Bosch Dishwasher E25 Fault Code? Here’s What It Means (And How To Fix It)
Your Bosch dishwasher is showing E25. The cycle has stopped, water is sitting in the bottom of the machine, and it won’t drain.
Here’s the thing most people get wrong: they assume the drain pump has failed and start looking at replacement machines. In reality, E25 can be caused by a blocked filter, a kinked hose, or a stuck check valve — all of which are free or cheap to fix.
The key is working out whether the fault is a blockage or the pump itself. The filter and hoses are free to check. The pump is the last thing to test.
This page covers the four most common E25 fault patterns, the symptoms to look for, and the checks you can perform yourself. If you need the complete diagnostic sequence with component testing and repair-or-bin guidance, the full guide is linked at the bottom.
Quick Diagnosis
E25 with no drain at all: a blocked filter, a jammed impeller, or a failed pump.
E25 with slow drain: a partial blockage in the filter or hose.
E25 that clears then returns: debris in the pump or a failing pump.
E25 after moving the dishwasher: a kinked hose or shifted debris.
How E25 Differs From E24
Both are drain codes, and they can look similar. But the cause is usually different.
E24 usually means a blockage. The filter is clogged, the drain hose is kinked, or debris is blocking the water path. The pump is fine — it just can’t push water through the blockage.
E25 usually means the pump itself is faulty. The filter and hoses are clear, but the pump isn’t running, isn’t running properly, or has debris inside it.
In practice:
If the filter and hoses are clear and the pump runs but doesn’t pump, E25.
If the filter is clogged or the hose is blocked, E24.
Why Your Bosch Dishwasher Shows E25
E25 is a drain error code. The machine has tried to drain and failed.
The drain chain works like this:
The control board signals the drain pump to run
The drain pump pushes water out of the sump
The water passes through the check valve
The water travels through the drain hose
The water exits into the sink drain
If any link in that chain fails, water can’t drain, and the machine shows E25.
Common Causes
Blocked filter. The filter is clogged with food debris, preventing water from reaching the pump.
Blocked pump impeller. Debris inside the pump has jammed the impeller.
Failed drain pump. The pump motor has failed.
Blocked drain hose. The hose is blocked or kinked.
Blocked check valve. The check valve is stuck closed.
Symptoms To Look For
The symptom tells you which fault pattern applies.
E25 With No Drain At All
A blocked filter, jammed impeller, or failed pump.
E25 With Slow Drain
A partial blockage in the filter or hose.
E25 With Drain Then Code Returns
Debris in the pump, or a failing pump.
E25 After Moving the Dishwasher
A kinked hose or shifted debris.
How to Diagnose E25
Step 1 — Disconnect the Power and Water
Turn off the dishwasher at the circuit breaker. Shut off the water supply valve.
Step 2 — Clean the Filter
Remove the filter and rinse it under warm water.
Check the sump for debris, glass, or food particles.
Step 3 — Check the Pump Impeller
With the power off, reach into the pump housing and check the impeller turns freely.
If it’s jammed, remove the debris.
Step 4 — Check the Drain Hose
Check the hose for kinks, crushing, or splits.
Disconnect it and flush it through to check for blockages.
Step 5 — Check the Check Valve
Locate the check valve. It may be part of the pump housing or a separate component.
Blow through it. One direction should be free, the other sealed.
If it passes air in both directions, it has failed.
Step 6 — Test the Drain Pump
Disconnect the pump’s electrical connector.
Set your multimeter to resistance. Test across the motor terminals.
A good pump reads 100 to 200 ohms depending on the model. An open reading means the motor has failed. A zero reading means it has shorted.
Step 7 — Run a Test Cycle
Reassemble and run a test cycle.
Time the drain. A healthy drain takes 30 to 90 seconds.
Fixing Specific E25 Faults
E25 With No Drain At All
Clean the filter first. If the filter is clear, check the pump impeller. If both are clear, test the pump.
E25 With Slow Drain
A partial blockage. Clean the filter and flush the drain hose.
E25 With Drain Then Code Returns
Debris in the pump. Remove the filter and check the impeller for free movement.
E25 After Moving
A kinked hose. Check the hose routing behind the machine.
E25 With Water in the Bottom of the Machine
A drain fault. Check the filter, hose, and pump in order.
Repair Cost Guide
Filter cleaning: $0.
Drain hose: $10 to $30 for the part, $40 to $80 fitted.
Check valve: $10 to $30 for the part, $50 to $100 fitted.
Drain pump: $30 to $80 for the part, $100 to $200 fitted.
Pump impeller clearing: $0 to $50 if done professionally.
When to Repair vs Bin
Repair if:
The fault is the filter, hose, check valve, or pump
The dishwasher is under six years old
The repair cost is under half the cost of a comparable new machine
The machine has no other faults
Bin if:
The sump has failed on a machine over eight years old
The machine has multiple failed components
The repair cost exceeds half the cost of a comparable new machine
Safety Warning
Electrical risk. Dishwashers run on mains voltage. Disconnect the power at the circuit breaker before removing any panel.
Water risk. The sump and filter area will contain water. Have towels and a shallow tray ready.
Sharp edges. Dishwasher components can have sharp edges. Handle with care.
Water damage risk. A recurring drain fault can damage flooring. Address the fault promptly.
FAQ
What does E25 mean on a Bosch dishwasher?
E25 means the machine has tried to drain and failed. It usually points to a drain pump fault or a blockage downstream of the pump.
How is E25 different from E24?
E24 is usually a blockage. E25 is usually the pump itself. But both can be caused by a clogged filter.
How do I reset E25 on a Bosch dishwasher?
Clean the filter, check the hoses, and run a test cycle. If the code clears and doesn’t return, the fault is fixed.
Why does my Bosch dishwasher keep showing E25?
The underlying fault hasn’t been fixed. Check the pump and the drain path.
Can E25 be caused by a blocked filter?
Yes. A blocked filter can cause both E24 and E25.
Why did E25 appear after I moved my dishwasher?
Moving the machine can kink the drain hose or dislodge debris into the pump.
Is it worth repairing a Bosch dishwasher showing E25?
Usually yes, if the fault is the filter, hose, or pump. If the machine is over 12 years old, replacement is usually the better call.
Get the Complete Diagnosis
Need to determine exactly what’s causing the E25 code?
The complete diagnostic guide takes you beyond the basic checks and walks through all four E25 fault patterns step by step.
The complete guide includes:
Drain pump testing with expected readings
Drain hose inspection and clearing
Check valve testing
Filter and sump inspection
Drain path testing
Repair and replacement considerations
Repair-or-bin guidance
Bosch Dishwasher E25 Fault Code Repair Guide
Complete diagnostic guide for Bosch dishwashers showing E25.
What’s included:
Diagnosis for all four E25 fault patterns
Step-by-step testing procedures
Drain pump and check valve testing
Drain hose inspection
Filter and sump inspection
Required checks and tools
Repair information
Replacement considerations
Repair-or-bin guidance
Download instantly
$3.95
Have More Than One Dishwasher Problem?
If you’re dealing with several problems rather than just an E25 fault, the Bosch Dishwasher guide covers the most common faults in one reference.
$7.95
Looking for Brand-Specific Guides?
Our brand guides cover washers, dryers, and dishwashers from Fisher & Paykel, Samsung, LG, Bosch, Whirlpool, Maytag, GE, and Miele.
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Repair or Bin?
Before spending money on a repair, find out what is actually wrong with your appliance.
Repair or Bin gives you the information to diagnose the problem and make an informed repair-or-bin decision.
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