What this code means
E25 is a drainage fault on Bosch dishwashers. It signals that water cannot be pumped out normally, usually because the drain pump chamber, sump area, or impeller path is obstructed or the pump cover is not seated correctly. The code points to a mechanical blockage or flow restriction in the drain system rather than an electrical failure in most cases.
The dishwasher will not complete its cycle and may leave standing water in the tub. The drain pump runs but cannot move water because debris (food particles, glass shards, plastic labels, or other foreign material) has jammed the impeller, clogged the filter or sump, or the pump cover has been left loose or missing after a previous cleaning. Less often, the drain hose is kinked or the home drain connection is blocked.
Before You Replace Anything
Many people replace the drain pump without first checking the pump cover and impeller. Always remove the filter, clear the sump of debris, and confirm the pump cover is snapped in place and the impeller spins freely before ordering a new pump.
Common Causes
- Clogged filter or sump area Food particles, glass fragments, labels, or other debris pack the filter basket or sump chamber and block water flow to the drain pump.
- Pump cover loose, missing, or not fully snapped in The pump housing cover in the sump was left off or not latched correctly after a previous filter cleaning, breaking the seal and stopping the pump from building pressure.
- Impeller jammed or unable to spin A piece of glass, bone, toothpick, or other hard material is wedged in the impeller blades and prevents the pump motor from turning freely.
- Drain hose kinked, pinched, or clogged The flexible drain hose has a sharp bend, is compressed behind the machine, or has accumulated grease and food residue inside, restricting flow.
- Failed drain pump motor The pump motor itself has burned out or the windings are open, though this is less common when the mechanical path has been cleared and the error persists.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Turn off power at the circuit breaker or unplug the dishwasher to eliminate shock risk before working inside the tub.
- Remove the lower dish rack and pull out the cylindrical filter assembly by turning it counterclockwise and lifting it straight up.
- Bail out standing water with a cup or towels so you can see into the sump, then inspect the sump chamber and pump cover area for debris, glass, or foreign objects.
- Remove the pump cover (a round or rectangular plastic piece in the sump floor) by unsnapping or unscrewing it, then clean out any material and check that the impeller underneath spins freely by hand.
- Reinstall the pump cover by pressing or screwing it firmly into place until it clicks or seats completely, then replace the filter assembly and turn it clockwise to lock.
- Inspect the drain hose under the sink or at the back of the machine for kinks, pinch points, or a clogged connection at the garbage disposal or standpipe, and clear any blockage.
- Restore power and run a rinse cycle to confirm the pump drains normally and the E25 code does not return.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Bosch dishwasher drain pump assembly | Amazon | Verify your model number before ordering. The pump includes motor, impeller, and housing in most kits. |
| Dishwasher pump cover / housing cover | Amazon | Order if the original cover is cracked, warped, or missing. Often sold separately or with the sump assembly. |
| Dishwasher drain hose and clamps | Amazon | Replace if the existing hose is split, collapsed, or cannot be cleared of a stubborn blockage. |
When to Call a Pro
Call a professional if you have cleared the sump, confirmed the impeller spins freely, reseated the pump cover, checked the drain hose, and the E25 code still appears on every cycle. At that point the drain pump motor may have failed internally or there may be a wiring or control board issue that requires diagnostic tools and model-specific knowledge. Also call a pro if you are uncomfortable working with standing water inside the appliance, tilting the machine to access the pump from below, or disconnecting plumbing under the sink. A qualified appliance technician can test the pump motor for continuity, inspect the check valve if your model has one, and trace wiring faults in the pump circuit.