Bosch Dishwasher E25 Error Code – Meaning, Causes & Fix

BoschDishwasherUpdated 2026-05-20

Bosch dishwasher error code E25 is a drain fault that appears when the dishwasher is unable to drain water from the wash chamber within the expected time. The drain valve or drain pump is not responding to the control board's command, the drain hose is blocked, or the household drain line is backed up. When water cannot be removed from the dishwasher, it will stall mid-cycle, the water level inside will rise, and Bosch will display error E25 to alert you that a drainage problem has occurred. In most cases, the fault is a clogged drain filter or kinked drain hose, but recurring E25 errors indicate a failed drain pump or control board issue that requires professional service.

Quick Answer

What it means

The dishwasher's drain pump or drain valve is not working, or the drain hose is blocked. Water cannot exit the wash chamber.

Severity

Moderate

Can you fix it yourself?

Yes — cleaning the drain filter and checking the drain hose are safe DIY tasks.

Call a technician when

If error E25 persists after cleaning the filter and checking the hose, the drain pump may have failed.

What Does E25 Mean?

A Bosch dishwasher removes water from the wash chamber through a multi-stage drain system: dirty water is pulled from the bottom of the chamber through a drain filter, then pushed by a drain pump through the drain hose to the household drain or sink. This process must happen quickly enough to satisfy the control board's timing expectations.

Error code E25 is triggered when one of these conditions occurs:

1. Drain filter clogged: The filter at the bottom of the wash chamber catches food debris and prevents it from entering the drain pump. A heavily clogged filter blocks water from flowing to the pump. 2. Drain pump failure: The pump itself does not activate or is unable to push water against backpressure. 3. Drain hose blocked or kinked: A kink in the drain hose or a clog inside it restricts water flow. 4. Household drain backed up: If the sink drain or house drain line is clogged, backpressure can prevent the dishwasher from draining. 5. Drain valve stuck: A solenoid valve that controls drain flow is stuck or inoperative.

Bosch dishwashers monitor the water level during the drain phase using a float sensor. If water does not drain within the expected time, the control board logs E25 and halts the cycle to prevent overflow.

What Causes This Error?

Debris accumulation in the drain filter at the bottom of the wash chamber
Kinked or pinched drain hose under the sink
Clog inside the drain hose from mineral deposits or food debris
Household sink drain or main drain line clogged or backed up
Drain pump impeller stuck or damaged
Drain pump motor failure
Drain solenoid valve stuck or not energizing
Low water pressure affecting drain pump performance
Control board error preventing drain pump from being signaled to operate

How to Fix E25

1
Clean the drain filter at the bottom of the wash chamber. Open the dishwasher door and pull out the lower spray arm (if removable — it usually twists counterclockwise). At the bottom of the chamber, you'll see the drain filter (a cylindrical basket). Twist the filter counterclockwise and lift it out. Rinse it under warm running water to remove food debris and mineral deposits. Use a soft brush to clean the mesh surface. Reinstall the filter and twist clockwise until snug. Do not over-tighten.
2
Inspect the drain hose for kinks and blockages. Locate the drain hose where it exits the back of the dishwasher and runs under the sink to the drain. Trace the entire length and look for kinks, pinches, or sharp bends. Straighten any kinks carefully. Disconnect the hose at the dishwasher end (prepare for some water spillage) and look inside the hose opening for visible debris or mineral buildup. If clogged, use a plumbing snake or stiff wire to dislodge the blockage, or run hot water through the hose to clear it.
3
Verify the drain hose connection. Check that the drain hose is securely connected to the dishwasher and to the sink drain or house drain line. A loose connection can allow water to back up into the dishwasher. If the hose connects to a sink tailpiece or P-trap, ensure the connection is hand-tight. If water is leaking from the connection, tighten slightly with a wrench, being careful not to crack the fitting.
4
Check the household drain. Fill your kitchen sink with water and then pull the plug to confirm it drains normally. If the sink drains slowly or not at all, your household drain is partially or fully clogged. Use a plunger, drain snake, or call a plumber to clear the line before attempting another dishwasher cycle. A backed-up house drain is a common cause of E25.
5
Run a drain-only cycle if your dishwasher offers one. Some Bosch models have a 'Drain' or 'Rinse Only' cycle that runs just the drain system without a wash. Run this cycle to see if water drains properly. If water remains in the chamber, the drain pump or valve is likely faulty. If water drains successfully, the filter or hose may have been the issue.
6
Perform a test wash cycle after cleaning. After removing debris from the filter and straightening the hose, run a short test cycle. Watch and listen as the dishwasher begins draining. You should hear the drain pump running (a gentle humming sound) and the water level should visibly drop. If the pump does not run or water is still present at the end of the drain phase, the drain pump or control board has likely failed.

When to Call a Professional

If error E25 persists after cleaning the filter, checking the hose, and verifying the household drain is clear, the drain pump or control board requires replacement. These components require opening the dishwasher's base or frame, which is not practical for DIY repair. Contact Bosch support at bosch-home.com or 1-800-944-2904. A drain pump replacement typically costs $150–$300 including labor. Bosch provides 1-year warranty coverage on parts and labor.

Can You Still Use the Device?

Do not run the dishwasher while error E25 is displayed. Water will fill the chamber and will not drain, potentially overflowing water under the dishwasher and into surrounding cabinets. Address the drainage problem before resuming normal operation.

Official Resources

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional repair advice. CodeExplain is not affiliated with Bosch or any other brand mentioned. Always consult a qualified technician for complex repairs.