Bosch Dishwasher E22 Code? (here’s why & what to do)

Bosch dishwashers have a good name for their reliability and long service. However, like all appliances, they can get problems. When your Bosch dishwasher detects a problem it communicates the nature of that problem by using a series of error codes.

In this article we focus on the E22 error code, explain what it means as well as offering the best ways to solve the problem indicated by this error code.

What Does Error Code E22 Mean On A Bosch Dishwasher?

Error code E22 on a Bosch dishwasher indicates that the filter is blocked. Which can sometimes be translated into there is still water left in the dishwasher basin at the end of the cycle. 

This means that the first place to check is the filter before moving onto some other areas that could be causing the problem.

How To Get To The Filter

On most Bosch dishwashers the filter can be removed by turning it anti-clockwise and lifting it from the appliance. If yours doesn’t come out that way, you’ll need to consult your user manual for more detailed information.

If you own a Bosch dishwasher which doesn’t have a removable filter, check the dishwasher basin for any food particles or debris that’s preventing the dishwasher from draining.

If that doesn’t clear the E22 error code, you’ll need to check the drain hose as well as the drain pump for any of the problems described below.

In some cases, the E22 error code is caused by a fault in the control board which makes the dishwasher think it has a drainage issue.

How To Identify The Filter

The filter on a Bosch dishwasher is made up from 3 parts, the inner filter is surrounded by a mesh filter, which in turn is surrounded by a fine mesh filter.

The whole filter assembly is surrounded by a large square metal mesh panel. You will need to remove the whole lot to remove any blockages.

How To Clear The E22 Error Code

It is a relatively easy task to clear the E22 error code with only warm soapy water and an old toothbrush. All you need to do is;

1. Disconnect The Power Supply
   In the interest of safety, you need to disconnect the power supply to prevent any damage or injury. This can be done by removing the plug from the wall socket or flipping the switch on the circuit breaker.
2. Remove The Lower Rack
   Open the dishwasher door and remove the lower rack to gain access to the filter. If you need to, you can remove the bottom spray arm as well to give you easier access.
3. Locate And Remove The Filter
   You will then see a circular filter at the bottom of the dishwasher. It will be in the middle of the large metal square mesh panel in the dishwasher basin. Twist the circular filter in an anti-clockwise direction and lift it from the dishwasher.
4. Remove The Large Square Metal Mesh Panel
   This panel will simply lift out from the basin. Take care because it might have sharp edges or, if the dishwasher has recently been used, it could be hot.
5. Remove The Fine Mesh Filter
   You will then be able to remove the fine mesh filter part by simply lifting it out of the basin.
6. Wash All Of The Component Parts Of The Filter
   Fill a bowl with warm water and detergent and wash all parts of the filter. Any stubborn stains can be removed using a toothbrush (or similar soft bristled brush).
7. Replace The Filter Parts
   Once all of the filter parts have been washed, it’s time to replace them in the reverse order to how they were removed. Starting with the fine mesh filter first. Ensure that the circular filter is locked into position by turning clockwise.
8. Return The Lower Rack
   Replace the spray arm (if removed) and the lower rack then close the dishwasher door and reconnect the power supply.
9. Run A Short Wash Cycle
   Run a short wash cycle to ensure that the E22 error code has disappeared.

What Does It Mean If The E22 Error Code Remains After The Filter Is Clean?

If, after cleaning and replacing the filter, the E22 error code is still displayed on the dishwasher, there are a few other things that you can check. These include;

Probable Cause	Solution
Blocked Drain Hose	Check and remove any blockages from the drain hose
Blocked Waste Disposal Unit	Check waste disposal unit for blockages
Blocked Air Gap	Check the air gap and remove any blockages
Blocked Sink Waste Pipe	Check the sink waste pipe and remove any blockages
Defective Drain Pump	Contact a technician
Limescale Buildup	Remove any limescale buildup using white vinegar
Defective Check Valve	Contact a technician
Damaged Or Stuck Impeller	Check impeller for blockages/replace if necessary
Control Board Fault	Contact a technician

Let’s take a closer look at these issues;

Check The Drain Hose For Blockages

Take a look at the drain hose and see if it is twisted or kinked. If it is this could cause it to get a build up of food particles, debris or detergent. This could clog the drain hose which could lead to the E22 error code.

