Thermador Dishwasher E22 Error: Filter System Blocked
Thermador dishwasher E22 error indicates filter system blocked. This is usually a simple issue you can resolve at home with basic troubleshooting. What Does Thermador Dishwasher Error Code E22 Mean? The E22 error code on a Thermador Sapphire, Star-Sapphire, or Emerald dishwasher is a filter blockage alert. Thermador dishwashers use a two-stage self-cleaning filter system […]
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
Yes. You can use the dishwasher while E22 is active, but cleaning performance will be reduced. Clean the filter and the error should clear on the next cycle.
Can I reset the code?
Yes. E22 clears automatically after the filter is cleaned and a new cycle completes with adequate flow. No separate reset command is needed.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: E22 returns within one or two cycles after cleaning the filter, Standing water remains in the tub after the drain cycle.
Symptoms You May Notice
Food particles visible on dishes after a cycle
Small food fragments or grit appear on dishes, especially on the lower rack, after a supposedly clean cycle.
Water drains slowly at the end of the cycle
The tub takes longer than usual to empty at the end of the program, sometimes leaving a small puddle of water under the lower rack.
Lower spray arm rotation has become sluggish
Spinning the lower spray arm by hand feels noticeably stiffer than usual, indicating reduced water pressure from the recirculation pump.
Possible Causes
Food debris accumulation in the filter mesh
Regular cooking residue — grease, food particles, and glass grit — has built up in the coarse and fine filter layers to the point of restricting flow.
DIY PossibleSmall object lodged in the filter or pump inlet
A piece of broken glass, a toothpick, a label, or a small kitchen utensil has lodged in the filter housing or the opening to the circulation pump.
DIY PossibleFilter installed incorrectly after last cleaning
The filter was not fully seated and locked after the last cleaning, leaving a gap that allows debris past the filter into the pump and back onto dishes.
DIY PossibleSafe Checks You Can Do
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1
Remove, clean, and reinstall the filter assembly
Remove the lower rack and locate the round filter assembly on the tub floor. Twist the cylindrical fine filter counterclockwise to unlock and lift both the fine filter and the flat coarse mesh filter out. Rinse both under running water. Use a soft brush to remove stubborn debris. Inspect the filter housing on the tub floor for any objects. Reinstall by lowering the coarse mesh filter flat, inserting the cylindrical filter, and twisting clockwise until it clicks locked.
Thermador recommends cleaning the filter after every 10 wash cycles in normal use. A blocked filter is the number one cause of poor cleaning performance on Star-Sapphire dishwashers.
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2
Inspect the area under the filter for lodged objects
After removing the filter, shine a flashlight into the opening at the bottom of the tub. Look for glass shards, toothpicks, or any debris that has passed through the filter.
Use tongs or needle-nose pliers to remove any foreign objects. Never reach blindly into the filter housing without looking first.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- Foreign object stuck inside the circulation pump impeller below the filter housing
- Filter damaged or missing and debris has entered the pump
- E22 persists after thorough filter cleaning with no obstructions visible
Need Professional Help?
Find qualified technicians in your area for proper diagnostics and repair.
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