Why is my Bosch dishwasher not draining?
On Bosch dishwashers, an E24 or E25 error code or standing water in the tub almost always points to a clogged filter and sump ($0 to clean yourself) or a blocked drain pump impeller ($0 – $150 to clear). E24 means water couldn't drain; E25 means the drain pump is blocked or has failed outright.
Bosch puts the drain pump impeller — a small plastic fan blade — directly inside the filter housing at the bottom of the tub. A single piece of broken glass, a cherry pit, or a twist-tie can jam the impeller and trigger an E25 without the pump motor itself being failed. Check the impeller before assuming you need a new pump.
Most likely causes
Clogged filter assembly
$0How to tellE24 error; water in the bottom at end of cycle; machine otherwise runs through its cycle normally; may smell musty; dishwasher hadn't been cleaned in months
The fixRemove the lower rack, twist out the cylindrical filter counterclockwise, lift out the flat mesh below it, and rinse both under running water. Wipe out any debris in the sump area around the filter opening.
Blocked drain pump impeller (E25)
$0 – $150 to clear; $150 – $350 for pump replacementHow to tellE25 error code; filter is clean but water still stands; you may hear a brief hum during the drain phase but nothing moves; machine stops mid-cycle at the drain stage
The fixAfter removing the filter, reach into the sump and rotate the impeller (a small cross-shaped plastic fan blade) by hand. If it's stiff or jammed by debris, clear the obstruction. If it spins freely but drain still fails, the pump motor itself needs replacement.
Kinked or clogged drain hose
$0 – $100How to tellE24 code that returns even after cleaning the filter; machine drains partially but not fully; backflow from the sink into the Bosch during or after the cycle
The fixCheck the drain hose behind the unit for kinks or compression. Confirm the high-loop installation or air gap is intact — Bosch requires a proper high-loop to prevent siphoning.
Garbage disposal connection not cleared
$0How to tellNew installation or new disposal; E24 from day one; machine never drained properly after setup
The fixOn new garbage disposals, the inlet knockout must be physically removed with a screwdriver before connecting the dishwasher drain hose — the knockout is plastic and easy to miss
Drain pump motor failed
$150 – $350How to tellE25 persists; impeller spins freely by hand; pump is silent when drain cycle should run; machine is 6–10+ years old
The fixReplace the drain pump motor assembly — on Bosch dishwashers this requires significant disassembly of the unit from underneath
Try this first (before you pay anyone)
- Pull out the lower rack. At the center of the tub floor you'll see the Bosch cylindrical filter — twist it counterclockwise about a quarter-turn and lift it straight up. Below it is a flat mesh filter — lift that out too. Rinse both thoroughly. This alone clears E24 in many cases.
- After removing both filter pieces, look down into the sump opening and find the drain pump impeller — it's a small plastic cross or fan-blade shape at the bottom. Use your finger or a toothbrush to spin it. If it's jammed by glass, a seed, or debris, clear it. A free-spinning impeller but no drain means the motor is the problem.
- Check if the dishwasher is connected to a garbage disposal — if so, run the disposal for 30 seconds before starting a dishwasher cycle. A full disposal can back-pressure the drain hose and trigger E24.
- If you see E24, that's a drain timeout — the machine couldn't drain water fast enough. If you see E25, that's a pump blockage detected. Write down which code you're seeing before calling a tech; it determines exactly which part to order.
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Call a pro when…
- E25 persists after the impeller is clear and the filter is clean — the pump motor has failed and the unit needs disassembly to replace it
- You found glass or sharp debris in the impeller area — a tech can safely inspect the pump housing and seal for damage before reinstalling
- Water is leaking from the bottom of the door or from underneath — a drain pump seal failure can cause a slow leak that requires hands-on inspection
- Both E24 and E25 codes alternate or a new code appears — multiple faults can indicate a control board issue, which needs diagnostic equipment to confirm
Repair or replace?
Bosch dishwashers are built to last 9–12 years and carry a strong reputation for build quality. A filter cleaning costs nothing. A drain pump replacement at $150–$350 on a Bosch under 8 years old is nearly always worth doing — Bosch machines cost $700–$1,500 new, and parts are widely available. Past 10–12 years, apply the 50% rule: if the total repair quote exceeds half the price of a comparable new Bosch, replacement is the wiser call. A pump failure combined with a worn door latch or aging spray arms on a 12-year-old unit is a classic replacement signal.
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Related questions
What does E24 mean on a Bosch dishwasher?
E24 is Bosch's code for a drain timeout — the machine tried to drain water and couldn't complete the drain within the expected time. The most common cause is a clogged filter. Start there: remove both the cylindrical and flat filter pieces from the tub floor and rinse them. If E24 clears after that, you found your fix. If it persists, the drain pump or hose needs inspection.
What does E25 mean on a Bosch dishwasher?
E25 means the drain pump is blocked — Bosch's sensors detected a restriction in the pump circuit. After removing the filter, check the pump impeller in the sump opening (the small cross-shaped blade) for debris. A piece of glass, a seed, or a small bone is frequently the culprit. If the impeller spins freely and E25 persists, the pump motor itself needs replacement.
Where is the filter on a Bosch dishwasher?
The Bosch filter system is at the center of the tub floor — it's a two-piece system. The upper piece is a cylindrical basket that twists out counterclockwise. Below it is a flat mesh screen that lifts straight out. Both pieces need to be rinsed and cleaned. Bosch recommends monthly cleaning; in hard-water areas or households that pre-rinse dishes infrequently, clean it every 2–3 weeks.
How much does it cost to fix a Bosch dishwasher that won't drain?
Cleaning the filter is free. Clearing a jammed impeller is free. A drain hose adjustment runs $75–$150 with a service call. A drain pump motor replacement runs $150–$350 including parts and labor. Diagnostic visits ($75–$150) are typically credited toward any repair.