What's Broke home

Bosch Dishwasher E25 Error: Causes & Fixes

On a Bosch (or Siemens) dishwasher, error code E25, also displayed as E-25, means the drain pump is blocked or the drain pump cover is loose or missing, which iFixit frames more broadly as the drain path being restricted.

What Bosch dishwasher E25 means

E25 names the pump, not the filter. Bosch's page for E22 says that code indicates a blocked dishwasher filter; the E25 page says the drain pump is blocked or the drain pump cover is loose or missing, which is the assembly directly under the filter.

E23 sits next to E25 on Bosch's dishwasher error-code list and is handled differently: Bosch describes E23 as an issue with a drain pump that is blocked, clogged or faulty and sends the owner straight to Bosch Customer Support, while the E25 page walks the owner through opening the pump cover first.

E24 is the same drain family read from the other end. Bosch attributes E24 to a machine that is not draining properly with the drain filter blocked and starts its checks at the inlet hose and the siphon connection; E25's own page starts inside the sump, at the pump cover.

Before you work on your dishwasher

  • Power: Unplug the dishwasher or switch off its circuit breaker before removing panels or touching wiring.
  • Water: Turn off the water supply valve before disconnecting hoses or the inlet valve.
  • Heat: Water and the heating element can be hot right after a cycle; let the dishwasher cool first.
  • Sharp debris: Wear gloves when reaching into the filter or sump; broken glass often collects there.
  • Stop: If you smell burning, see smoke or sparks, or find water near wiring, switch off the breaker and call a technician.
  • Disconnect power before accessing internal dishwasher parts: Unplug the dishwasher or switch off the circuit breaker that powers it before removing panels, the filter, or the drain pump cover, or before reaching into the sump.
  • Shut off the water supply before disconnecting hoses: Turn off the water supply before disconnecting the drain hose, siphon connection, or water inlet, or before pulling the dishwasher out for service.
  • Hot water and steam scald risk: Open the dishwasher door carefully during or right after a cycle. Hot water or steam can escape and cause burns; wait until water noises stop and steam subsides before fully opening the door.
  • Sharp debris near the filter and drain pump: Wear gloves and use caution when removing the filter, pump cover, or other parts for cleaning; broken glass or other sharp debris can collect near the drain pump impeller.

What causes Bosch E25

  1. Drain pump/impeller blocked by debris or glass: A blocked or jammed drain pump/impeller can trigger E25; Bosch's E25 page has users clear debris and standing water from the pump, and iFixit's E25 guide adds checking the impeller itself for debris, dirt, or hair. Difficulty 1/5.
  2. Drain pump cover is loose: Bosch lists a loose or missing drain pump cover as a cause of E25; the cover must be fully seated so it clicks closed for the pump to work correctly. Difficulty 2/5.
  3. Dishwasher filter clogged: A dirty or clogged dishwasher filter can stop water from draining and trigger E25; iFixit's E25 repair guide has users remove the round filter assembly from the sump to check it. Difficulty 1/5.
  4. Drain hose kinked or sharply bent: A kinked or sharply bent drain pump hose can trigger E25 by restricting drainage. Difficulty 1/5.
  5. Airgap or drain hose clogged with debris: The airgap or drain hose can become clogged with debris, restricting drainage and triggering E25. Difficulty 2/5.
  6. Siphon connection unsealed or blocked: An unsealed or blocked siphon (U-bend) connection between the dishwasher drain hose and the household plumbing can cause E25; iFixit notes the U-bend is a common place for blockages because debris settles there. Difficulty 2/5.

Find the cause of E25 on your dishwasher

Step-by-step checks for Bosch E25

Remove and inspect the round filter assembly

About 10 minutes

  1. Unplug the dishwasher or switch off its circuit breaker, and wait about 20 minutes after a cycle so any standing water and the heating element cool.
  2. Find the round filter assembly in the bottom of the dishwasher tub.
  3. Turn the filter counterclockwise a few turns until the catch releases.
  4. Lift the whole filter assembly out of the sump and inspect it for dirt or blockage.

Inspect and clean the filter

About 10 minutes

  1. Lift out the baskets.
  2. Twist the filter lock and lift out the cylindrical filter, then the metal filter.
  3. Check for standing water above the filter and clean away food, grease, or debris.

Visually inspect the drain hose for kinks

About 5 minutes

  1. Trace the accessible run of the drain pump hose.
  2. Check for kinks, crushed sections, or sharp bends.

Check and clear the airgap, siphon, and drain hose connection

About 20 minutes

  1. Unplug the dishwasher or switch off its circuit breaker, then close the water supply valve.
  2. Disconnect the drain hose at the siphon/airgap connection and place the hose end in a bucket.
  3. Inspect the hose end and siphon opening for sludge, debris, or a sealed/blocked port.
  4. Clear debris, reconnect, and run a rinse cycle to test.

