Water entering with the valve shut: Bosch Dishwasher E:16

What E:16 means

Water in the tub that nobody asked for is the worry behind E:16. The flow meter is counting liquid flowing in while the inlet valve is meant to be shut, which means the valve is letting water past. Bosch names a failing water inlet valve as the cause and replacement as the action. Left alone, a valve like this can keep filling an empty dishwasher, so this one deserves quick attention.

Common causes of E:16

Grit or scale holding the inlet valve seat open
Inlet valve diaphragm torn or worn through
Valve solenoid stuck in the energized position

✓ One safe check you can try

1. Find the dishwasher's shut-off valve, usually under the kitchen sink. 2. Turn it fully closed. 3. Leave it closed and the dishwasher unused until the inlet valve is replaced. 4. Check the floor and cabinet base for any water that has already escaped, and dry it up.

! Why to stop there

A valve that passes water can overfill the tub and leak into the cabinet and floor.
Cleaning or tapping on the valve rarely cures a worn diaphragm and delays the real repair.
Running the machine to test it can add more water just when you want the supply stopped.

Opening a panel yourself does not automatically cancel a manufacturer warranty, but it can cause accidental damage, and some manufacturers set their own service conditions. Check your warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.

→Same appliance

Other Dishwasher codes

E:30Bosch Dishwasher E:30, voltage too high and the machine shut down E:31Water in the zeolite container - Bosch Dishwasher E:31 FBosch Dishwasher F on an older display (water filling) 2HBosch Dishwasher 2H: Long Cycle Warning on Older Displays 1Bosch Dishwasher Service Test Result 1: Aqua Sensor 2Bosch Dishwasher Service Test Result 2: Heating Group 4Bosch Dishwasher Service Test Result 4: Water Filling 8Bosch Dishwasher Service Test Result 8: Temperature Sensor

E:16E:16 questions

Can I just close the valve between loads and carry on?

That is a workable stopgap, but it is awkward and easy to forget. A better plan is to book the valve replacement soon, so you are not relying on a manual step to prevent a leak.

Is a flooded kitchen covered by the repair?

Our repair covers the work we do, with a 30-day workmanship warranty. Water damage is a separate matter, which is why we stress closing the supply right away and bringing the valve in for replacement.

How long does an inlet valve swap take?

It is normally a single visit when the valve is on the truck. We give you a written price before we start, and the old valve comes out in a matter of minutes once the machine is accessible.