Dishwasher
E25
The E25 error code on a Bosch dishwasher means the machine has detected a drainage fault — specifically, it suspects the drain pump is blocked or has failed. It’s one of the most common Bosch error codes and is often fixable at home in under 30 minutes.
What does this error mean?
E25 tells you the dishwasher’s control board cannot confirm the drain pump is working correctly. The pump may be jammed with debris, the filter system may be blocked, or the pump impeller may have seized. In rare cases, the pump motor itself has failed and needs replacing. The machine stops mid-cycle to prevent water overflow or motor burnout.
Est. repair cost
DIY fix (filters, hose clear): £0. Replacement drain pump (DIY part): £25–£50. Professional repair including pump replacement: £80–£150.
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Reset the machine first: turn it off at the plug, wait 60 seconds, then power back on and run a short cycle to see if the error clears. This rules out a temporary sensor glitch.
Clean the filter assembly: remove the lower basket, unscrew the cylindrical filter and lift out the flat mesh filter beneath it. Rinse both under a hot tap, scrubbing away grease with a soft brush. Refit firmly — a loose filter is a common cause of recurring E25 faults.
Check the pump impeller: with the filters removed you’ll see the drain pump housing at the base of the tub. Shine a torch in and use your fingers or tweezers to remove any visible debris (broken glass, cherry stones, and cable ties are common culprits). Rotate the impeller gently — it should spin freely with slight resistance. If it’s seized solid, the pump likely needs replacing.
Inspect the drain hose: pull the dishwasher forward slightly and check the corrugated grey hose running from the back of the machine to the sink waste or standpipe. Straighten any kinks. Disconnect it from the waste outlet and blow through it to check for blockages.
Clear the sink waste or trap: unscrew the P-trap under the sink and flush it out. A partially blocked sink trap is frequently overlooked and causes persistent E25 faults.
If none of the above resolves the fault, run a hot service wash with a dedicated dishwasher cleaner (e.g. Finish Machine Cleaner) to clear internal grease from the pump chamber.
📞 When to call a professional
If the pump impeller is seized, physically broken, or the pump fails to activate even after clearing all blockages, the drain pump needs replacing — this involves disconnecting the motor wiring and is straightforward for an engineer but not recommended as a first DIY attempt. Call a Bosch-approved or Which?-trusted local appliance engineer and tell them: ‘My Bosch dishwasher is showing E25, the filters and drain hose are clear, but the drain pump appears seized or non-functional.’ This will save diagnostic time and cost.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A drain pump replacement by a UK engineer typically costs £80–£150 including parts and labour. If your Bosch dishwasher is under 5 years old, repair is almost always worth it — Bosch machines are built to last 10–15 years. If it’s over 8–10 years old and you’re facing a pump replacement, weigh that cost against a new mid-range Bosch (from around £450) — especially if other components are ageing.