Bosch Dishwasher E22 Error Code: Blocked Filter or Pump

Quick Answer

The E22 code is usually caused by a dirty circular filter or a loose drain pump cover. To fix it, remove the bottom rack, unscrew the mesh filter, clean it with hot soapy water, and ensure the white plastic pump cover in the sump is snapped securely into place.

E22 is honestly the most common Bosch call I get, and nine times out of ten it's not a broken pump or a dead motor, it's just gunk. Ignore it long enough and the standing water starts to smell, and eventually the pump motor can actually burn out trying to fight through a packed filter. Catch it early and you're looking at a 20-minute DIY fix with zero parts.

BoschDishwasherSeverity: moderate95% DIY Success

Time to Fix

15–30 min

Difficulty

beginner

Parts Cost

$25 – $85

Tools Needed

Turkey baster or large sponge (for removing standing water from the sump), Soft-bristle scrub brush or old toothbrush (for scrubbing the mesh filter)

What Does the e22 Code Mean?

OK so here's the deal with E22. Your dishwasher's drain system has a three-stage mesh filter that catches all the food particles, and when it gets packed with grease and debris the pump can't drain properly. It's the number one error code on Bosch units. And it's almost always a DIY fix, no parts needed, just some elbow grease and hot soapy water.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Clogged mesh filters45%

Loose drain pump cover25%

Debris in pump impeller15%

Drain hose restriction10%

Control board fault5%

Symptoms You May Notice

E22 flashing on the display right at the end of the cycle, usually when you think the dishes are done and go to open it.
Half an inch to an inch of standing water sitting at the bottom of the tub when you open the door.
A grinding or low humming noise coming from under the dishwasher floor during the drain portion of the cycle, like something's fighting the pump.
Dishes coming out with a gritty film and visible food debris floating around in the bottom of the tub.
The whole machine smells like a dirty drain, especially around the door seal and filter area.

Can you reset a Bosch dishwasher to clear the e22 code?

Hold the Start button down for 3 to 5 seconds until the display flips to '0:01' or resets. Close the door and let it run that short drain cycle all the way through. Once it finishes you should be clear. If E22 comes right back on the next full cycle, go back and check that pump impeller because something's still blocking it.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Turkey baster or large sponge (for removing standing water from the sump)Soft-bristle scrub brush or old toothbrush (for scrubbing the mesh filter)Dish soapSmall flathead screwdriverFlashlight or phone light (to see into the sump area)

Service / Diagnostic Mode

With the door open, press and hold the 'B' and 'C' buttons while pressing the 'Power' button. Release all buttons when 'P0' or similar appears. Use the 'B' button to cycle to the fault memory.

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name	OEM Number	Estimated Price
Cylindrical Filter00645038 · $25–$45	00645038	$25 – $45
Drain Pump00631200 · $40–$85	00631200	$40 – $85

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Bosch dishwasher show E22 at the very end of the cycle?

Bosch does a final drain check right before the drying phase kicks in. If your filter's partially clogged, the machine drains slowly, and by the time it hits that last check the sump still isn't empty enough to pass. So it throws E22. It's actually kind of smart, it catches the problem before your dishes sit in dirty water overnight. A thorough cleaning of the mesh filter usually knocks this out completely. If the filter's clean, go straight to that white pump cover.

Can I use vinegar to clear an E22 code?

Vinegar's great for preventative maintenance but it won't fix an active E22. If there's a physical blockage like a piece of glass or a food particle jammed in the impeller, vinegar isn't touching that. Clean the filter manually first, that's non-negotiable. Once you're back up and running, putting a cup of white vinegar on the top rack and running a hot cycle every month or so will help keep grease from building back up and triggering another E22 down the road.

The filter is clean but E22 is still there. What now?

Almost always that little white pump cover. I've shown up to jobs where the homeowner already cleaned the filter perfectly and E22 was still active because that cover wasn't snapped down fully. It's a two-second fix but it's not obvious if you don't know to look for it. Pop into the sump and press that white plastic disc until you hear it click. If the code's still there after that, check the impeller for debris and then trace the drain hose under the sink for any kinks or a blocked disposal inlet.

Is E22 the same as E24 or E25?

Same neighborhood, different houses. E22 is filter and partial blockage territory. E24 usually means water isn't draining at all and points more toward the drain hose or a check valve. E25 is when the pump itself is physically jammed and the motor can't even get the blades spinning. Honestly though, start with E22 troubleshooting no matter which of those you're seeing, because a bad enough clog can actually trigger all three depending on how far gone the filter situation is.

How often should I clean my Bosch dishwasher filter to prevent E22?

Once a month if you're running it daily. I know, most people never clean it until the machine starts throwing codes, but Bosch's triple-stage filter catches way more debris than most brands because it's a finer mesh. The quick clean takes two minutes. Pull the filter, scrub it under hot water, snap it back in. Do it the same day you wipe down the counters and it becomes habit. The repeat E22 customers I see are almost always the ones who cleaned it once after the first error and thought they were done forever.

Related Bosch Dishwasher Error Codes

Code: E24Bosch Dishwasher E24 Error Code: Drain Error Code: E25Bosch Dishwasher E25 Error Code: Pump Blocked

Same Fix on Other Brands

Miele dishwasherF11: Miele Dishwasher F11 Error: Drainage Fault

Models Known to Experience e22 Errors

This repair applies to most Bosch dishwashers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

SHX878WD5N, SHEM63W55N, SHPM65Z55N, SHS863WD5N, SHE3AR72UC, SHP865ZD5N, SHV863WD3N, SHEM3AY52N

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 17, 2026