bosch dishwasher fill with water?
A Bosch dishwasher won’t fill with water because it may be powered off, has interrupted wash cycles, and low water supply.
It is also possible that the dishwasher filter and drain pump may be clogged and blocked off, or in the worst case, damaged.
Error Codes Related to Why Your Bosch Dishwasher Won’t Fill with Water
It’s good to know the different Bosch dishwasher error codes (bosch dishwasher codes) before we dive into troubleshooting each of the causes for your dishwasher’s inability to fill with water.
These error codes make it easier to pinpoint which particular problem is causing the issues. For example, error code E18 refers to a low amount of water flowing into the dishwasher, and knowing this information makes the repairs quicker and easier.
Here is a list of error codes related to why your Bosch dishwasher won’t fill with water:
| Error Code | Description |
| E14 | • This error code indicates a flow meter failure or an issue with water flowing into the dishwasher or the filling system. • Whenever this error code pops up, it is likely that the flow meter is malfunctioning but water is still flowing into the appliance. |
| E16 or E17 | • This error code indicates an issue with water flowing into the dishwasher or the filling system. • Whenever this error code pops up, water may not be able to enter the dishwasher because of possible clogging within its waterline. |
| E18 | • This error code indicates an issue with water flowing into the dishwasher or the filling system. • Whenever this error code pops up, it means that there is not enough water flowing into the dishwasher. • This could be because of a low water supply or low water pressure from the appliance’s source. |
| E22 (bosch dishwasher e22) | • This error code indicates that the dishwasher’s water filter is clogged. • The filter would need maintenance or even a full replacement to allow the dishwasher to function properly. |
| E25 (e25 bosch dishwasher) | • This error code indicates that the dishwasher’s drain pump is blocked or its cover is loose. • The dishwasher cannot fill with water if the appliance cannot drain out used water from its system. |
How do I troubleshoot my Bosch dishwasher’s inability to fill with water?
To resolve your Bosch dishwasher’s water filling issue, you should begin by checking if your Bosch dishwasher is powered off, has interrupted wash cycles, and low water supply. These are the simple causes for the filling problem and inspecting them first could save you valuable time and resources.
Although once you are able to verify that none of the simple causes are the source of the problem, then you need to turn your attention to the dishwasher’s components – the dishwasher filter and drain pump.
We will be listing down each of the causes and their proper solutions in the table provided below:
| Causes | Solution |
| Powered-Off Dishwasher | • Plug in and turn on the dishwasher by pressing the Power button located on its control panel. • This will allow the appliance to start its functions and accumulate water. |
| Interrupted Wash Cycle | • Reset the dishwasher by pressing and holding the Start button located on its control panel. • This will cancel the queued wash cycle and drain the dishwasher’s water if it was running. |
| Low Water Supply | • The dishwasher will encounter a problem filling up if the water supply is low. Check its water source to make sure it is providing enough water to fill up the appliance. • Moreover, be sure to check if the waterline hose and water inlet valve are in good condition. If they aren’t, then they need to be replaced for water to properly fill the dishwasher. • Call a professional if troubleshooting and replacing the waterline hose and/or water inlet valve becomes too difficult to do on your own. |
| Clogged Dishwasher Filter | • Access and clean the dishwasher filter if you find it to be dirty and clogged with debris. • You should also replace it if there are visible signs of damage to avoid other complications. • Don’t hesitate to call a professional if you find the process of accessing, cleaning, and/or replacing the dishwasher filter to be troublesome. |
| Blocked Drain Pump | • Make sure that the drain pump’s impeller is not blocked and obstructed. Clean out any debris that may be blocking the pump. • If the drain pump is still blocked after cleaning the impeller, then it is likely that it is broken and needs to be replaced with a new one immediately. • Call for professional help if you are having a difficult time following the instructions. |
| Quick Note: • If there is a need for you to replace any Bosch dishwasher’s parts and components, you can identify the correct one by referring to your appliance’s model and serial number. This may help avoid parts being mismatched and will save you the hassle. |
Powered-Off Dishwasher
Your Bosch dishwasher will not begin to fill itself with water if the appliance is unplugged and/or powered off. The dishwasher needs its power to intake water and accumulate it for use.
