Bosch Error Code E25: What It Means and How to Fix

Error code E25 on a Bosch dishwasher almost always means the machine can’t drain water within the expected time. The drain pump has run but water stayed in the sump, or the pump impeller is blocked. The fix is usually a simple clean-out of the filter, sump, and pump impeller — no special tools required. Start with the filter and work your way up to the pump housing before calling a repair tech.

First Check: The Drain Filter and Sump Area

If you see E25 right after a cycle, something is stopping water from leaving the tub. The drain filter and the sump below it trap food particles, broken glass, and small debris — and they’re the most common blockage points. Open the door, remove the bottom rack, and unscrew the coarse filter (the big cylinder) and fine filter (flat mesh disc). Rinse them under running water and clear any visible gunk.

Component	Where it lives	What to look for
Coarse filter	Bottom center of the tub	Food scraps, bone chips, olive pits
Fine mesh filter	Under the coarse filter	Film of grease or small particles
Sump well	Below the filters	Puddle of standing water, bits of debris
Drain pump impeller	Accessible through the sump opening	Hair, string, broken glass, plastic twist ties

Quick drain system check (before you start):

• Coarse filter clear of debris? (pass/fail)
• Fine filter free of greasy film? (pass/fail)
• Sump well empty of standing water after sponge-out? (pass/fail)
• Impeller cover unscrewed and accessible? (pass/fail)
• Drain hose visible under sink and not kinked? (pass/fail)

If any item fails, clean or address it before running a test cycle. If all pass but E25 returns, the blockage is deeper inside the pump impeller housing or further down the drain line.

Decision point: If you have an older Bosch model (pre-2015 with a metal drain pump), the impeller cover may be held by a few screws and can be opened without tilting the machine. Newer models with a plastic pump assembly often require removing the lower side panel to access the pump from underneath. Choose your approach based on the pump type you see.

Step-by-Step: Clear the Drain Pump Impeller

Most newer Bosch dishwashers allow you to reach the drain pump impeller through the filter area without moving the appliance. If your model doesn’t have a visible impeller cover, skip to the alternative method at Step 6.

Step 1: Remove the lower rack and filters

Take out the bottom rack and remove both filters. Use a sponge to soak up any standing water in the sump well.
Mistake to avoid: Don’t run a cycle with the filters removed — debris will enter the pump and worsen the blockage.

Step 2: Unscrew or unclip the impeller cover

Inside the sump well you’ll see a flat cover (usually black) held by one or two Phillips screws, or a twist-lock tab. Remove the cover and set the screws aside in a safe spot.
What to expect: A small amount of water may spill — keep a towel nearby.

Step 3: Inspect and extract the debris

The impeller is a small plastic wheel. Use a flashlight to look for tangled hair, string, or a broken glass shard wrapped around the blades.
Common mistake: Pulling hard on a string that’s tightly wound. Instead, cut it with scissors or tweezers in sections. Forcing it can break the impeller fins.

Step 4: Manually spin the impeller

After clearing visible debris, give the impeller a gentle spin with your fingertip. It should rotate freely without catching or grinding.
Checkpoint: If it still feels tight or grindy, a fragment may be lodged behind the impeller — stop here and remove the pump unit completely (see escalation below).

Step 5: Reassemble and test

Replace the impeller cover, reinstall the filters, and run a quick rinse cycle that includes drain.
Success check: Within 5 seconds of the drain phase starting, you should hear the pump hum and water begin to flow. The cycle should end with no standing water in the sump. Open the door after the cycle finishes and check the sump well — it should be nearly dry. The E25 error should clear completely.

Step 6 (Alternative for hard-to-reach pumps): Remove the lower access panel

If your model doesn’t have an impeller cover in the sump, unplug the dishwasher and remove the kickplate (the metal or plastic panel at the bottom front). You may need a Torx bit or flathead screwdriver. Locate the drain pump housing — it’s the cylindrical unit attached to the bottom of the tub.
Mistake to avoid: Don’t confuse the drain pump with the circulation pump (larger, usually at the center). The drain pump is smaller and sits off to one side.

