Step-by-Step DIY Fix Guide
- SAFETY: Unplug the washing machine and shut off the water supply immediately.
- Do not start another cycle while E:00 / -23 is active.
- Check for obvious external leaking around the door seal, supply hoses, drain hose, and detergent drawer area.
- If you see clear ongoing leaking, leave the washer off and arrange service.
- If no simple external cause is obvious, stop there rather than opening internal panels yourself.
If the source is not obvious
- A leak that has reached the base tray is often deeper than a routine maintenance issue.
- If the floor is dry now but the code appeared during the cycle, the leak path may only open under pressure or during draining.
- If the code returns after any reset attempt, treat it as an active leak fault until proven otherwise.
What This Error Means
Bosch washing machine error E:00 / -23 means the washer believes water has reached the base tray underneath the drum area. This is a stop-using-the-machine code rather than a carry-on-and-see warning.
The most practical user-level check is still external: look for obvious leaking around the door seal, detergent drawer, hoses, or the floor around the machine.
If you cannot identify a simple external cause quickly, the next step is usually professional leak diagnosis rather than deeper DIY repair.
What users usually notice before this code
Bosch washing-machine warnings like this often appear after a fill problem, a drain slowdown, a badly balanced load, or a startup sequence that did not settle cleanly.
Common misdiagnoses
- Assuming the display code proves one exact failed part before the safe first checks are done.
- Blaming a pump or valve first when a blocked path, filter, hose, or household plumbing issue is still possible.
- Replacing a lock or latch too early when alignment, trapped laundry, or startup conditions may still explain the warning.
Most Likely Cause by Symptom
Water is visible around the washer or under the cabinet.
Likely cause: An active hose, seal, or drawer-area leak.
Check first: Turn off water and power first, then check the visible seal and hose areas only.
The code appears but you do not see obvious water on the floor.
Likely cause: Water has still reached the internal base tray from a less visible leak path.
Check first: Stop using the washer and avoid deeper DIY disassembly.
Common Causes
- A hose or internal connection is leaking.
- The door seal is damaged or not sealing correctly.
- The detergent drawer path is leaking or overflowing.
- An internal component has allowed water into the base tray.
What Not to Do
- Do not keep running the washer to see if the code clears on its own.
- Do not tilt the machine or remove internal panels unless a qualified technician is handling the repair.
- Do not ignore fresh water around the machine or under the cabinet.
Model and Display Variation Notes
Model-family notes
- Bosch washer leak paths vary by series, but E:00 / -23 still means the machine has detected water where it should not be.
- A one-time spill event can resemble a leak, but repeat appearances of this code should be treated as genuine leak-protection faults.
Display and panel differences
- Panel wording can vary by series, so confirm the exact code pattern before buying parts.
Parts, Tools and Service Options
Service option
Leak diagnosis service because E:00 / -23 is usually not a routine consumer-maintenance fault.
Common parts
- Door seal/gasket ($25–$60)
- Internal hose ($15–$35)
- Drum bearing and shaft seal kit ($40–$100)
This section stays service-first because the page points more strongly toward support or professional repair than a routine parts purchase.
When Not to Keep Troubleshooting
You cannot identify the leak from obvious external points.
- The code returns after any basic reset or visible drying.
- Water is appearing under or inside the machine during use.
How to Prevent It Recurring
- Inspect the door seal annually for cracks or tears
- Check hose connections at the back of the machine yearly
Related Error Codes
Helpful guides for this problem
Guide
What to check before replacing a dishwasher drain pump
The checks worth doing before you blame the drain pump and spend money on a fix that may not be the real problem.
Guide
Before calling appliance service: the safe checks worth doing first
The simple checks that can save time, money, and a messy support call before you commit to service or parts.
Guide
How to tell if a dishwasher problem is drainage or leak-protection related
How to tell whether a dishwasher water-related warning is about drainage or a more cautious leak-protection stop.
When not to keep pushing DIY troubleshooting
If the same warning returns after the first safe checks, or the next step would require invasive disassembly, stop there and move to model-specific guidance or service.
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 washer leak-protection guidance and edited to help users recognize when to stop troubleshooting and treat the fault as an active leak issue.
Model coverage note: Leak-detection hardware and likely leak paths vary by Bosch washer family, so use this page as a safe stop point rather than a model-specific repair procedure.
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.