Repair Guide • Bosch · Dishwasher
Bosch Dishwasher Not Draining: E24, E25 and Other Causes
Written by PointLine Appliance Repair — local, family-owned, Superior, CO · Published · Updated · 9 min read
Short answer
Most often, a Bosch dishwasher that won't drain has a clogged filter, debris jammed in the drain pump, or a kinked or blocked drain hose or air gap. Start by turning the dishwasher off, removing and rinsing the filter assembly at the bottom of the tub, and checking that nothing is lodged in the sump below it.
Common Causes
Why is my Bosch dishwasher not draining and leaving water in the bottom?
A Bosch dishwasher usually stops draining because something is blocking the water's path out, whether that is food debris, broken glass, a kink in the hose, or a clog where the hose meets your sink plumbing. Bosch machines use a fine filter system and a compact drain pump, so small amounts of debris can cause problems faster than many homeowners expect. The good news is that several of these causes can be found with simple checks. The causes below run roughly from the most common to the least, and each one points to where the blockage most likely sits.
1.Clogged filter assembly
Bosch dishwashers rely on a manual-clean filter rather than a grinder, so food scraps, labels, seeds and grease collect there until someone rinses it
What you notice: Dirty, cloudy water sitting in the bottom, a sour smell, and dishes that come out gritty
2.Debris jammed in the drain pump
Pieces of glass, fruit pits, toothpicks or plastic can slip past the filter into the sump and stop the pump impeller from turning
What you notice: A humming or buzzing sound during drain with no water moving, often with E24 or E23 on the display
3.Loose or blocked pump cover
The small cover over the drain pump inside the sump can come loose or trap debris behind it, which restricts flow into the pump
What you notice: Slow, partial draining or repeat drain errors right after the filter was cleaned
4.Kinked or crushed drain hose
The hose runs behind the toe kick and under the sink, where it can get pinched when the dishwasher is pushed in or when items are stored under the sink
What you notice: Water stays in the tub even though the pump sounds normal, and E24 or E25 may appear
5.Clogged air gap or sink drain connection
The air gap on the countertop and the connection at the sink tailpiece or disposal collect grease and food over time
What you notice: Water spills from the air gap during drain, or the kitchen sink backs up when the dishwasher drains
6.Disposal knockout plug or failed drain pump
A new garbage disposal ships with a plug in its dishwasher inlet that must be removed, and a worn drain pump motor can simply stop working
What you notice: Drain trouble that started right after a disposal install, or silence from the pump with no blockage found
Bosch Error Codes
What do Bosch dishwasher error codes E24 and E25 mean?
E24 and E25 mean the drain is blocked, most often at the drain pump, in a kinked drain hose, or in a clogged air gap. Related codes from the official table below also point to drain trouble: E22 signals a draining problem tied to a blocked filter, a blocked pump or loose pump cover, a kinked hose or a clogged air gap, and E23 means the drain pump itself is blocked, clogged or faulty. If you see E15 along with standing water, the leak protection system has detected water in the base, which should be looked at before you run another cycle.
| Code | What it means | Try first | DIY or pro? |
|---|---|---|---|
| E22, E-22Try it yourself | Draining problem — a blocked filter, a blocked drain pump or loose pump cover, a kinked drain hose, or a clogged air gap.Wash the filter, clean out the drain pump and make sure its cover clicks shut, straighten the hose and clear the air gap. Then reset the dishwasher. | Wash the filter, clean out the drain pump and make sure its cover clicks shut, straighten the hose and clear the air gap. Then reset the dishwasher. | Try it yourself |
| E24, E25Try it yourself | Drain blocked — drain pump, kinked drain hose or a clogged air gap.Clean the drain pump and filter and check the drain hose and air gap. If it still shows, call for service. | Clean the drain pump and filter and check the drain hose and air gap. If it still shows, call for service. | Try it yourself |
| E23Call a pro | The drain pump is blocked, clogged or faulty.Clear the drain pump. If the pump itself has failed, it needs a technician. | Clear the drain pump. If the pump itself has failed, it needs a technician. | Call a pro |
| E15Call a pro | Water in the base — the leak protection system has activated.Turn off the water to the dishwasher and call for service. | Turn off the water to the dishwasher and call for service. | Call a pro |
