What's the most common problem with a Bosch dishwasher?
The most common issue we see with Bosch dishwashers, including the Bosch SHU6805UC, is a drain problem: water stays in the tub because the filter area or drain path is restricted, or the drain hose is kinked or partially clogged. Leaks at the door seal are another frequent complaint.
Quick checks we recommend first
- Cancel the cycle and let the unit attempt to drain; listen for the drain pump running.
- Check the sump and filter area for food debris, labels, or broken glass.
- Inspect the drain path for kinks or a high loop problem under the sink.
- Look for water at the bottom edge of the door after a cycle (a clue of a sealing issue).
- Run a cleaning cycle and clean spray arms as part of regular maintenance.
Common symptoms and the most likely causes
| Symptom | Most likely cause | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Standing water in the bottom | Restricted drain path | Inspect and replace the drain hose 00263099 if it is kinked, split, or internally clogged |
| Bad odors | Water not fully draining, dirty filter area | Clean the sump and filter area; confirm full drain at end of cycle |
| Leaking at the door | Worn or deformed door seal | Inspect and replace the door gasket 00263096 if it is torn, flattened, or not seating evenly |
| Overfilling or random filling behavior | Float stuck or float switch issue | Make sure the float moves freely; if needed, check the float 00165301 and dishwasher float switch 00165256 |
Why drainage and sealing problems happen so often
Drainage and door sealing are the two areas most affected by everyday use. Small food particles, grease, and detergent residue can restrict flow over time, and door seals can compress or deform, especially if the door is frequently closed on a protruding rack or dish.
When a part replacement is the right fix
If cleaning and hose routing checks do not solve the problem, these model-matched parts are common solutions for the SHU6805UC:
- Drain hose 00263099 for persistent drain restrictions or leaks in the hose
- Door gasket 00263096 for leaks along the door edge
- Float 00165301 and dishwasher float switch 00165256 for overfill protection issues
For Bosch-specific fault patterns, we use the Bosch dishwasher error codes guide to match symptoms to likely causes.
Last updated: February 2026
How do I force my Bosch dishwasher to drain?
To force your Bosch SHU6805UC dishwasher to drain, cancel the current cycle by pressing and holding Start (or Reset/Cancel) for about 3 to 5 seconds; the dishwasher should begin a drain-out. If it will not drain, the issue is usually a clog, a kinked drain line, or a drain system part problem.
Quick drain and reset steps
- Press and hold Start (or Reset/Cancel) for 3 to 5 seconds.
- Listen for the drain pump; you should hear a steady humming and water moving.
- Wait 1 to 2 minutes for the drain-out to finish.
- If water remains, turn power off at the breaker for 1 minute, then restore power and try the cancel-drain again.
If it still will not drain: what to check first
- Filter area and sump: remove debris (glass, labels, food) that can block the drain path.
- Drain hose routing: look for kinks, pinches, or a crushed section; confirm the hose rises in a high loop under the sink.
- Air gap (if installed): remove the cap and clear any blockage.
- Garbage disposal inlet: if the dishwasher drain connects to a disposal, make sure the inlet is not clogged.
- Standing water level: a small puddle can be normal; several inches indicates a drain restriction or pump issue.
Parts that commonly affect draining on this model
If the checks above do not restore draining, these parts are common suspects on Bosch dishwashers like the SHU6805UC:
| Symptom | Most likely area | Part on this page that may apply |
|---|---|---|
| Hums but drains slowly or not at all | Drain path restriction | Drain hose 00263099 |
| Overfills or acts like it is “stuck” in a safety condition | Float system | Float 00165301 or dishwasher float switch 00165256 |
Why it matters
A dishwasher that cannot drain can leave dirty water in the tub, trigger error conditions, and cause poor cleaning. Restoring proper drain flow also helps protect the pump and prevents repeat clogs.
For Bosch-specific fault patterns that can point you to the right drain-related check, use our Bosch dishwasher error codes guide.
Last updated: February 2026
How to reset Bosch error code?
On a Bosch SHU6805UC dishwasher, most error-code resets are done by canceling the current cycle and forcing a drain; once the unit drains and the controls clear, you can restart a new wash cycle. If the error returns right away, troubleshoot the underlying issue instead of repeatedly resetting.
Quick reset steps (most common)
- Press and hold Start/Reset (or Cancel/Drain) for about 3 to 5 seconds.
- Close the door (if required) so the dishwasher can run the drain.
- Let the drain run until it stops (often about 1 to 2 minutes).
- Turn the dishwasher off, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
- Start a new cycle and watch for the error to reappear.
If the error comes back: what to check first
Many Bosch error codes are triggered by a fill, drain, or leak-protection condition. Check these common causes:
- Drain path: kinked hose, clogged air gap (if used), or blocked disposer inlet
- Filter/sump area: debris restricting water flow
- Water supply: shutoff valve not fully open, low water pressure
- Door not latching: door not fully closed or latch not engaging
- Overfill protection: float stuck up from soap residue or debris
Parts that commonly relate to fill and drain problems
| Symptom you see | What it often points to | Example part for SHU6805UC |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t fill or fills slowly | Water inlet issue | Valve 00425458 |
| Won’t drain or drains poorly | Drain restriction or hose issue | Drain hose 00263099 |
| Overfills or stops filling unexpectedly | Float system issue | Float 00165301 or dishwasher float switch 00165256 |
| Won’t start because door won’t “click” shut | Door latch issue | Latch 00166630 |
Why it matters
Resetting clears the control’s current fault state, but it does not fix the condition that triggered the code. If you reset and the code returns, focusing on the fill, drain, door latch, or float system prevents repeat shutdowns and helps avoid water left in the tub.
Helpful DIY reference
For code meanings and the most likely fixes, use our Bosch dishwasher error codes guide.
Last updated: February 2026
Is the Bosch E18 error related to water supply?
Yes. On a Bosch SHU6805UC dishwasher, the E18 error is a water supply and fill-level issue; it points to the dishwasher sensing a low water level during filling. In most cases, the fix is restoring proper incoming water flow and confirming the unit can fill normally.
What E18 usually means and what to check first
E18 is most often triggered when the dishwasher cannot bring in enough water fast enough.
- Make sure the water shutoff valve under the sink is fully open
- Check the inlet supply hose for kinks, crushing, or sharp bends
- Clean any small inlet screen or filter where the supply line connects (sediment can restrict flow)
- Confirm your home water pressure is normal at the sink faucet
- Power reset: turn off power for 1 minute, then retry a cycle
Parts that commonly relate to low fill or overfill protection
If the basics above look good, a failed fill component or an overfill protection component can also cause fill problems.
| Symptom you notice | Most likely area | Example part for SHU6805UC |
|---|---|---|
| No/low water entering at start | Water inlet valve not opening or restricted | Valve 00425458 |
| Dishwasher stops filling or shows fill-related error | Float stuck up or float switch issue | Float 00165301 or dishwasher float switch 00165256 |
| Unit fills but then immediately drains or won’t keep water | Drain routing or siphoning issue | Drain hose 00263099 |
Why it matters
A true low-fill condition can lead to poor cleaning, detergent not dissolving, and pump noise from running with too little water. Fixing the water supply restriction early helps prevent repeat errors and improves wash performance.
Helpful DIY guidance
For model-appropriate troubleshooting steps and code meanings, use our Bosch dishwasher error codes reference.
Last updated: February 2026





