Bosch's own list for a leaking dishwasher has four causes for the SHXM4AY55N: suds from the wrong detergent (dish soap) or overfilled or spilled rinse aid; a door seal that is misaligned or pulled from its track; a blocked condensation vent; and improper installation. Bosch's error code E:15 is the dishwasher's own leak alarm: the safety switch has detected water in the base of the dishwasher and the leakage protection system has been activated. Turn off the water inflow and contact Bosch Customer Support. If suds persist, Bosch's fix is one tablespoon of vegetable oil and running the cycle.
Differential
Likely causes of “Bosch dishwasher is leaking water”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The leakage protection system detected water in the base
What separates it E:15 is lit and the dishwasher will not run
How to confirm Turn off the water inflow and contact Bosch Customer Support
- 2
Suds from the wrong detergent or spilled rinse aid
What separates it Foam escapes from around the door because of suds from the wrong detergent or spilled rinse aid
How to confirm Use an appropriate dishwasher detergent, do not overfill rinse aid and clean any spill
- 3
The door seal is misaligned or pulled from its track
What separates it Water drips from the door edges during the wash
How to confirm Make sure the door seal is securely inserted in its track
- 4
A blocked condensation vent or an improper installation
What separates it There is water at the door top or vibration related leaks because of a blocked condensation vent or an improper install
How to confirm Clear the vent and move tall trays away; have a service professional remount the dishwasher
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether E:15 shows on the display
- Where the water appears: door edges, vent or base
- Whether foam was present and which detergent and rinse aid were used
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedStop and make it safe
ReversiblePress the On/Off button, turn off the water inflow if you can and mop up. Water in the base can trip the leakage protection.
Read the code
ReversibleE:15 means the safety switch detected water in the base of the dishwasher and the leakage protection system activated. Do not run it until it has been checked.
Check for suds
ReversibleIf suds show, use an appropriate dishwasher detergent, do not overfill the rinse aid dispenser and clean spills. If suds persist add one tablespoon of vegetable oil and run the desired cycle.
Check the door seal
ReversibleMake sure the door seal is securely inserted into its track, and clean it regularly with a damp cloth, since a soiled seal may not seal properly.
Check the condensation vent
ReversibleClean out the vent hole and move tall items like trays away from it. If leaks continue, an authorized service professional should check the installation.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Care notes that prevent leaks
- Bosch says to clean the door seal regularly to remove food that can cause odor and stop the seal sealing properly, never to use a steam cleaner, and, when leaving for vacation in warm weather, to turn off the main valve and the water supply at the nearest point to the dishwasher, leave no soiled dishes and leave the door slightly open.
- Parts for this problem on the SHXM4AY55N (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- carburetor gasket, part number 33263, at $1.56; tecumseh fuel line clamp., part number 26460, at $1.75; gasket-float bowl, part number 281165S, at $5.86.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models SHE3AEM5N, SHE53B75UC, SHS43CF5N, SHP65CM5N, SHP865WD5N, SHP78CM5N, SHX78CM5N, SHV9PCM3N.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If E:15 shows, turn off the water inflow and contact Bosch Customer Support on 1-800-944-2904
- !If the door seal will not stay in its track, have an authorized service professional check it
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Bosch's own list of dishwasher error codes with the fixes for E15, E18, E22, E24, E25 and E27.
Bosch's own owner-support articles for a dishwasher that will not drain, will not dry or smells.
Bosch's own specification sheet for this model.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-21.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why is foam leaking out?+
Wrong detergent, or overfilled or spilled rinse aid. Use dishwasher detergent only.
How do I clear suds?+
Add one tablespoon of vegetable oil and run the desired cycle.
Can the seal cause a leak?+
Yes, if it is misaligned or pulled from its track. Press it securely into the track.
What is the condensation vent?+
An opening that lets moisture out; tall items like baking sheets can block it.
Can steam be mistaken for a leak?+
Do not fully open the door until water noises have stopped and steam has subsided.
Should I disconnect power?+
Yes, for E:15 turn off the water and disconnect power before checking.
Who fixes an installation leak?+
An authorized service professional should remount the dishwasher.