Bosch is a renowned home appliance brand that people across the globe trust to deliver time and time again on efficient and well-performing products, and a Bosch dishwasher is no exception.
However, even brands as big and popular as Bosch occasionally have problems, and their products won’t last forever.
If you’re wondering what common problems you might run into when you purchase a Bosch dishwasher, this article will tell you everything you need to know and how to solve those problems quickly and easily.
Keep reading to learn all the important facts that you need to know about your Bosch dishwasher.
The 9 Most Common Problems With A Bosch Dishwasher
Here are the issues you might run into and how you will need to approach them if you do:
1. Filling With Water
Something that Bosch users experience quite frequently is their dishwasher filling up with water by itself when it should be empty. This can be a serious waste of water and is not very environmentally friendly.
It can also cause the appliance to overfill and spill water onto your kitchen floor, so it’s crucial that you address the issue as soon as you can. Luckily, the problem is typically caused by one of two issues: the water level sensor or the water inlet valve.
If your water level sensor is wet or dirty, it might send inaccurate readings to the control board and cause the dishwasher to fill with fresh, clean water. Cleaning the sensor will solve this problem in no time.
If it’s not your sensor, then you might have a faulty water inlet valve stuck in the “open” position, allowing a constant stream of water to flow into the appliance. In this case, the part will need to be replaced.
2. No Water Entering the Machine
On the other side of the spectrum, your appliance might not get any water supply whatsoever, leaving you unable to wash your dishes.
Once again, this problem is generally caused by a faulty water valve. If the valve is defective, it may close too early, preventing water from flowing into the machine during the wash or rinse cycle.
A faulty water inlet valve will need to be replaced; this can be done by accessing the valve through the lower access panels and detaching it from a wire harness. If you don’t feel confident about completing a repair like this alone, call for assistance from a professional technician.
3. Draining Issues
Another common issue is your Bosch dishwasher not draining properly after a wash cycle. When this happens, you will be left with dirty water pooling in the bottom of your appliance, which can be extremely unhygienic.
Fortunately, this is yet another quick fix; all you need to do here is remove the filter and drain. You might need to manually drain the appliance using a cup or a jug to remove the water, and you can also place a dry towel or rag in the bottom of the dishwasher to mop up all the remaining water.
When all of the water has been removed, check the impeller to ensure no debris or obstructions are blocking it, and remove anything you notice.
4. Not Drying Properly
If your washer is cleaning your dishes thoroughly, but they come out dripping wet, this can be pretty frustrating.
However, it is important to note in this case that various Bosch dishwasher models use different drying methods. It might use a vent, a vent motor, or a heating mechanism, so you should refer to your dishwasher manual to determine which components your model uses so that you can take the correct steps.
If you have a vent, ensure it is opening properly; otherwise, check the vent fan motor – you might need to use a multimeter tool to test it for continuity to determine whether it is working properly. You can also manually turn the fan blade to check for any obstructions that prevent it from moving.
Finally, if your appliance uses a heating element, check this for continuity. If any of these components are defective, they must be replaced with new working parts.
5. Not Cleaning Your Dishes
Even more frustrating than wet dishes is when your load comes out completely filthy, needing to be washed again by hand.
If your dishwasher isn’t cleaning your dishes properly, it could be due to a few different causes. You could potentially be dealing with clogged spray arms or a dirty dishwasher filter.
You can remove both of these parts to clean. Run them under warm water to remove any obstructions, and use a soft washcloth and some soap to clear away dirt and grime build-up.
If this doesn’t solve the problem, be sure to balance your load of dishes properly and use the correct type of detergent for your appliance. If you place your dishes in a way that blocks the spray of water or obstructs the spray arm, your dishes might not get clean.
Similarly, the wrong type of detergent (or not using enough) can also lead to subpar cleaning.
6. Buttons Not Working
If the buttons on your appliance aren’t working, you won’t be able to select a dishwasher cycle or run the machine.
There could be a few things causing this problem, but the most common culprit is a foreign object blocking the button sensors. Check this, remove anything that might be blocking them, wipe them down, and then restart the appliance.
You might also have an issue with your selector switch, in which case you will need to replace it.
7. Leaking
Your Bosch dishwasher might leak from the motor area if there is a leak in the pump seal. This could be caused by the sealant drying out, a defective screw, or damage to the pump itself.
You can use a silicone sealant to close any leaks and repair damage. You could also use a screwdriver to simply tighten anything that has come loose.
If the dishwasher is leaking from the door, you will need to assess the door latch and the door seal – if there is damage to either of these components, they will need to be replaced.
8. Noisy Operation
A noisy dishwasher can be a real frustration. It can also indicate a more significant underlying issue, which is why it’s important to investigate if you notice any unusual sounds coming from your appliance.
Here are a few things that could be causing a noise:
- Overheating
- An unbalanced load
- An issue with the motor
- A clogged filter
- Poor thermal insulation
Be sure to take a closer look to diagnose the problem and call for professional assistance if you’re unsure what steps to take.
Bosch Dishwasher Problems: Are They A Dealbreaker?
All dishwashers present problems from time to time, but this doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker for the product.
All these issues discussed above are common problems and don’t necessarily indicate a defect with the dishwasher or manufacturer. As you can see, these problems are also easy to diagnose and simple to solve.
Most of these issues can be avoided if you use your Bosch dishwasher with care, follow the correct use in the instructions manual, use a high-quality detergent, and schedule regular maintenance for your appliance.
Remember that home repairs can be dangerous if you’re not confident in your knowledge and abilities, so don’t rely on this guide alone to fix a broken dishwasher. If you’re unsure, contact a professional to help you with serious electronics or plumbing issues.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
