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BOSCH E3100

Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E3100: Water Detected in Base — Flood Protection Active (Extended Code)

Clear meaning, realistic next steps, and safe guidance without turning the page into a long repair manual.

What it means

The safety switch has detected water in the base of the dishwasher. Your leakage protection system has been activated.

Severity

Medium - some user checks may help, but repeated faults often need service.

Can you fix it yourself?

Partial — start with DIY steps

Most likely cause

Same as E15 — flood protection triggered on newer models

Estimated time for safe first checks: 20–40 min.

Step-by-Step DIY Fix Guide

  1. SAFETY: Disconnect power immediately. Shut off water supply.
  2. Do not tilt the dishwasher yourself. If water may be trapped in the base, stop here and contact support or a qualified technician.
  3. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then restore and test.
  4. Inspect door seal and internal hoses for leaks.

If it's still not filling correctly

  • If normal household water flow looks good but the code returns, the inlet-valve or fill-sensing path becomes more likely.
  • If airflow still seems weak after the basic checks, the fan path or a deeper obstruction becomes more likely.
  • If the warning returns immediately after a clean restart, the sensor or wiring path becomes more likely than a one-time glitch.

What This Error Means

Error code E3100 on your Bosch dishwasher indicates: The safety switch has detected water in the base of the dishwasher. Your leakage protection system has been activated. The appliance detects this condition through its built-in sensors and halts the current cycle to prevent further damage. Depending on the model, the code may flash on the display panel, appear on a digital readout, or cause the status lights to blink in a specific sequence. The dishwasher will not resume normal operation until the underlying fault is resolved.

The most frequent cause of error E3100 is same as e15 — flood protection triggered on newer models. When this happens, the dishwasher's control board detects the abnormal sensor reading or motor response and triggers the fault code as a protective measure. Other contributing factors are listed in the causes section below — working through them in order is the fastest path to a fix.

Many cases of error E3100 can be resolved with DIY troubleshooting — start with the steps below before calling a technician. If the steps do not clear the code, the fault is deeper in the system and professional diagnosis will be needed. The guide specifies clearly at which point to stop DIY work.

The most visible symptom of E3100 is water where it shouldn't be — either too much inside the tub, or water detected in the base tray beneath the dishwasher. Turn off the water supply valve under the sink before investigating, and lay towels around the base of the unit while troubleshooting.

Most Likely Cause by Symptom

The Bosch dishwasher may stop, pause, or refuse to complete the cycle normally.

Likely cause: Same as E15 — flood protection triggered on newer models

Check first: SAFETY: Disconnect power immediately. Shut off water supply.

You may notice leaking, moisture, or water where it should not be.

Likely cause: Same as E15 — flood protection triggered on newer models

Check first: Do not tilt the dishwasher yourself. If water may be trapped in the base, stop here and contact support or a qualified technician.

The warning may return immediately because the appliance is detecting an internal fault.

Likely cause: Same as E15 — flood protection triggered on newer models

Check first: Let it sit for 30 minutes, then restore and test.

Common Causes

  • Same as E15 — flood protection triggered on newer models

What Not to Do

  • Do not run another cycle — water in the base tray could reach electrical components
  • Do not tip the unit forward — always tilt backward to drain the base tray

Model and Display Variation Notes

Model-family notes

  • Bosch dishwasher display wording and code formats can vary by series.
  • If your model behaves differently, check the owner manual before trying any deeper maintenance step.

Display and panel differences

  • Panel wording can vary by series, so confirm the exact code pattern before buying parts.

Parts, Tools and Service Options

Common parts

  • Door seal/gasket ($20–$50)
  • Water inlet valve ($25–$60)

Manual and model check

Check your exact model and manual before ordering any Bosch dishwasher parts.

Service option

Bosch service visit if the warning returns after the basic checks are complete.

Suggestions in this section are organized to support the troubleshooting flow first. Any future affiliate relationships should be disclosed clearly.

When Not to Keep Troubleshooting

Same criteria as E15 — leak not from door seal, or error keeps returning

How to Prevent It Recurring

  • Use only dishwasher-rated detergent
  • Inspect door seal every 6 months

Related Error Codes

Extra notes

  • This page is based on Bosch support material and stays conservative where model-specific guidance may vary.
  • The goal is to help you identify safe first checks before you move into parts, service, or model-specific manual lookup.

Source and model notes

Last reviewed: 2026-04-07

Based on: Based on Bosch support material and edited into consumer-safe guidance for the exact code family on this page.

View Bosch US Official

Model coverage note: Bosch dishwasher code meanings can vary by series, control panel, and model family, so use this page as a safe starting point rather than a replacement for the model-specific manual.

Important: FixThisError is an independent guide, not the manufacturer. Use your model-specific manual when the panel wording or behavior differs.

Always disconnect power before inspecting appliances. If unsure, contact a licensed appliance technician.