Step 7: Disconnect the drain hose and inspect the pump

Place a shallow pan under the pump connection. Loosen the hose clamp and pull the hose off. Look inside the pump outlet for any lodged debris. Use needle-nose pliers to remove objects.
Warning: If the pump impeller is broken or seized, the entire pump motor needs replacement — that’s a repair that usually requires a technician.

When to Stop Troubleshooting and Call a Technician

Some blockages or failures are not fixable with a simple cleaning. Stop your DIY attempt and call a Bosch-authorized repair shop if:

• You’ve cleared the filter and impeller, but the E25 returns immediately.
• The drain pump impeller is visibly broken (missing fins, cracked hub).
• The drain hose is kinked or crushed under the cabinet.
• Water leaks from the pump housing after reassembly.
• The dishwasher makes a loud humming noise during drain but doesn’t pump — the motor may be burned out.

Realistic branch after clearing the pump: If the impeller spins freely and the pump is clean, but E25 still appears, the next action depends on pump motor behavior. If the pump hums but moves no water, inspect the drain line for a clog at the air gap or a crushed hose under the sink. If the pump is completely silent, check the wiring harness connection to the pump or test the motor for continuity with a multimeter. If both electrical and drain path check out, the control board may have a faulty relay — that’s a technician-level diagnosis.

According to Bosch service documentation, “The drain pump should operate for up to 3 minutes to clear the sump. If the water level does not drop below the heating coil within that time, the control board registers E25 and stops the cycle to prevent overheating.”
— Bosch Home Appliances Service Manual (2018)

Common Modifications That Can Cause Recurring E25

If you’ve fixed E25 once and it keeps returning, check for these installation or use issues:

Drain hose height or air gap. The drain hose should have a high loop (at least 32 inches above the floor) before connecting to the sink drain. A missing loop lets dirty water backflow into the dishwasher, carrying debris that clogs the pump. Real-world example: If you recently installed a garbage disposal, the knock-out plug inside the disposal inlet may still be in place — this blocks the drain entirely. Remove the plug with a hammer and screwdriver before connecting the dishwasher hose.

Using too much detergent or wrong rinse aid. Excess suds can fool the water-level sensor into thinking the tub is full when it’s not. Suds also trap food particles and create a sticky residue that blocks the sump over time. Switch to a high-quality, low-sudsing dishwasher detergent (tablets are generally safer than powder in this regard). A good rule of thumb: use half the recommended detergent amount if you have soft water.

Hard water scale buildup. In areas with high mineral content, limescale can form on the pump impeller and reduce its efficiency. If you see white crust on the impeller, descale with a citric acid cleaner after clearing the blockage. Repeat every 3 months. Threshold to watch: If the impeller surface feels rough or has visible white deposits thicker than 1 mm, descale immediately — even minor buildup can slow the pump enough to trigger E25.

FAQ: Bosch Error Code E25

Q: How do I reset the E25 error after cleaning the filter?
Unplug the dishwasher for 5 minutes, then plug it back in. Run a rinse cycle. If the error reappears, the blockage is not fully cleared or there is a deeper issue with the pump or drain line.

Q: Can a clogged air gap cause E25?
Yes. If your dishwasher drains through an air gap mounted on the sink, remove its cap and clean out any debris. A blocked air gap mimics a drain failure by preventing water from exiting the hose.

Q: Will E25 damage my dishwasher if I keep running cycles?
Yes. The machine stops draining to protect the heating element from overheating in standing water. Repeatedly overriding the error may burn out the element or damage the control board. Fix the cause before running another cycle.

For more background on why this error happens, see the common causes of e25 error on bosch dishwashing machine. If you’ve also seen error E24, check understanding the e24 error code on bosch dishwashing machines for a related water-intake issue. For a broader look at reliability, explore common bosch dishwasher problems and solutions.