The "Check Water" indicator on a Bosch dishwasher typically signals that the appliance is experiencing an issue with its water intake, drainage, or has detected excess water where it shouldn't be. When you see a "Check Water" light, possibly accompanied by a flashing rinse aid light, it often means that the dishwasher's anti-flood switch has been activated.
This activation is a critical safety feature designed to prevent water damage to your home. It suggests that the system has detected water in the base of the machine, indicating a potential leak or a failure to properly drain. This situation might also be accompanied by an error code E9 appearing on the display.
Understanding the "Check Water" Indicator on Your Bosch Dishwasher
The "Check Water" alert is a common fault notification on Bosch dishwashers, pointing to a range of potential problems that disrupt the machine's normal operation. It's essentially your dishwasher's way of saying, "I can't proceed because there's a problem with the water."
Why Your Bosch Dishwasher Shows "Check Water"
Several factors can trigger the "Check Water" indicator and activate the anti-flood switch:
- Activated Anti-Flood Switch: This is the most direct cause. If water has accumulated in the dishwasher's base pan (often due to a leak), a float switch (the anti-flood switch) will rise and trip, signaling the machine to stop operating and display the "Check Water" message. This is often associated with the E9 error code.
- Blocked or Clogged Drain: A common culprit is a drain line obstructed by food particles, grease, or other debris. If water can't exit the dishwasher properly, it can back up and trigger the anti-flood sensor.
- Faulty Drain Pump: The drain pump is responsible for expelling wastewater. If it's malfunctioning, damaged, or has debris lodged in it, water won't drain, leading to accumulation in the base and activating the anti-flood switch.
- Insufficient Water Supply: While less common for directly activating the anti-flood switch, a lack of incoming water (due to a closed water valve, kinked inlet hose, or low water pressure) can also prevent proper operation and sometimes lead to error messages that might be interpreted similarly by the user, or even indirectly cause issues if the machine tries to fill and fails repeatedly.
- Leaking Components: Internal leaks from hoses, seals, the water inlet valve, or the wash motor can allow water to seep into the base pan, triggering the anti-flood device. You might find water leaks under the machine in such cases.
- Malfunctioning Water Inlet Valve: If this valve fails to open or closes incorrectly, the dishwasher may not get enough water, or it could potentially leak.
Troubleshooting "Check Water" on Your Bosch Dishwasher
Before calling for service, you can perform several troubleshooting steps to diagnose and potentially resolve the "Check Water" issue. Always unplug the dishwasher from power and turn off the water supply before attempting any inspections or repairs.
Here's a breakdown of common causes and their solutions:
| Issue | Potential Cause | Troubleshooting & Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Water in Base Pan (Anti-Flood Activated) | Leakage from internal components, drain issues. | 1. Access the Base: Carefully tilt the dishwasher forward about 45 degrees to drain any standing water from the base pan. This can reset the anti-flood switch. 2. Inspect for Leaks: Look for visible water marks or drips once the machine is back in place and running briefly. Check hoses, seals, and the pump area. 3. Examine the Drain System: A leak could be caused by a clog in the drain hose itself. |
| Blocked Drain | Food particles, grease, foreign objects. | 1. Clean Filters: Remove and thoroughly clean the dishwasher's main filter assembly at the bottom of the tub. 2. Check Drain Hose: Inspect the drain hose for kinks or blockages. Disconnect it (if accessible) and clear any obstructions. 3. Check Air Gap (if applicable): If your dishwasher uses an air gap on the sink, ensure it's not clogged. For more details, see Repair Clinic's guide on Bosch dishwasher draining issues. |
| Faulty Drain Pump | Debris in pump, electrical failure, worn impeller. | 1. Inspect Pump Impeller: Access the drain pump (usually by removing the lower spray arm and filter assembly, then potentially a cover). Check if the impeller is clear of debris. 2. Test Pump (Advanced): If comfortable, you might test the pump's electrical continuity or listen for humming when it should be draining. A professional may be needed for diagnosis and replacement. |
| Insufficient Water Supply | Closed water valve, kinked hose, low pressure. | 1. Check Water Shut-Off Valve: Ensure the cold water supply valve to the dishwasher is fully open. 2. Inspect Inlet Hose: Verify the water inlet hose isn't kinked or blocked. 3. Check Water Pressure: Ensure your home's water pressure is adequate by checking other faucets. |
| Error Code E9 | Directly linked to anti-flood switch activation. | 1. Perform a Hard Reset: Unplug the dishwasher for 5-10 minutes, then plug it back in. 2. Address Underlying Cause: The E9 code points to water in the base. Focus on finding and fixing the source of the leak or drain issue as described above. Consult Bosch's official troubleshooting for specific error codes at Bosch Home Appliances support. |
Step-by-Step Action Plan:
- Safety First: Disconnect power to the dishwasher at the circuit breaker or by unplugging it. Turn off the water supply valve to the dishwasher.
- Clear the Base Pan: Gently tilt the dishwasher forward (or carefully pull it out and lay it on its back, if possible and safe) to allow any standing water in the base pan to drain out. Have towels ready. This often resets the anti-flood switch.
- Inspect Filters and Drain: Remove and clean the dishwasher's internal filters (located at the bottom of the tub). Check the drain hose for any kinks or blockages where it connects to the sink drain or garbage disposal.
- Check for Leaks: Once any standing water is cleared, carefully reconnect power and water, then run a short cycle. Watch closely under the dishwasher (if accessible) and within the tub for any signs of water leaks.
- Restart: After troubleshooting, reset the dishwasher by turning off the power for a few minutes, then turning it back on.
When to Call a Professional
If you've followed these steps and the "Check Water" indicator persists, or if you're uncomfortable performing any of the internal inspections, it's best to contact a qualified appliance technician. Issues like a faulty water inlet valve, a broken drain pump, or complex internal leaks often require specialized tools and expertise to repair correctly.