| E14, E16, E17, E18, E200Try it yourself | Water isn't flowing into the dishwasher properly (flow meter, fill system or low water).Make sure the water supply is on and the inlet hose isn't kinked or damaged. | Make sure the water supply is on and the inlet hose isn't kinked or damaged. | Try it yourself |
| E12Try it yourself | Limescale has built up in the heat pump.Descale the dishwasher, and use softening salt if your model has a water softener. | Descale the dishwasher, and use softening salt if your model has a water softener. | Try it yourself |
| E09, E21Call a pro | Heat pump heater fault (E09) or the heat pump is blocked (E21).Reset power at the breaker for 30 seconds. If it returns, call for service. | Reset power at the breaker for 30 seconds. If it returns, call for service. | Call a pro |
| E01, E02, E04Call a pro | Control board or heater electronics fault found in the self-test.Reset power at the breaker for 30 seconds. If it returns, call for service. | Reset power at the breaker for 30 seconds. If it returns, call for service. | Call a pro |
| E06Call a pro | Door sensor circuit fault.Reset power for 30 seconds; if it stays, the door sensor needs a technician. | Reset power for 30 seconds; if it stays, the door sensor needs a technician. | Call a pro |
| E07, E10Call a pro | CrystalDry (zeolite) fan motor or chamber heater fault.This needs a technician. | This needs a technician. | Call a pro |
| E19Call a pro | Detergent dispenser solenoid circuit fault.Reset power for 30 seconds; if it returns, call for service. | Reset power for 30 seconds; if it returns, call for service. | Call a pro |
| E27, E9001Try it yourself | The house power supply to the dishwasher is too low.Reset the breaker for 30 seconds. If it happens again, have an electrician check the voltage. | Reset the breaker for 30 seconds. If it happens again, have an electrician check the voltage. | Try it yourself |
| E0100–E0110Call a pro | Electronics miscommunication.Reset power for 30 seconds; if it stays, call for service. | Reset power for 30 seconds; if it stays, call for service. | Call a pro |
| E6160Call a pro | PowerControl lower spray arm can't find its reference position.Reset power; if it returns, call for service. | Reset power; if it returns, call for service. | Call a pro |
| 4 LEDs flashingTry it yourself | A technical issue (models without a code display).Switch off, unplug or turn off the breaker for at least 2 minutes, then restart. If it happens again, call for service. | Switch off, unplug or turn off the breaker for at least 2 minutes, then restart. If it happens again, call for service. | Try it yourself |
Source: Bosch US — dishwasher error codes. Codes vary by model — check your owner's manual.
Check This Yourself
What can I check myself when my Bosch dishwasher won't drain?
You can safely check the filter, the sump area, the drain hose and the air gap yourself, as long as the dishwasher is turned off and unplugged or switched off at the breaker first. These steps clear the majority of drain blockages we see in the field. Keep a towel and a small cup or sponge nearby, since you will likely need to bail out some water before you can reach the filter. If you get through all six and the water still sits there, the problem is probably inside the pump or its wiring.
- 1Cancel the cycle and cut the powerPress and hold the start or reset button to cancel the cycle, then turn the dishwasher off and switch off its breaker or unplug it under the sink so nothing can start while your hands are in the tub
- 2Remove and clean the filterPull out the lower rack, twist the cylindrical filter counterclockwise and lift it out with the flat mesh underneath, then rinse both under warm running water with a soft brush and reinstall them until they lock
- 3Inspect the sump and pump coverWith the filter out, soak up the standing water with a sponge, then look and feel carefully with gloves for glass, pits or labels in the sump, and make sure the pump cover is seated firmly if your model has one you can see
- 4Check the drain hose for kinksLook under the sink where the hose connects and follow it as far as you can see, straightening any sharp bends and moving stored items that press against it, without pulling the dishwasher out of the cabinet
- 5Clean the air gapIf you have an air gap on the countertop next to the faucet, lift off its decorative cap and inner cover, clear out any food or grease, rinse the parts and press them back on firmly
- 6Test the sink drain and disposalRun water in the kitchen sink and run the disposal for a few seconds to clear its inlet, and if the disposal was recently installed, ask whether the dishwasher knockout plug was removed, then restore power and run a short rinse or drain cycle
Safety first: unplug the appliance or switch off its breaker before touching anything inside. If you smell gas, leave the house and call 911 or your gas utility from outside.
When to Call a Technician
When should I call a technician for a Bosch dishwasher that won't drain?
