Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E25 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Bosch dishwasher error E25 means the drain pump is blocked or cannot drain water properly. This usually means there is debris — such as glass, food, or a broken item — stuck inside the drain pump impeller. The fix is usually a simple cleaning job that most people can do themselves.

Affected Models

Bosch Series 2
Bosch Series 4
Bosch Series 6
Bosch Series 8
Bosch Silence Plus

Common Causes

A piece of broken glass, bone, pit, or food debris is stuck in the drain pump impeller
The internal drain filter (coarse filter and microfilter) is severely clogged and blocking water from reaching the pump
The drain hose has a kink or is blocked with food residue, preventing water from draining out
The drain pump motor has failed and can no longer spin the impeller to push water out
The sink drain or garbage disposal (if connected) is blocked and causing a backpressure that stops drainage

How to Fix It

Remove and clean the dishwasher filters. Twist the cylindrical filter anticlockwise and lift it out, then remove the flat mesh filter beneath it. Rinse both under running water and scrub with a brush.

Clogged filters are the most common cause of E25. Clean them monthly to prevent the error recurring.
After removing the filters, look down into the drain sump at the bottom of the dishwasher. Shine a torch inside and check for visible debris — glass, bones, food items, or broken plastic.

Use rubber gloves when reaching inside — broken glass is a common culprit and hard to see.
Remove any visible debris from the drain sump with your fingers or a pair of tweezers. Rotate the impeller (the small plastic fan inside the sump) by hand — it should spin freely.

If the impeller does not spin at all, something is jammed inside the pump housing.
Check the drain hose at the back of the dishwasher. Make sure it is not kinked and that it connects to a clear drain point under the sink. Run water down the sink and confirm it flows freely.

If the sink is draining slowly, clear the sink blockage first — a blocked sink drain backs up into the dishwasher.
Reassemble the filters, run a short rinse cycle, and check whether the error has cleared. If E25 returns, the drain pump motor may need professional assessment.

A replacement drain pump motor for Bosch dishwashers typically costs $40 to $80 for the part.

When to Call a Professional

If the drain pump impeller is clear and the filters are clean but E25 persists, the drain pump motor may have failed. A pump motor replacement requires partial disassembly of the dishwasher and should be done by an appliance technician. Also call a professional if you find broken glass deep inside the pump — it needs careful removal to avoid injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Bosch dishwasher have standing water at the bottom?

Standing water at the bottom usually means the drain pump could not empty the machine. This is often what triggers E25. Clean the filters and check for debris in the drain sump — this resolves the issue in most cases.

How often should I clean my dishwasher filters?

Bosch recommends cleaning the filters at least once a month under normal use. If you wash heavily soiled dishes frequently, clean them every two weeks. A clean filter keeps water draining freely and prevents E25 from recurring.

Can a broken glass cause E25?

Yes — a shard of glass in the drain sump is one of the most common causes of E25. Glass jams the pump impeller and prevents it from spinning. Always check for glass with a gloved hand before assuming the pump motor has failed.