Modern dishwashers have built-in safety sensors that detect water where it shouldn’t be (e.g. on the floor pan) and will display an error code or shut off automatically to prevent flooding.
For example, Bosch machines show an E15 code when water accumulates in the base tray. The E15 code is a safety alert indicating the dishwasher’s flood sensor has tripped. Essentially it has “detected water in a location where it should not be”
Similarly, LG dishwashers will flash AE or E1 if a leak is found: these codes mean a water leak inside has activated the float switch.
Samsung models use codes like LC/LE (Leakage/Clean water) for the same reason. Samsung’s own guide confirms “LC/LE are the information codes for water-related issues in the dishwasher”.
Even if you have a different brand, any error related to leaks or overflow should be taken seriously. Addressing such codes promptly can prevent serious water damage to your kitchen and home.
Common Error Codes and What They Mean
Many popular dishwasher brands use codes to indicate leaks or overflows. Here are a few to watch for:
- Bosch/Siemens – E15 (or “Watertap”): Indicates water detected in the base pan. Often caused by an internal leak (e.g. a failing tub seal, cracked pump, loose connection or worn door gasket). The dishwasher will stop mid-cycle to prevent more water escaping.
- LG – AE or E1: Signifies a leak has tripped the float switch inside. This could be due to a faulty hose, loose fitting or excess suds. The machine locks out until the leak issue is resolved.
- Samsung – LC or LE: Flags a leak on models with a built-in overflow sensor. Samsung advises checking the water supply and drain hose for holes or looseness and contacting service if the problem persists.
- Zanussi/Aeg/Hotpoint – i30: Common on UK appliances, i30 means a water leak has been detected under the dishwasher (often by a float switch). The unit will stop and often require a technician if the leak recurs.
- Miele – F70 (or F5): In Miele dishwashers, F70 (or older F5) often indicates water in the pan (flood). The remedy is usually to tip out any water from under the machine and restart; persistent F70 usually requires service. (Many other brands use similar “F” codes for leaks.)
- Other codes: You may also see codes like AE on Indesit/Hotpoint (an anti-flood code), or E8 on Smeg for a leak sensor. In any case, the underlying issue is usually the same: water where it shouldn’t be.
Why Leak Codes Matter
Leak/error codes are the dishwasher’s way of warning you before a flood happens. If you ignore them, even a minor drip can seep onto kitchen flooring, cabinets or walls and cause water damage.
Castle Hill Restoration knows all too well that water damage can be dangerous and devastating to a home, making it important for our team to uphold industry standards when responding to flooding events.
Typical causes for these leak/overflow codes include:
- Loose or damaged hoses: A cracked fill hose or a disconnected drain hose can spray water under the machine. Even a slight kink or pinhole can leak enough to trigger a sensor.
- Worn door/drawer seals: Over time, the rubber gaskets on the door can shrink or tear. This allows pressurised water to escape around the edges.
- Clogged filters or outlets: Food debris in the filter or drain can force water to back up. For example, a backed-up pump may overflow slightly, wetting the base pan and tripping a code.
- Overfilling or excess detergent: Too much detergent (especially non-HE soap) can create excess suds that lift the water level too high, causing an apparent overflow.
- Leveling/install issues: An improperly leveled unit may collect water unevenly. If one side sits higher, water can slosh out or pool under the machine. (LG and Zanussi guides both advise checking that the dishwasher is completely level
Troubleshooting Tips (Before Calling a Pro)
If your dishwasher shows an overflow or leak code, try these steps first:
- Power cycle the machine. Turn off power (via unplug or breaker), wait 5–10 minutes, then restart the cycle. Sometimes the code clears if it was a brief false alarm.
- Check under the door. Pull out and wipe up any water in the drip pan or around the float switch (if accessible). Some models have a float sensor or water collector that may need drying out.
- Inspect hoses and connections. Carefully pull the machine out (with power off) and look for moisture on the floor. Tighten any loose water inlet or drain hose fittings, and check hoses for splits. Samsung explicitly advises tightening the water supply hose if LC/LE appears
- Clean filters and spray arms. Remove the bottom filter basket and rinse it out (a clogged filter can cause drainage to back up). Clear any debris from spray arms so they rotate freely.
- Check dishwasher level. Use a spirit level inside the tub. Adjust the feet so the appliance is flat. An uneven dishwasher can trip a leak sensor even without a real leak
- Review detergent use. Make sure you’re using the correct dishwasher detergent (not hand-washing soap) and only the recommended amount. Excess suds can cause weird overflow issues.
If you discover the cause (e.g. a loose hose or damp floor) and correct it, reset the machine and see if the code returns. Sometimes simply drying out the base and restarting will clear a one-off leak.
However, never ignore a persistent error.
If the code comes back or there’s visible pooling, you’ve got a real leak.
It’s wise to watch out for signs of flooding (soft or discolored flooring, musty smells, warping trim). Even after fixing the appliance, undetected moisture can lead to mold. If your dishwasher continues to overflow or your floor stays wet, it’s time to call professionals.
Plumbers can repair internal components, but if water has invaded cabinets, carpets or walls, you’ll need a specialist flood cleanup.
Castle Hill Restoration offers 24/7 Flood Recovery/Response services. We follow PAS 64 mitigation standards and BS 12999 codes of practice for damage management. Our team can extract water, dry out structures and restore your space safely.
When to Call a Professional
- Repeated error codes: If E15/AE/LC/etc. reappears after resets and basic checks, call a technician. Recurring leak alarms usually mean an internal repair is needed.
- Visible leaks or flooding: Anytime water is actively leaking onto the floor or into cabinetry, shut off the dishwasher, turn off power, and arrange professional help immediately. Rapid response minimises damage.
- Electrical concerns: If water has reached any electrical parts (burn marks, sparks, tripped breakers), do not continue using the machine. Seek help from certified appliance technicians or electricians.
- Post-flood recovery: Even after fixing the leak source, residual water can hide. Call Castle Hill’s flood restoration team if there’s any doubt. Our experts will assess and dry out affected areas (walls, insulation, flooring) to prevent structural damage or mould.
Dishwasher leak codes are serious warnings. Early troubleshooting can often fix minor issues, but persistent leaks call for a pro. Properly addressing leak codes protects your kitchen from water damage and keeps your appliance safe to use.
Remember, Castle Hill Restoration is here to help with water damage from appliance floods or overflows.
We have certified water-damage teams and can be reached any time for emergency flood recovery.