Call a technician when the filter, hose and air gap are clear but the water still won't leave the tub, or when the dishwasher shows signs of an electrical or leak problem. At that point the fault is usually inside the drain pump, the check valve, or the controls, and reaching them means pulling the machine out and working around wiring and water connections. A careful diagnosis also avoids replacing a pump that was only jammed. These are the signs that tell us it is time for a professional visit.
The pump hums but won't move water after cleaning
A seized impeller or worn pump motor needs the dishwasher pulled out and the pump removed or replaced, which involves electrical and water connections
The drain error returns within a cycle or two
Repeat E24, E25 or E23 codes after a clean filter often point to a failing pump, a stuck check valve, or a hidden blockage deeper in the drain path
Water is on the floor or E15 appears
Water in the base can come from a cracked hose or pump seal, and the leak protection system needs to be dried and the source repaired before the machine is used
No sound at all from the pump during drain
Silence can mean an open pump motor, a wiring fault or a control issue, and testing those circuits safely requires a technician with the right meters and training
Colorado Homes
Does hard water in Colorado cause Bosch dishwasher drain problems?
Hard water can contribute to drain problems, mostly by helping debris stick together and build up. Some communities in our area, including Superior, have hard water, and the minerals in it leave scale and a chalky film on the filter mesh, the sump walls and the pump inlet. That film gives grease and food particles something to cling to, so a filter in a hard-water home can clog sooner than one in a soft-water home. Using rinse aid, keeping the detergent dose appropriate for your water, and rinsing the filter regularly all help keep the drain path open.
Elevation itself does not change how a dishwasher drains, since the drain pump simply pushes water out through the hose regardless of altitude. What we do see across Denver Metro and Boulder County homes is a lot of older kitchens with air gaps and disposals that have years of buildup in their connections. If your home is on a hard-water supply and you have repeat drain errors, the scale and grease in the sink drain connection are worth checking alongside the dishwasher itself.
Prevention
How do I keep my Bosch dishwasher draining properly?
- Rinse the filter regularly. A quick rinse of the filter assembly keeps food and grease from packing the mesh, which is the single most common cause of standing water
- Scrape plates before loading. Bones, pits, seeds and paper labels are the kinds of debris that slip into the sump and jam the drain pump
- Run the disposal before starting the dishwasher. Clearing the disposal first gives the dishwasher's drain water an open path into the sink plumbing
- Keep the area under the sink clear around the hose. Storage bins and cleaning supplies pushed against the drain hose can pinch it and slowly restrict flow until a drain error shows up
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Bosch Dishwasher Repair Near You
We repair Bosch appliances across the Denver Metro Area and Boulder County.
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FAQ
Bosch dishwasher drain problems: what homeowners ask us
Quick answers about Bosch dishwasher problems.
Is it worth repairing a Bosch dishwasher that won't drain, or should I replace it?
In most cases a drain problem is worth repairing, because the fix is often a cleared blockage or a single replaced part rather than a major failure. We look at the overall condition of the tub, racks and controls during the visit and give you an honest opinion before you decide.
How much does it cost to diagnose a Bosch dishwasher that won't drain?
Our diagnostic visit is $85, and that amount is credited toward the repair if you go ahead with it. You get a firm quote before any work begins, so there are no surprises on the final bill.
Can I fix a Bosch dishwasher that won't drain myself?
Often you can, by cleaning the filter, clearing the sump, straightening the drain hose and cleaning the air gap with the power off. If the pump still hums without moving water or the code returns, the next steps involve wiring and water connections that are better left to a technician.
How long does a Bosch dishwasher drain repair take?
Many drain repairs are finished in a single visit once we have the right part on hand. Same-day service is often available, though we can't promise it, and if a part needs to be ordered we will tell you the timeline up front.
What should I do if my Bosch dishwasher shows E24 or E25?
Turn the dishwasher off, cut the power, then clean the filter and check the drain hose and air gap for blockages. If the code comes back after those checks, the drain pump or another part of the drain path likely needs professional service.
Do you warranty Bosch dishwasher drain repairs?
Yes, our repairs come with a 90-day parts and labor warranty, and we install genuine OEM parts. PointLine Care Club members at $99 per year also get free service calls, a yearly maintenance visit and 10% off labor.
Still have standing water in your Bosch dishwasher?
Call or text (720) 285-3573 to book a $85 diagnostic visit with a local PointLine technician, credited toward your repair.
PointLine Appliance Repair is an independent repair company, not affiliated with Bosch.