What Does Error Code E22 Mean on a Bosch Washing Machine?
Tilt the machine gently forward about 45 degrees to drain any water from the base tray, then stand it upright and leave it for 30 minutes to allow the float switch to reset before restarting the cycle (takes about 20 minutes).
Fault description
The E22 error code means your Bosch washing machine's Aquastop system has detected water sitting in the plastic base tray at the bottom of the appliance. Aquastop is a built-in flood protection feature — a small float switch sits in the base tray and, when water lifts it, the machine immediately cuts the water inlet and halts the programme to prevent further flooding.
When E22 appears, the machine will typically stop mid-cycle, lock the door, and refuse to start a new programme. You may or may not see visible water on the floor around the machine. The water causing the fault is often hidden inside the outer casing, pooled in the base rather than leaking externally.
The fault can be a one-off event caused by minor condensation or a small splash, or it can point to an ongoing leak from a hose, pump, or door seal that needs attention before the machine is used again.
Causes
- Water accumulated in the base tray from a minor internal leak — Even a slow drip from a hose connection, pump housing, or drum seal can gradually fill the base tray over several cycles. Once enough water lifts the float switch, E22 is triggered even though no external puddle is visible.
- Leaking door seal (door gasket) — A cracked, torn, or debris-damaged door gasket allows water to escape the drum during the wash or spin phase. This water runs down the front of the machine and collects in the base tray.
- Loose or split inlet or drain hose connection — Hose connections at the back of the machine can work loose over time due to vibration. A split or poorly seated hose will drip water into the base during filling or draining.
- Faulty or leaking drain pump — The drain pump sits low in the machine and its housing or seal can crack or degrade. A weeping pump seal may only leak under pressure during the drain cycle, making it difficult to spot without removing the front panel.
- Overfilling caused by a faulty pressure sensor or inlet valve — If the water level sensor or inlet valve fails, the machine may overfill the drum, causing water to overflow internally into the base tray. This is less common but will trigger E22 repeatedly until the faulty component is replaced.
- Condensation or residual water after a previous repair — Occasionally, water left inside the machine after a service visit or a very heavy load can settle in the base tray and trigger the float switch without there being an active leak. This is a one-off event and the machine should operate normally once the tray is dried out.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Switch off and unplug the machine
Before doing anything else, turn the programme dial to off and unplug the machine from the wall socket. Never work on or tilt a washing machine while it is connected to the mains. If the door is locked mid-cycle, wait a few minutes after unplugging — the door lock solenoid will release once power is removed.
- 2
Drain the base tray by tilting the machine
With a second person to help, carefully tilt the machine forward at roughly 45 degrees and hold it there for 30–60 seconds. This allows water in the base tray to drain out through the rear or sides. Place old towels on the floor first. Once upright, leave the machine for at least 30 minutes so the float switch can drop back to its resting position.
- 3
Inspect the door seal for damage
Open the door and run your fingers around the full circumference of the rubber door gasket. Look for tears, cracks, or foreign objects such as coins or wire that may have punctured the rubber. Also check the fold of the gasket where water and debris collect — a blocked fold can cause water to spill inward rather than drain correctly.
- 4
Check all visible hose connections
Pull the machine away from the wall and inspect the cold water inlet hose and the drain hose at the back. Feel along each hose for dampness and check that the connections are hand-tight and seated correctly. Look for any kinks, splits, or signs of mineral deposit around the fittings, which can indicate a slow weep.
- 5
Clean and inspect the drain pump filter
The pump filter is located behind the small access panel at the bottom front of the machine. Place a shallow tray and towels underneath, then slowly unscrew the filter cap to release residual water. Remove the filter completely and check for debris, and inspect the filter housing for cracks or signs of leakage around the seal.
- 6
Run a short test cycle and monitor closely
Once the base tray is dry and you have checked all accessible components, plug the machine back in and run a short 30-degree cotton cycle. Stay with the machine throughout and check underneath and behind it for any drips. If E22 returns during or after the test cycle, there is an active leak that requires further investigation.
- 7
Remove the front panel to inspect the pump and internal hoses
If you are comfortable with basic appliance disassembly, the front panel on most Bosch models can be removed after unscrewing the lower access panel and the top panel. With the front removed, you can visually inspect the drain pump body, the pressure chamber hose, and the drum spider seal for signs of moisture or mineral staining that indicates a slow leak source.
Affected models
Select your model to see its full troubleshooting page.
When to call a service technician
Contact a service technician if the E22 error returns immediately after you have drained the base tray and dried it out, or if you can see an active drip from the pump, drum seal area, or any internal hose during the test cycle. These faults require component replacement and, in the case of the pump or drum seal, specialist tools to complete safely.
You should also call a technician if the machine repeatedly overfills — water rising above the door seal level — as this points to a failed pressure sensor or inlet valve that will continue to trigger E22 and could cause significant water damage if left unaddressed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to use my Bosch washing machine while the E22 error is showing?
No. You should not run the machine until you have identified and resolved the source of the water in the base tray. Running it again risks further water ingress, potential damage to electrical components in the base, and possible flooding. Always unplug the machine first and investigate before restarting.
The E22 error cleared after I tilted the machine — does that mean the problem is fixed?
Not necessarily. Draining the base tray clears the float switch and removes the error, but it does not fix the underlying leak. Run a supervised test cycle and check carefully for any drips. If E22 does not return and you find no evidence of a leak, it may have been a one-off event, but monitor the machine closely over the next few washes.
How do I reset the E22 error code on a Bosch washing machine?
There is no separate reset procedure for E22. Once the water in the base tray has drained and the float switch drops back to its resting position, the error will clear automatically when you next power on the machine. If the tray still contains water, the error will reappear regardless of any button combination you try.
Can a blocked drain cause the E22 error on a Bosch washing machine?
Indirectly, yes. If the drain is severely blocked, water can back up and overflow internally, eventually reaching the base tray. However, a blocked drain will usually trigger a separate drain error first. If you see both a drain fault and E22, clear the pump filter and check the drain hose for blockages before investigating for a physical leak.
How much does it typically cost to repair a Bosch washing machine showing E22?
If the fix is simply draining the base tray and the leak was a one-off, there is no cost. A door gasket replacement typically costs between £20 and £50 for the part, plus labour if you use a service technician. A drain pump replacement is usually £30 to £70 for the part. A full service call-out with labour commonly ranges from £80 to £150 depending on your location and the parts required.