What Does Error Code E36 Mean on a Bosch Washing Machine?

Bosch Updated 8 April 2026
Quick Fix

Check the AquaStop hose connection at both the tap and the machine for visible damage or looseness, reseat any loose fittings, and restart the cycle — if the hose is intact and connections are secure, the error will often clear immediately (takes about 5 minutes).

Fault description

Error E36 is Bosch's way of telling you that its AquaStop leak-protection system has been triggered. AquaStop is a dual-layer safety hose with a built-in valve that automatically shuts off the water supply if it detects moisture inside the hose's outer sleeve. When this happens, the machine stops mid-cycle and displays E36 to prevent flooding.

The fault can originate in two places: the AquaStop hose itself, or somewhere inside the machine where water is escaping and pooling in the base tray. A float switch in the base tray monitors for standing water, and if it lifts even slightly, it triggers the same E36 code.

In either case, the machine will refuse to continue until the source of the leak is identified and resolved. This is a safety feature, not a glitch, so the error should always be investigated rather than simply reset.

Causes

  • Damaged or triggered AquaStop hose — The AquaStop hose contains a moisture-sensitive inner sleeve. If the hose has been kinked, pinched, or has aged to the point of internal weeping, the safety valve trips and cuts the water supply, triggering E36.
  • Loose or incorrectly seated hose connections — If the AquaStop hose is not fully tightened at the tap end or the machine inlet, small amounts of water can seep past the seal. Over time this moisture activates the hose's internal sensor.
  • Water in the base tray from an internal leak — Leaks from the door seal, drum bearings, pump housing, or internal hose connections can allow water to drip into the machine's base. The float switch in the base tray rises with the water level and triggers E36.
  • Faulty or stuck float switch — The float switch in the base tray can occasionally stick in the raised position even after water has been removed, causing a persistent E36 error. This is less common but does occur on older machines.
  • Deteriorated door seal or gasket — A cracked or torn door seal allows water to escape the drum during a wash cycle. This water runs down into the base tray and activates the leak-detection system.
  • Blocked or leaking pump and filter housing — A clogged drain filter can cause water to back up and overflow internally. Hairline cracks in the pump housing or loose pump connections can also drip water into the base tray.

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. 1

    Switch off and unplug the machine

    Before doing anything else, turn the programme dial to off and unplug the washing machine from the mains. Turn off the water supply tap behind the machine. This is essential for safety before you inspect any water connections or internal components.

  2. 2

    Inspect the AquaStop hose

    Pull the machine slightly away from the wall and examine the AquaStop hose along its full length. Look for kinks, cracks, bulging, or discolouration. Check both end connections — at the tap and at the machine's inlet valve — and hand-tighten any that feel loose. If the hose feels stiff, brittle, or shows visible damage, it needs replacing.

  3. 3

    Check for water around and under the machine

    Look on the floor beneath and around the machine for any puddles or damp patches. Even a small amount of water on the floor suggests an active leak. Dry the area thoroughly with towels so you can identify whether water returns when you run a short test cycle later.

  4. 4

    Tilt the machine and drain the base tray

    Carefully tilt the machine backwards about 15 degrees (ask someone to help — machines are heavy). This allows any water sitting in the base tray to drain out through the front. Place towels on the floor first. Once drained, return the machine to its upright position and allow it to sit for 10 minutes so the float switch can settle back down.

  5. 5

    Inspect the door seal

    Open the door and run your fingers around the full circumference of the rubber door gasket. Feel for tears, splits, or areas where the seal has pulled away from its groove. Small cracks are easy to miss visually but can be felt. A damaged door seal will need to be replaced before the machine is used again.

  6. 6

    Check and clean the drain filter

    The drain 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, clear any debris, and check the filter housing for cracks or signs of leakage around the seal. Refit the filter firmly.

  7. 7

    Reconnect, run a short cycle, and monitor

    Plug the machine back in, turn on the water supply, and run a short 30-degree cotton cycle. Stay with the machine for the first 10 minutes and watch for any water appearing on the floor or the E36 code returning. If the cycle completes without error, the fault is resolved. If E36 reappears, the internal leak source has not been fixed and a service technician should be called.

Affected models

When to call a service technician

If you have drained the base tray, checked the AquaStop hose, and inspected the door seal but E36 returns within the first few minutes of a new cycle, there is an active internal leak that requires professional diagnosis. Common sources include a cracked drum bearing housing, a split internal hose, or a leaking pump body — none of which are straightforward DIY repairs.

You should also call a service technician if you find water on the floor but cannot identify where it is coming from, if the float switch appears to be stuck and the error persists after the base tray is completely dry, or if the machine is still under warranty and you want the repair covered.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reset error E36 without fixing the leak?

You can clear the error temporarily by draining the base tray and restarting the machine, but if an active leak is present, E36 will return almost immediately. The AquaStop system is designed to protect your home from flooding, so the underlying cause must be fixed before the machine will run a full cycle reliably.

How do I know if the AquaStop hose has triggered or is just damaged?

A triggered AquaStop hose will have its internal valve locked in the closed position, meaning no water will flow through it at all even when the tap is fully open. You can test this by disconnecting the hose at the tap end and checking whether water flows freely. A damaged hose may still pass water but will show visible cracking, bulging, or discolouration.

Is E36 always caused by a real leak, or can it be a sensor fault?

In the majority of cases, E36 indicates a genuine leak or a triggered AquaStop hose. However, a stuck or faulty float switch in the base tray can produce a false E36 reading after the water has already been cleared. If the base tray is completely dry and the error persists, the float switch itself may need to be inspected or replaced.

How long does it take to replace an AquaStop hose?

Replacing the AquaStop hose is a straightforward job that most homeowners can complete in around 15 to 20 minutes. You simply turn off the water, unscrew the old hose at both ends, and fit the new one. Make sure the replacement hose is a genuine AquaStop type rated for your machine — standard inlet hoses do not have the same leak-protection function.

Will Bosch cover an E36 fault under warranty?

If your machine is within its manufacturer's warranty period and the fault is due to a component failure rather than accidental damage or misuse, Bosch should cover the repair. Contact Bosch customer service with your model number and proof of purchase before attempting any repairs yourself, as DIY work can sometimes affect warranty eligibility.