Bosch Dishwasher Error Code Wash (drain fault)

This code means the dishwasher was unable to drain water from the tub during a cycle. The control board monitors the water level and if it does not detect a successful drain, it stops the cycle and displays this fault. The root cause is typically a blocked or failed drain pump, a faulty water level controller, or a blocked level sensor.

You should not continue running the dishwasher with this fault active. Standing water left in the tub can become a hygiene concern and the underlying cause, such as a blocked pump or a failed sensor, will not resolve on its own. Running additional cycles risks worsening a blockage or damaging the pump motor.

Repair costs vary depending on the actual cause. If the fix involves only clearing a blockage from the pump or drain hose, you may have no parts cost beyond your time. A replacement drain pump typically costs between 40 and 120 dollars for the part alone, while a water level controller can range from 20 to 80 dollars. Adding a professional technician's labor will increase the total to roughly 150 to 350 dollars depending on your location and the parts required.

Start by disconnecting the drain pump connector and measuring resistance at the terminals. A reading of 80 to 94 ohms indicates the motor is electrically sound, so check the pump impeller for blockages next. Also inspect the drain hose for kinks, clear any debris from the filter basket, and check the water level sensor hose for grease buildup. If the pump resistance is outside the specified range, the pump motor needs to be replaced.

A reset may temporarily clear the code and allow the machine to attempt another cycle, but if the underlying fault is still present the code will return. Resetting without diagnosing the cause is not a lasting solution. The fault must be traced to the drain pump, water level controller, or sensor and corrected before the machine will operate reliably.