Check the airgap and drain hose for clogs

About 20 minutes

  1. Unplug the dishwasher or switch off its circuit breaker, then close the water supply valve.
  2. Disconnect the drain hose at the airgap connection and place the hose end in a bucket.
  3. Look for debris or sludge in the hose and at the airgap opening.
  4. Clear debris, reconnect, and run a rinse cycle to test.

Inspect the drain pump cover and impeller

About 15 minutes

  1. Disconnect power at the plug or breaker.
  2. Locate the pump cover under the filter and confirm it is fully seated.
  3. Pry off the pump cover and look at the impeller for glass, food, or debris; do not touch the impeller with your fingers.
  4. Remove any glass, food, or debris blocking the impeller.

How to fix Bosch E25

Clean the dishwasher filter system

About 10 minutes · Difficulty 1/5

  1. Unscrew the Large Object Trap and lift out the filter system.
  2. Remove the microfilter from the fine filter.
  3. Rinse both under running water with a soft brush (no abrasive brushes or steel wool).
  4. Reinstall in reverse order and lock the Large Object Trap into place.

Clean the round filter assembly

About 15 minutes · Difficulty 1/5

  1. Unplug the dishwasher or switch off its circuit breaker, and wait about 20 minutes after a cycle so any standing water and the heating element cool.
  2. Hold the dirty filter over a bin and scrape off debris and dirt with a brush.
  3. Fill a bowl with hot, soapy water and scrub the filter assembly until the mesh and plastic surfaces are clean.
  4. Place the clean filter assembly back into the sump and turn it clockwise until it tightens and the two arrows line up.

Straighten or reroute the kinked drain hose

About 10 minutes · Difficulty 1/5

  1. Trace the accessible run of the drain hose.
  2. Straighten or reroute it so it has no kinks or sharp bends.

Clear the airgap and drain hose of debris

About 20 minutes · Difficulty 2/5

  1. Unplug the dishwasher or switch off its circuit breaker, then close the water supply valve.
  2. Disconnect the drain hose at the siphon/airgap connection and place it in a bucket.
  3. Clear debris from the hose and reconnect it.
  4. Turn the appliance back on and run a rinse cycle to confirm drainage.

Clear debris or glass from the drain pump impeller

About 20 minutes · Difficulty 2/5

  1. Unplug the dishwasher or switch off its circuit breaker.
  2. Remove the baskets and the filter system, and scoop out any standing water.
  3. Prise off the pump cover with a spoon, gripping it by the crosspiece; keep your fingers away from the impeller.
  4. Remove any glass, food, or debris blocking the impeller.
  5. Confirm the impeller turns freely, then press the cover back in until it clicks.

Clean and reseal the siphon connection

About 20 minutes · Difficulty 2/5

  1. Disconnect power and shut off the water supply.
  2. Unscrew the siphon fitting and lift it out.
  3. Clean any dirty or blocked ends.
  4. Reinstall the siphon securely and test the drain path.

Clean and reseat the drain pump cover

About 15 minutes · Difficulty 2/5

  1. Disconnect the dishwasher from the power supply.
  2. Remove the drain pump cover.
  3. Clean the drain pump by removing standing water and loose debris.
  4. Replace the drain pump cover, pressing until it clicks fully closed.

When to call a technician about Bosch E25

  • Contact Bosch Customer Service if E22 persists
  • Contact Bosch Customer Service if E25 persists

Sources

  1. Dishwasher SP.. Instruction Manual, Bosch Home Appliances US (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  2. Dishwasher SHSM63****, SHS863****, SHS843****, SHVM63****, SHV863**** Operating Instructions, Bosch Home Appliances US (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  3. Dishwasher SMS6HAI01A User Manual, Bosch Home Appliances US (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  4. Bosch Dishwasher Error Code E24: How to Fix & Reset, Bosch Home Appliances US (retrieved 2026-09-28)
  5. Dishwasher Error Codes | Support | Bosch, Bosch Home Appliances US (retrieved 2026-09-19)
  6. Dishwasher Troubleshooting: E22 Bosch Dishwasher Error Code, Bosch Home Appliances US (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  7. E25 Bosch Dishwasher Error Code | Dishwasher Troubleshooting | Bosch, Bosch Home Appliances US (retrieved 2026-09-28)
  8. How to Fix the Bosch Dishwasher E24 Error Code, iFixit (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  9. How to Fix the Bosch Dishwasher E25 Error Code, iFixit (retrieved 2026-09-18)
  10. Bosch Dishwasher E24 Code - iFixit Troubleshooting, iFixit (retrieved 2026-09-18)

Last updated September 29, 2026 · facts last verified September 29, 2026 · How we source and verify

Guidance only; follow your appliance manual and local codes. If anything looks unsafe, stop and call a qualified technician. Safety disclaimer