Solution: Make sure the dishwasher is plugged in and then power it on by pressing its Power button on the control panel.
The appliance should be able to start taking in water to prepare itself for use.
| Quick Note: • Make sure that the appliance is plugged into an outlet supplying it with an AC voltage between 220 V to 240 V, otherwise, the dishwasher will not function. • You should also check if the circuit breaker box in your household tripped any of the breakers supplying the dishwasher with power, and if so, reset the power for the appliance to receive its needed electricity. |
Interrupted Wash Cycle
An interrupted wash cycle will cause your Bosch dishwasher to malfunction and stop filling with water. Resetting the appliance should cancel all the queued wash cycles, drain all of the water inside the dishwasher, and allow water to accumulate inside again.
Solution: Locate the Start button on the dishwasher’s control panel then press and hold it for approximately 3 seconds or until the appliance beeps.
After the reset, the dishwasher should start draining its current water and fill up normally.
Low Water Supply
Your Bosch dishwasher will not fill with water if there is a low amount of water coming from its supply source.
It is also important to check the dishwasher’s waterline hose and water inlet valve. These parts allow water to properly flow into the appliance and any damage on them will cause the dishwasher to have poor water flow to fill the appliance.
Solution: Make sure that the water valve of your home’s water supply is turned on to allow water to fill the dishwasher. It is also advised to inspect the dishwasher’s waterline hose and water inlet valve for any damage and defects.
If you find any sharp bends or damage on the waterline hose of the dishwasher, replace it immediately.
Here are the instructions to replace the waterline hose:
- Step 1: Power off the dishwasher and disconnect it from its power supply.
- Step 2: Turn off the water valve of the source supplying water to the dishwasher.
- Step 3: The dishwasher should have a panel located at the very bottom of the appliance. Remove the panel’s screws with a screwdriver set to get partial access to the bottom housing.
- Step 4: Open the dishwasher’s door and remove the screws securing the outer door panel. Close the door and then carefully pull down the outer door panel to remove it.
- Step 5: The waterline hose is accessible somewhere in the dishwasher’s bottom housing. Use a wrench to disconnect both ends of the old waterline hose from the water supply and dishwasher.
- Step 6: Connect the new hose to the water supply and dishwasher.
- Step 7: Make sure that the new waterline hose is intact with the water supply line and the dishwasher to avoid possible water leakage.
- Step 8: Reattach and secure the dishwasher’s outer door panel and bottom panel in their respective locations to finish up the repairs.
Moreover, if you find out that the dishwasher’s water inlet valve is faulty and remains closed no matter what you do, then you should immediately replace it.
Here are the instructions to replace the water inlet valve:
- Step 1: Power off the dishwasher and unplug it.
- Step 2: Turn off the water valve to prevent water from flowing into the dishwasher.
- Step 3: The dishwasher has a panel located at the very bottom of the appliance. Remove the panel’s screws with a screwdriver set to have partial access to the bottom housing.
- Step 4: Open the dishwasher’s door and remove the screws securing the outer door panel. Close the door and then gently pull the panel downwards to remove it.
- Step 5: The water inlet valve should be located at the bottom housing with the waterline hose connected to it. Disconnect the waterline house from the inlet valve using a wrench.
- Step 6: Remove the inlet valve’s brass elbow and set it aside.
- Step 7: Uninstall the inlet valve’s mounting screws and then disconnect its wire harness.
- Step 8: Use pliers to free the inlet valve from the dishwasher’s inner tube.
- Step 9: Install the new inlet valve by connecting it to the dishwasher’s inner tube and connecting its wire harness.
- Step 10: Install the inlet valve’s mounting screws to firmly secure it back into place inside the bottom housing.
- Step 11: Install the brass elbow into the new inlet valve.
- Step 12: Connect and tightly reattach the waterline hose to the new inlet valve.
- Step 13: Secure both the outer door panel and bottom panel back into their respective places to close up the washer and finish the repairs.
If you have any trouble performing the repairs of the waterline hose and/or water inlet valve, then it’s better to call a professional to assist you.
Clogged Dishwasher Filter
A clogged dishwasher filter prevents your Bosch dishwasher from filling with water.
The reason behind this is that a clogged filter hinders the dishwasher from properly draining out its water. The appliance will not begin to fill with water to avoid overflowing itself.
