What E23 actually means
The dishwasher has lost the electrical signal it expects from the drain pump, so it won't carry on with the cycle.
The control board checks the drain pump's electrical resistance, and on E23 it's reading a value that's wrong — too high, too low, or nothing at all. That points to the pump winding itself, the wiring to it, or the board that drives it, rather than a simple blockage. Because the machine can't be sure it can empty itself, it stops and flags the fault, often leaving water sitting in the base of the tub.
What E23 looks like on a Siemens dishwasher
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Siemens dishwasher, E23 usually shows up as one or more of these:
- Dishwasher not draining
- Water left in the tub at the end of the cycle
- Stops mid-cycle full of water
- Standing water in the bottom
- Tub not turning
- Won't spin
- Hums or buzzes but nothing moves
- Turns one way only
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
- Failed drain pump motor (the usual culprit)
- Something jammed in the pump — a shard of glass or a fruit stone is common
- Damaged or corroded wiring or a loose plug at the pump
- Water having got to the pump connections
- Fault on the main control board driving the pump
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.
- Turn the machine off at the wall for ten minutes, then switch it back on — this clears the electronics and occasionally clears a one-off reading.
- Lift out and clean the filters in the base of the tub, and check nothing obvious like a piece of glass or a stone is sitting in the drain recess.
- Check the drain hose behind the machine isn't kinked or trapped.
- Bail out any standing water with a jug or cup before running it again.
Common questions about Siemens E23
What does E23 mean on a Siemens dishwasher?
The dishwasher has lost the electrical signal it expects from the drain pump, so it won't carry on with the cycle. The control board checks the drain pump's electrical resistance, and on E23 it's reading a value that's wrong — too high, too low, or nothing at all. That points to the pump winding itself, the wiring to it, or the board that drives it, rather than a simple blockage. Because the machine can't be sure it can empty itself, it stops and flags the fault, often leaving water sitting in the base of the tub.
Can I fix Siemens E23 myself?
There are 4 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Turn the machine off at the wall for ten minutes, then switch it back on — this clears the electronics and occasionally clears a one-off reading.
- Lift out and clean the filters in the base of the tub, and check nothing obvious like a piece of glass or a stone is sitting in the drain recess.
- Check the drain hose behind the machine isn't kinked or trapped.
- Bail out any standing water with a jug or cup before running it again.
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried them.
How much does it cost to repair Siemens E23?
£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 E23?
This one usually needs an engineer once you have tried the checks above. 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 dishwasher 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 Siemens dishwasher codes
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