Thermador Dishwasher E13 Error: Incoming Water Too Hot
thermador dishwasher e13 error indicates incoming water too hot. Review the diagnostic steps below before calling a technician for help. What Does Thermador Dishwasher Error Code E13 Mean? The E13 error code on a Thermador Sapphire, Star-Sapphire, Emerald, or Topaz dishwasher means the incoming water supply temperature is too high for safe operation. Thermador dishwashers […]
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
Maybe. If E13 only appears occasionally and the supply temperature is borderline, the dishwasher can often be started by running the kitchen faucet briefly first. If E13 appears on every cycle, resolve the supply temperature issue before running any cycles.
Can I reset the code?
Yes. Once the supply water temperature drops below the E13 threshold, the dishwasher will fill normally on the next attempt. Lowering the water heater thermostat is the definitive reset for this fault.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: E13 appears on every cycle regardless of the time of day or water heater setting, Supply water temperature confirmed below 60°C but E13 still appears.
Symptoms You May Notice
Dishwasher stops at the fill phase and will not draw water
The cycle begins but the inlet valve does not open to fill the tub. E13 appears on the display and the dishwasher waits without water entering, protecting the interior from overly hot supply water.
E13 occurs consistently at the start of cycles during summer or after hot water heater adjustment
The error is seasonal or linked to a recent change in the hot water heater thermostat setting, suggesting supply water temperature is the cause rather than a component failure.
Kitchen hot water faucet produces scalding water at the same time
Running the kitchen faucet on hot before the dishwasher cycle reveals water that is uncomfortably hot — a direct indicator that supply temperature is above the dishwasher's acceptable limit.
Possible Causes
Hot water heater thermostat set too high
The household water heater has been adjusted to a temperature above 75°C (167°F) — the maximum safe supply temperature for Thermador dishwashers — causing E13 on every cycle.
DIY PossibleDishwasher connected directly to commercial boiler or high-temperature supply
An installation connecting the dishwasher to a commercial or industrial hot water system delivers water far above the residential design temperature and triggers E13 structurally.
DIY PossibleNTC inlet temperature sensor misreading
The sensor that measures incoming water temperature is faulty and reporting an out-of-range high reading even when actual supply water is within normal limits.
Requires ProfessionalSafe Checks You Can Do
-
1
Test the kitchen hot water temperature at the faucet
Run the hot water faucet in the kitchen for 30 seconds and hold your hand carefully under the stream. Scalding water that cannot be comfortably held under confirms supply temperature is too high. Allow the supply to cool, or check your water heater thermostat setting.
Most residential water heaters should be set to 49–60°C (120–140°F) for optimal safety and appliance compatibility. A setting above 60°C approaches the Thermador dishwasher maximum and risks E13 in some conditions.
-
2
Run the kitchen hot water faucet for 30 seconds before starting the dishwasher
Allow the hot water at the kitchen sink to run until it has cooled slightly from the water heater surge temperature. Then immediately start the dishwasher. This can allow the dishwasher to fill with water just below the E13 threshold.
This is a temporary workaround, not a fix. If E13 appears regularly, reducing the water heater thermostat setting by 5–10°C is the permanent solution and also improves household safety.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- Inlet temperature sensor reads above 75°C when supply water is confirmed below 60°C at the faucet
- Water heater thermostat reduced but E13 persists across multiple days
- E13 fault present in the fault log but hot water supply is confirmed at a normal residential temperature
Need Professional Help?
Find qualified technicians in your area for proper diagnostics and repair.
Dishwasher Repair Service Schedule Appointment