Solution: Take out and clean the dishwasher filter to rid it of debris. If you happen to find any damage to the filter, replace it with a new one immediately.
Here are the instructions to take out and clean the dishwasher filter (and replace it if damaged):
- Step 1: Power off the dishwasher and disconnect it from its power supply.
- Step 2: Open the dishwasher’s door and remove its lower rack.
- Step 3: The dishwasher filter is located on the bottom of the dishwasher. Remove the spray arm to fully access the filter.
- Step 4: Twist open the dishwasher filter’s cap and pull it out along with the mesh screen attached to it.
- Step 5: Wash the dishwasher filter using warm soapy water and make sure to get rid of any debris.
If you do find that the dishwasher filter is damaged, you should just replace it with a new one instead.
- Step 6: Reattach the dishwasher filter back into its place.
- Step 7: Place the spray arm and the lower rack back into their respective places.
| Quick Note: • Clean the dishwasher filter of your appliance at least every 3 months to keep it in optimal condition. Although the frequency may increase to once a month depending on how much you use the dishwasher. |
Don’t hesitate to call for professional help if you have trouble with accessing, cleaning, and/or repairing the dishwasher filter on your own.
Blocked Drain Pump
As mentioned earlier, your Bosch dishwasher will not fill with water if it has not fully drained out its old used water. A blocked drain pump also contributes to this kind of problem.
There are instances where debris can still bypass the dishwasher filter but will end up blocking the drain pump instead, causing water to remain inside of the appliance and risk overflowing.
Solution: Clean out the drain pump and make sure there is nothing obstructing its impeller. If the drain pump has been found to be damaged or broken, it will need a replacement immediately.
Here are the instructions to clean the drain pump’s impeller:
- Step 1: Power off the dishwasher and disconnect it from its power supply.
- Step 2: Open the dishwasher’s door and remove its lower rack.
- Step 3: The drain pump’s impeller should be under the dishwasher filter. Remove the spray arm to fully access the filter.
- Step 4: Twist open the dishwasher filter’s cap and then pull it out along with the mesh screen attached to it.
- Step 5: Clean out the area under the dishwasher filter and the drain pump’s impeller.
- Step 6: After you’re finished with the cleaning, reattach the dishwasher filter back into its place.
- Step 7: Reattach the spray arm and the lower rack back into their places to finish up.
If you are done cleaning the drain pump’s impeller but the water is still not draining, then the pump is damaged and needs replacement.
Here are the instructions to replace the drain pump:
- Step 1: Power off the dishwasher and disconnect it from its power supply.
- Step 2: Turn off the water valve of the source supplying water to the dishwasher.
- Step 3: Make sure to manually drain out any water from the dishwasher. You should use a suction pump to make the process easier.
- Step 4: The dishwasher should have a panel located at the very bottom of the appliance. Remove the panel’s screws with a screwdriver set to get partial access to the bottom housing.
- Step 5: Open the dishwasher’s door and remove the screws securing the outer door panel. Close the door and then carefully pull the outer door panel down to remove it.
- Step 6: Tilt the dishwasher diagonally and rest it on a wall to have an easier time accessing the bottom compartments of the appliance.
- Step 7: There should be two more panels located at the bottom of the dishwasher. Remove the decorative panel (this should be the plastic panel).
- Step 8: Behind the decorative panel should be the access panel. Remove this panel to access the compartment housing the drain pump.
- Step 9: Disconnect the wiring and electronics of the drain pump, then use a flathead screwdriver to free it from its locking tabs. The component should look like this:
- Step 10: Make sure to clean the area and that there is no more debris that may block the pump.
- Step 11: With your new drain pump, snap it into place and connect its wiring and electronics.
- Step 12: Start closing the bottom compartment by reinstalling the access panel and then the decorative panel.
- Step 13: Reattach the outer door panel and secure it back in its place.
- Step 14: Return the dishwasher’s bottom panel to finish the repair.
If the entire process of cleaning and/or replacing the dishwasher’s drain pump becomes too difficult, then you should consider calling a professional to complete the repairs.
After using our guide, water should now flow and fill your Bosch dishwasher without any trouble. You’ll be equipped with enough knowledge in case a problem like this happens again in the future.