Even if there are no twists or kinks in the drain hose, you could still be dealing with a clogged hose. You can try clearing it using a commercial dishwasher cleaner and following the instructions on the package.

Or, pour 1 cup of bicarbonate of soda into the bottom of the tub, followed by 1 cup of white vinegar. Allow this mixture around 30 to 40 minutes to work on the blockage and then try a short wash cycle.

If this fails, you may need to run a plumber’s snake through the drain hose. 

Blocked Waste Disposal Unit (if applicable)

If the dishwasher connects to a waste disposal unit it is possible that it could be blocked which would prevent the wastewater from the appliance from draining away. Try running the waste disposal unit for around 30 seconds and see if it clears.

If this doesn’t work consult your user manual as in some cases you can manually clear any blockage in the waste disposal using an allen key. Simply place the correct size allen key in the socket and turn backwards and forwards a few times.

Blocked Air Gap (if applicable)

If your dishwasher is connected to an air gap this could be the cause of the blockage. Over time the air gap can become clogged with food particles, detergent or even limescale.

You will need to remove the cap and cover on the air gap and remove any visible blockage using a pair of tweezers.

Blocked Sink Waste Pipe

If your dishwasher connects to the waste pipe under the sink, this could be the cause of the blockage. If this is the case, you will most likely see evidence of water not draining away when the sink is used.

This can be tackled using a plunger, drain cleaner or a plumber’s snake.

Defective Drain Pump

If all of the above are fine, there’s a possibility that the drain pump is defective. This is more likely if you have neglected to clean the dishwasher’s filter for a while.

Food and other particulates get into the drain pump and stick to moving parts making them have to work harder. This leads to the eventual breakdown of the pump.

This is a job best left to a technician to investigate.

Limescale Buildup

This is only usually a problem if you live in an area that is supplied with hard water. Over time the minerals ever present in the water crystallise and form around working parts of the drainage system including the filter.

You can remove limescale buildup using white vinegar. Plus it is vitally important in hard water areas that you always keep the dishwasher salt topped up.

Dishwasher salt combats the mineral content in the water and should, for the most part, eliminate limescale buildup.

Defective Check Valve

The check valve is a one way valve that allows water to exit the dishwasher but prevents it from returning. If the check valve becomes defective it will allow dirty water to re-enter the dishwasher which could lead to the E22 error code.

Accessing the check valve involves dismantling parts of the dishwasher which is why we recommend contacting a technician to do this for you.

Damaged Or Stuck Impeller

Whilst the filter is removed, you can turn the impeller that’s found inside the filter cavity, by hand. It should move freely, if not try to find any object that could be stopping it.

If you can’t feel anything but you suspect the impeller is causing the problem, contact a technician.

Control Board Fault

Every function needed to successfully operate the dishwasher is controlled via the control board. If the control board becomes defective or develops a fault, it can cause the E22 error code to be displayed.

In some cases the problem could be caused by an electrical glitch. This can often be cleared by performing a reset (see below).

If the control board is defective, we recommend getting a technician to check it for you. Control boards are expensive components and damage easily which is why they are best checked by someone who knows how to handle them correctly.

How To Reset A Bosch Dishwasher

If you suspect that the E22 error code has been caused by an electrical glitch, it can sometimes be cleared by performing a reset. All you need to do is;

1. Disconnect the power supply by removing the plug from the wall socket or flipping the switch on the circuit breaker to off.
2. Leave the power off for at least 10 to 15 minutes.
3. After the time has passed, reconnect the power and turn the appliance back on.

This should be enough to clear the error code if it was caused by a software glitch or electrical glitch. The dishwasher should then be ready to use as normal again.

Ways To Prevent Your Bosch Dishwasher Displaying The E22 Error Code

Once you have cleared the E22 error code, there are a few things you can do to prevent it occurring again. These include;

• Scrape plates before placing them in the dishwasher
• Clean the filter at least once per month
• Ensure you use the correct type and quantity of detergent
• Never overload your dishwasher
• Ensure that the water pressure is sufficient for the correct running of the dishwasher (20 psi minimum)

If you adhere to these tips your Bosch dishwasher should give you years of service.

SEE ALSO: How To Test The Bosch Dishwasher Drain Pump (E23)

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