Water in base / leak-protection triggered

Standing water in the base sits near live components. Always disconnect power before tilting the machine or reaching into the pan.
Ease the dishwasher out and tip it forward so the trapped water drains from the anti-flood base pan onto a towel
Work along every clamp and coupling on the fill and drain hoses, hunting for a bead of moisture that marks the leak
Run a finger around the full door gasket perimeter for splits, flattened spots, or lodged debris that break the seal
Check the sump gasket and circulation-pump seal for weeping, then confirm the polystyrene base float has dropped back to its rest position
Pro Diagnostic Tip
Thermador carries the same double-walled AquaStop-style leak hose as its BSH siblings — once its inline shutoff has tripped the hose cannot be reset and must be replaced as a unit. Lay paper toweling under the machine first to pinpoint the exact drip before buying parts.
Repair Difficulty
Moderate — Some Experience NeededEstimated Repair Cost
$120–$420
Parts + labor. Free diagnosis with repair.
Parts That May Need Replacement
Bearing puller set ($120), drum spider wrench ($85), multimeter ($85), and diagnostic software. Our technician arrives with $3,000+ in professional tools — your diagnostic is free.
Licensed & Insured · 90-Day Warranty · Same-Day Service
Here's what a professional technician does to resolve this issue:
Tilt the unit forward to empty the base pan, then locate the leak source
This repair requires bearing pullers, drum spider wrenches, and diagnostic software for control board calibration. Most homeowners find it safer and more cost-effective to have a licensed technician handle it.
High-voltage components and pressurized water lines create flood and shock risk. A single loose fitting can cause thousands in water damage. Our techs are licensed and insured — let them handle the risk.
Licensed & Insured · 90-Day Warranty · Same-Day Service
Error code E15 is a high-severity issue that can cause further damage to your dishwasher if left unresolved. A licensed technician can diagnose and fix it the same day.
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Thermador error code E15 indicates: Water in base / leak-protection triggered. This is a high-severity issue affecting your dishwasher.
Ease the dishwasher out and tip it forward so the trapped water drains from the anti-flood base pan onto a towel Then, Work along every clamp and coupling on the fill and drain hoses, hunting for a bead of moisture that marks the leak Then, Run a finger around the full door gasket perimeter for splits, flattened spots, or lodged debris that break the seal There are 1 more steps — see the full troubleshooting guide above. If these steps don't resolve the error, contact a professional.
Besides the error code on the display, common signs include: Water pooling on the floor under the unit; Program halts partway with a fault; Leak-protection indicator active. If you notice any of these symptoms, check your dishwasher's display panel for error code E15.
Repair costs for Thermador E15 typically range from $120 to $420 depending on the specific cause and parts needed. EasyBear offers free diagnosis when you proceed with the repair. Call (415) 795-7300 for a same-day appointment.