Bosch E25 Error Code — What It Means
The E25 error code on a Bosch dishwasher signals a drainage problem at the drain pump and sump area. The machine has detected that water cannot be evacuated properly, typically because the pump is blocked, the impeller is jammed by debris, or the pump cover is not seated correctly. This code is specific to Bosch dishwashers and is not used on Bosch washing machines. The fault triggers when the pump cannot move water out due to physical obstruction or a mechanical issue in the drain path.
Before You Replace Anything
Many people replace the drain pump when the actual problem is debris blocking the impeller or a mis-seated pump cover. Always clean the sump, spin the impeller by hand, and confirm the cover is locked before ordering a new pump.
Common Causes
- Clogged filter or sump area (~50%) Food debris, broken glass, labels, seeds, or other foreign objects accumulate in the filter assembly or sump and block water flow to the pump.
- Pump cover not fully locked (~20%) The pump cover or sump cover is lifted, not snapped down completely, or out of position, preventing proper water routing.
- Jammed impeller (~15%) Debris or a hard object has lodged in the impeller blades, stopping it from spinning freely, or the impeller is damaged.
- Blocked or kinked drain hose (~10%) The drain hose is crushed, kinked, internally clogged, or the household drain is restricted, preventing water evacuation.
- Failed drain pump (~5%) The pump motor or internal components have failed and the pump can no longer move water even when the impeller is clear.
Quick Diagnosis
Answer these to narrow it down fast.
Does the impeller spin freely when you rotate it by hand from the pump opening?
No: Debris is jamming the impeller. Remove all objects from the sump and impeller area, clean thoroughly, then spin again to confirm free rotation.
Is the pump cover or sump cover fully seated and locked in place?
No: Press the cover firmly until it clicks or locks completely into place, then reset power and test the dishwasher.
Does the drain hose have any kinks, crushing, or visible blockage?
No: The hose path is clear. If the error persists after cleaning the sump and seating the cover, the pump itself has likely failed and needs replacement.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Disconnect power at the circuit breaker or unplug the dishwasher completely before opening the sump or pump area to prevent electrical shock.
- Remove the lower dish rack and pull out the filter assembly (typically a cylindrical mesh filter and a flat plate filter) from the bottom of the tub.
- Inspect and clean the sump area thoroughly, removing all food debris, broken glass, labels, seeds, or any foreign objects you find in the filter cavity or around the pump opening.
- Check the pump cover (a round or oval cap over the pump impeller) and confirm it is fully snapped or locked into position, not loose or lifted.
- Spin the impeller by hand from the pump opening to verify it rotates freely in both directions without binding, grinding, or resistance from debris.
- Inspect the drain hose from the dishwasher to the household drain or air gap, straighten any kinks, and blow or flush out any internal blockage you find.
- Reassemble the filters and pump cover, restore power, and run a short drain cycle or rinse cycle to test whether the E25 error clears. If it returns, proceed to electrical testing of the pump circuit or replace the drain pump.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Bosch dishwasher drain pump | Amazon | Verify your exact model number to match the pump connector and mounting style. |
| Pump cover or sump cover | Amazon | Order only if the original is cracked, warped, or will not lock securely. |
| Drain hose | Amazon | Replace if the original is kinked, crushed, or internally clogged and cannot be cleared. |
When to Call a Pro
Call a professional if you have cleaned the sump, confirmed the impeller spins freely, seated the pump cover correctly, and cleared the drain hose but the E25 error still appears. A technician can perform electrical tests on the pump circuit, check internal wiring and connectors for damage or corrosion, and diagnose related drain-path components such as internal check valves. Also call a pro if you are uncomfortable disconnecting power, removing filters, or accessing the pump area, or if you find broken glass or sharp debris that makes the work unsafe.
Rough cost: DIY runs about $0-80 in parts if pump needed, 30-60 min. A pro service call runs about $150-300.