What this actually means
Understanding the fault
Most modern dishwashers carry a float switch in the base pan. When water collects there the machine locks into a protection mode, runs the drain pump continuously, and refuses to fill. That behavior is the machine containing a leak, not causing one — so clearing the code without finding the water simply repeats the cycle.
Try these first — they cost nothing
Free checks before you buy any part
Work down the list in order and stop when the symptom clears.
- 1
Check the detergent first
Hand dish soap in a dishwasher produces enormous quantities of suds that push past the door seal and pool on the floor. If anyone recently used the wrong soap, run several rinse-only cycles before diagnosing anything mechanical.
- 2
Inspect the door gasket
Run a finger around the full seal looking for tears, hardening, or debris holding it open. Clean it with warm soapy water. A compressed gasket that has taken a set leaks at the bottom corners first.
- 3
Confirm the unit is level
A dishwasher tilted forward overflows at the door. Check side to side and front to back, and adjust the leveling feet.
- 4
Look underneath with a flashlight
Pull the lower access panel. Water at the front points to the door seal; water at the back or center points to hose connections, the sump gasket, or the pump seal.
- 5
Dry the base pan completely
Towels and time. The float must drop before the code clears, and the machine keeps reporting the fault while any water remains under the tub.
No code on the display?
When your appliance shows nothing at all
A leak with no code often means water is escaping before it reaches the base pan — usually the door seal or a supply connection. Lay dry paper towel under the front edge and run a short cycle to see where it appears.
Where to look
Common causes to check
- 1Hand dish soap or excessive detergent causing suds overflow
- 2Torn, hardened, or dirty door gasket
- 3Unit not level
- 4Loose or split drain and supply hose connections
- 5Failed sump or pump seal
- 6Cracked tub or spray arm
- 7Water inlet valve failing to close fully
Know where to stop
When to call a professional
Water and electricity in one cabinet raise the stakes. If you cannot locate the source quickly, shut the supply valve and get a technician — a slow leak under a dishwasher damages subfloor and cabinetry well before it becomes visible.
Read the full safety disclaimerMatch your code
7 related Dishwasher error codes
If your appliance displayed a code, find it here for the diagnostic sequence specific to your brand. Codes vary by model, so confirm the full model number before ordering any part.
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7 guides found
Code E15
E15 triggers when water collects in the bottom safety pan, activating the microswitch float sensor.
Code H2O
H2O code indicates insufficient water entered the dishwasher sump during the wash fill cycle.
Code AE / E1
AE or E1 means water has reached the dishwasher base area and activated the leak/float sensing system.
Code bE
LG identifies bE as a bubble error, often caused by using hand dishwashing liquid or another detergent that creates excessive suds.
Code LC / LE
The dishwasher leak sensor has detected moisture in the base area.
Code OC / 0C / oE
The dishwasher has detected more water in the tub than expected.
Code F8E4
F8E4 indicates that water has been detected in the dishwasher drip tray.