Siemens dishwashers are reliable and smart—but sometimes they act up. Whether your dishwasher won’t start, won’t drain, or shows an error code, you don’t always need a repair person. Many problems can be fixed with simple steps at home.
This guide walks you through the most common Siemens issues and how to fix them—step by step.
1. Dishwasher Won’t Turn On
If pressing “Start” does nothing, try this first:
- Check power: Make sure the mains cable is securely plugged in and the socket works. Test it with a lamp or phone charger. Also check your breaker or fuse box.
- Door switch: The dishwasher won’t start unless the door clicks fully shut and locks.
- Control lock: Some models have a child‑lock feature. Hold the designated button (like “Start” or “Lock”) for 3–5 seconds to disable it.
If power and door are fine but still no response, the control board or latch switch may need help.
2. Water Not Draining or Stuck at Bottom
Water left in the tub is a common headache. Here’s how to fix it:
- Clean the filter and pump: Remove the lower rack and unscrew the coarse filter. Rinse it well and check the impeller below for debris like food or shards of glass.
- Check the drain hose: Ensure there are no kinks or bends. Straighten it and run hot water through to remove clogs.
When these parts are clear, the dishwasher should drain properly.
3. Error Codes
- E22: Indicates a filter or pump blockage. Clean the filter and check hose/pump.
- E24 / E25: Drain problems. Look at hoses or pump obstruction.
- E15: Water has leaked into the base. This triggers a flood sensor. Some users report tightening the sump screws or resealing the sump edge helps, but it may require a technician.
- E32 / E61 / E20-60: Water supply or softener issues. Check inlet hose and water pressure.
Resetting the machine often helps clear codes: unplug for a few minutes, plug back in, and retry.
4. Stops Mid-Cycle or Turns Off Quickly
If your dishwasher halts mid-cycle or shuts off within seconds:
- Error E15? There may be water in the base—clear it out and allow it to dry. Then test again.
- Poor water supply: Blockage or low pressure can slow or stop water flow and trigger errors.
- Faulty door switch or control board: These can cause unexpected shutdowns mid-cycle.
5. Dishes Still Dirty or Not Rinsed Well
Dirty dishes after a wash? Try these fixes:
- Spray arms blocked: Remove and rinse them, use a toothpick to clear holes. :
- Overloading: Make sure dishes aren’t blocking spray arms or water flow.
- Use proper detergent and rinse aid: Avoid too much or low-quality detergent. Adjust rinse aid dosage if spots appear.
- Hard water build-up: Descale occasionally to avoid residue and poor cleaning.
6. Strange Noises or Grinding
If your Siemens is making rattles, buzzing, or scraping noises:
- Items hitting spray arms: Loose utensils or glasses can cause rattles. Rearrange them.
- Pump or impeller obstruction: Debris inside may cause grinding sounds. Clean the filter and pump area.
- Installation issue: If the insulation or padding isn’t installed properly, closing the door can make odd sounds.
7. Long Wash Cycle Duration – Taking Hours or Even 10+ Hours
If cycles take much longer than normal:
- Quiet or Eco mode: Some cycles extend time to save energy or reduce noise. If this is unusual, check settings.
- Low water flow or heating issue: Slow heating due to inlet blockage or faulty heater can extend cycle. Clean inlet hose and run hot water first.
8. Leaks or Water Around Base
Finding water around or underhood?
- Door seal damage: Clean or replace the rubber gasket if cracked or worn.
- Detergent foam overflow: Too much detergent or the wrong type can cause excessive suds that leak.
- Sump or base seal leak: Error E15 often links to a sump seal issue. Tightening screws or resealing may help temporarily.
9. Pressing Buttons, Control Not Responding
Buttons not working or flashing oddly?
- Control lock: Hold the appropriate button to unlock.
- Reset the dishwasher: Turn off power at breaker for 5 minutes, then restart.
- Electrical issue: Worn keypad or wiring inside the door hinge might cause flickering or loss of response—some users reported needing to re‑solder or replace components.
10. Maintenance Tips to Avoid Problems
- Clean filter and pump area after every wash.
- Rinse spray arms and check for blocked holes.
- Run descaling cycles every few months.
- Refill rinse aid and dishwasher salt when needed.
- Avoid overloading—keep space around utensils and glasses.
- Use dishwasher‑specific detergent and correct dose.
- Ensure inlet and drain hoses are straight and kink‑free.
Real Fixes from Real People
Sometimes it helps to see real user stories:
“F13 is related to your water supply pipe: either a blockage or low water pressure coming from the tap.”
“…start working again” after factory reset—sometimes F78 just clears after resetting the machine.
“Remove the filter… run for 15 seconds without the filter… the impeller will eject whatever is in there.”
Bonus: Auto Open Door Didn’t Work
On newer integrated models with auto‑open drying:
Some users report a recent firmware update disabled auto‑open if “VarioSpeed” or similar features are used. It may open early or not at all depending on how the cycle was started.
When to Call a Technician
If you’ve cleaned filters, checked hoses, reset the unit, and the issue persists—especially with persistent error codes (like E15 leaking or E78 pump errors)—it’s time to contact Siemens support or a qualified repair tech. They can safely replace parts or fix internal leaks.
Final Thoughts
Siemens dishwashers are well‑built and can last many years—but they need a little TLC. Most issues like drainage errors, water leaks, or poor cleaning are caused by clogs, seals, or minor failures. A bit of cleaning, a reset, and some thoughtful checks can fix most problems.
If you’re not comfortable opening the machine or the error won’t clear, don’t stress—professional help is ready when you need it. With proper care, your Siemens dishwasher can keep your dishes sparkling for years to come.