The E25 error on your Bosch dishwasher means the drain pump is blocked, or its cover has come loose. Most cases clear in 15 minutes — pull the filter, refit the pump cover, you’re done.

Error code E25
Meaning Drain pump blocked or pump cover loose
Severity Low — DIY-friendly
Time to fix 10–20 minutes
Tools needed Teaspoon (to unclip pump cover on most models), towel

What the E25 error means

The drain pump sits below the filter at the bottom of the tub. If its impeller can’t spin freely — because debris is jammed in it, fiber has wrapped around it, or the protective cover has come off — the dishwasher detects the failure and shows E25. The pump cover often pops loose during a heavy wash and is mistaken for a more serious fault. Refitting it fixes the code.

Common causes

  • Pump cover loose or come off (very common — easy fix)
  • Food debris or small utensils jammed in the pump impeller
  • Fibre or hair wrapped around the impeller
  • Blocked filter restricting water reaching the pump
  • Failed drain pump motor (least common)

How to fix the E25 error

  1. Power-cycle the machine. Disconnect from the wall for a few minutes and plug back in. A one-off jam may have cleared and the reset gets the cycle moving again.
  2. Remove and clean the filter. Take out the bottom rack, twist the circular filter counterclockwise, lift it out, and rinse under warm water until clear. Refit hand-tight.
  3. Check the pump cover. With the filter out, look into the pump well. On most Bosch models the impeller cover unclips with a teaspoon (some models use a single screw). Pull the cover, clear any debris around the impeller, and refit it firmly — this is the single most common E25 fix.
  4. Spin the impeller by hand. With the cover off, the impeller should turn freely. If it’s stiff or won’t move, fiber or a small object is wrapped around it. Clear the obstruction and refit.
  5. Flush the drain hose. If the pump and filter are clean and E25 still shows, disconnect the drain hose at the back, run warm water through it to clear obstructions, then refit.
  6. If E25 still returns, the drain pump motor itself has likely failed. New pump is around $55–$95 and is a job for a competent DIYer or a technician.

FAQ

What’s the difference between E24 and E25?
E24 is a general drainage fault — usually a blocked filter or hose. E25 specifically points at the drain pump itself or its cover. They share fixes (clean filter, check hose) but E25 always means looking at the pump.

Why does the pump cover keep coming loose?
On older Bosch models the clip wears out over time. If it won’t stay seated, replace the cover assembly — it’s usually a $15 part.

Can I run the dishwasher with E25 showing?
No — the cycle won’t start until the drain path is confirmed clear. Forcing it risks overflowing water into the base tray and triggering E15.