Bosch · Dishwasher · Water Protection / Leak Detection

Bosch Dishwasher E31 / E31-00 Error Code

Bosch dishwasher error E31 usually indicates a leak or water-detection fault. ECL records this code as “Water Protection System”. A common cause listed on this page is Water has entered the dishwasher base and activated the leak-protection system., but the exact cause can vary by model and appliance generation. Stop using the appliance and follow the safety guidance below; do not dismantle it or test live components, and arrange professional help before using it again.

Quick answer: On Bosch dishwasher manuals that document E:31-00, the water protection system has been activated. Turn off the water supply and arrange service rather than repeatedly restarting the appliance.

In simple terms

Bosch dishwasher code E31 usually means Water Protection System. Follow these four steps.

1Understand the code

See what the code usually means and why it may have appeared.

2Try safe checks

Try only the simple checks listed on this page. Do not take the appliance apart.

3Check if it is safe to use

This page says to stop using it. Follow the safety advice below before doing anything else.

4Choose the next step

Use the next-step box to see whether to keep checking, find a part by model or get repair help.

What Bosch E31 / E31-00 means

On documented Bosch dishwasher models, E:31-00 means the water protection system has been activated. The dishwasher's leak-protection system has detected a condition that requires the water supply to be turned off and the appliance assessed. The code identifies the protection event; it does not prove which internal component is leaking or faulty.

Common causes

  • Water has entered the dishwasher base and activated the leak-protection system.
  • An internal hose, pump, sump, seal, or water connection is leaking.
  • Water or excessive foam has reached the base area.
  • The leak-protection float, safety switch, wiring, or control input requires diagnosis.

Safe checks you can make

  1. Switch the dishwasher off and isolate it from the mains supply.
  2. Turn off the dishwasher water supply tap.
  3. Check only for visible water around the door, inlet hose, drain hose, and floor. Do not remove panels.
  4. Record the complete display format, including whether it shows E:31-00, and note the Bosch E-Nr from the door edge.
  5. Arrange professional service if the code remains or returns.

Is it safe to keep using the appliance?

Do not continue normal use while E31 / E:31-00 remains active. Bosch documentation for this code instructs the user to turn off the water supply and contact customer service.

Repair help

Stop using the appliance for now

Follow the stop-use advice above. Do not take the appliance apart or keep resetting it to see if the fault clears.

Find an ECL Verified repairer

No obligation. Your contact details are only shared after you submit the repair request, and only with a suitable ECL Verified repairer where coverage is available.

Do not try this yourself

  • Do not tilt the dishwasher to try to empty the base tray.
  • Do not remove the base, side panels, pumps, hoses, wiring, or leak-protection components unless properly qualified.
  • Do not repeatedly reset or run the dishwasher while the water-protection system remains active.
  • Do not order a pump, sensor, or control board from the code alone.

What a repairer is likely to check

  • The base tray for water and the source of any leak.
  • Hoses, pump and sump connections, seals, and other water-bearing components.
  • The leak-protection float or safety switch and its wiring.
  • The exact E-Nr and model-specific code definition before any component is replaced.

Your model may show the code differently

Recent Bosch dishwasher manuals document E:31-00 as “water protection system activated”. Bosch fault-code meanings can vary by model and display format, so verify the exact E-Nr and the full displayed code before relying on model-specific repair instructions.

Where this information comes from

Publisher: Error Code Lookup Editorial Team. This page is independent information written in our own words and reviewed with safety boundaries in mind.

Manufacturer information: Bosch dishwasher user manual documenting E:31-00. See also Bosch UK User Manuals for the exact E-Nr.

Last reviewed: 2026-09-20

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Frequently asked questions

What does E31 or E31-00 mean on a Bosch dishwasher?

On documented Bosch dishwasher models, E:31-00 means the water protection system has been activated. Turn off the water supply and arrange service.

Is Bosch E31 the same as E:31-00 or E3100?

Users often shorten the display to E31. Bosch documentation may show the code as E:31-00, while some support material removes punctuation. Use the full code and E-Nr to confirm model-specific meaning.

Can I safely reset Bosch E31?

A power reset should not be used to bypass an active water-protection warning. Keep the water supply off and arrange diagnosis if the code remains or returns.

Should I tilt the dishwasher to clear E31?

No. Tilting can move water into electrical areas and hides the source of a leak without repairing it.

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