What E29 actually means
The machine has not taken in the water it expected at the start of the cycle, so it has stopped rather than run the drum dry.
On older Bosch washer dryers (broadly those built before 2010) E29 is the fill-timeout fault. The control board opens the inlet valve, waits for the water level to rise within a set period, and if it doesn't see that happen it halts the programme and puts the code up. The same physical fault on later Bosch, Siemens and Neff machines shows as E30-10, and the causes are identical — the display wording changed, the plumbing didn't.
What E29 looks like on a Bosch washer dryer
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Bosch washer dryer, E29 usually shows up as one or more of these:
- Not filling with water
- No water going in
- Takes for ever to fill
- Stops right at the start of the cycle
- Overfilling, or won't stop filling
- Stops with water still inside
- Fills and drains over and over
- No function at all
Recognise any of those? That is this fault, and the rest of this page explains what causes it and what you can check yourself.
What usually causes it
- Water supply turned off, or the tap only part open
- Kinked, trapped or frozen fill hose behind the machine
- Blocked filter mesh in the inlet hose or the valve inlet
- Faulty water inlet valve that isn't opening when told to
- Pressure system or control board not registering the water that has gone in
What you can safely check yourself
Work through these in order. Anything beyond this — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the machine plugged in.
- Check the water tap behind or under the machine is fully open, and that a nearby cold tap runs at normal pressure.
- Pull the machine forward gently and look at the fill hose — it should not be kinked, crushed against the wall or pinched behind a foot.
- Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, switch back on and restart the programme. That clears the code if the supply was the only problem.
- If the machine has recently been moved, check the hose has not been over-tightened or twisted at the tap end.
- In cold weather, if the hose runs through an unheated space, consider whether it may have frozen.
Common questions about Bosch E29
What does E29 mean on a Bosch washer dryer?
The machine has not taken in the water it expected at the start of the cycle, so it has stopped rather than run the drum dry. On older Bosch washer dryers (broadly those built before 2010) E29 is the fill-timeout fault. The control board opens the inlet valve, waits for the water level to rise within a set period, and if it doesn't see that happen it halts the programme and puts the code up. The same physical fault on later Bosch, Siemens and Neff machines shows as E30-10, and the causes are identical — the display wording changed, the plumbing didn't.
Can I fix Bosch E29 myself?
There are 5 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Check the water tap behind or under the machine is fully open, and that a nearby cold tap runs at normal pressure.
- Pull the machine forward gently and look at the fill hose — it should not be kinked, crushed against the wall or pinched behind a foot.
- Turn the machine off at the wall for a minute, switch back on and restart the programme. That clears the code if the supply was the only problem.
- If the machine has recently been moved, check the hose has not been over-tightened or twisted at the tap end.
- In cold weather, if the hose runs through an unheated space, consider whether it may have frozen.
This sometimes clears with those checks. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly.
How much does it cost to repair Bosch E29?
£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Tried the checks and it's still showing E29?
This sometimes clears with the checks above. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly. Then it wants someone who can open it up.
What it costs, before you call: the price is the same whatever the fault turns out to be — £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Our own engineers, not a call centre. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — most washer dryer faults are seen same day or next day.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
Outside our area? The explanation above still stands — take it to a local engineer and tell them the code. Knowing it saves them time and you money.
Other Bosch washer dryer codes
- Bosch E30 — The machine has tried to fill with water, hasn't got enough …
- Bosch E30-10 — The machine has given up waiting for water — it hasn't fille…
- Bosch F29 — The machine has started a cycle, called for water, and not s…
- Bosch E13 — The machine hasn't managed to pump the water out within the …
- Bosch E17 — The machine has not taken in enough water in the time it exp…
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