What Does Error Code E25 Mean on a Bosch Washing Machine?
Clean out the drain pump filter by unscrewing the access cap at the bottom front of the machine, removing any debris from the filter and impeller, then restarting the cycle — the machine should drain normally within a few minutes (takes about 10 minutes).
Fault description
Error code E25 tells you that your Bosch washing machine has detected a blockage in the drain pump system. The pump is responsible for pushing water out of the drum at the end of each wash and rinse cycle, and when something obstructs it, the machine cannot complete the drain phase and stops to protect itself from damage.
When E25 appears, you will typically find the drum still full or partially full of water, and the machine will have paused mid-cycle. The display shows the error and the programme light may flash. In most cases the door will remain locked while water is present inside.
The good news is that this fault is one of the most straightforward to resolve at home. The blockage is almost always accessible through the pump filter cover on the front lower panel of the machine, and clearing it requires no special tools.
Causes
- Debris blocking the pump filter or impeller — Small items such as coins, hair grips, buttons, lint, and fabric fibres are the most common culprits. They pass through the drum and collect at the pump filter or jam the impeller so it cannot spin.
- Foreign object lodged in the drain hose — Occasionally a small item bypasses the filter and travels into the drain hose itself, creating a partial or full blockage. This restricts water flow even when the filter appears clear.
- Kinked or crushed drain hose — If the machine has been pushed back against a wall or moved recently, the drain hose at the rear may have become kinked. A sharp bend in the hose reduces flow enough to trigger E25.
- Faulty or seized drain pump motor — If the impeller is clear but the pump motor has failed electrically or mechanically, it will not turn and water cannot be expelled. This is less common but does occur on older machines.
- Blocked household standpipe or sink drain — If the external drain point — the standpipe or sink waste — is partially blocked, back pressure can prevent the pump from clearing water efficiently, triggering the error.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Switch off and unplug the machine
Press the power button to turn the machine off and pull the plug from the wall socket. Never work on the pump filter while the machine is powered. Wait two minutes to allow any residual electrical charge to dissipate.
- 2
Prepare for water spillage
Place a shallow tray or a folded towel directly in front of the lower access panel. Even if the drum looks empty, several litres of water are typically held in the pump housing and hoses. Having absorbent material ready will save your floor.
- 3
Open the pump filter access panel and drain the water
Locate the small rectangular cover at the bottom front of the machine — it either clips open or requires a flat-head screwdriver to prise off. Inside you will find a small rubber drain hose with a cap and the main filter cap. Pull out the small drain hose, remove its cap, and let the water flow into your tray. Refill the tray as needed until flow stops.
- 4
Remove and clean the pump filter
Turn the large filter cap anticlockwise and pull it out slowly. Remove any debris — coins, hair, lint, or fabric — from the filter mesh and from inside the pump housing. Rinse the filter under a tap until it is completely clear, then reach into the housing and check that the impeller (the small plastic fan) spins freely with your finger.
- 5
Check the drain hose at the back of the machine
Pull the machine forward slightly and inspect the drain hose running from the back of the machine to the standpipe or sink. Straighten any kinks and ensure the hose is not compressed against the wall. The hose should have a smooth, unobstructed run with no sharp bends.
- 6
Refit the filter and run a short drain cycle
Screw the filter cap back in firmly clockwise — a loose filter will leak during the next wash. Replace the small drain hose cap and close the access panel. Plug the machine back in, select a Spin or Drain programme, and run it to confirm the error has cleared and water drains fully.
- 7
Check the household drain point if the error persists
If E25 returns after cleaning the filter, pour water slowly into the standpipe or sink waste where the drain hose connects. If it drains slowly, the household plumbing is partially blocked and will need clearing with a drain cleaner or plunger before the washing machine can drain properly.
Affected models
Select your model to see its full troubleshooting page.
When to call a service technician
If you have cleaned the filter, confirmed the impeller spins freely, straightened the drain hose, and verified the household drain is clear — but the machine still displays E25 and will not drain — the pump motor itself has likely failed. A seized or burnt-out pump motor will not respond to filter cleaning and requires the component to be tested with a multimeter and replaced.
You should also contact a service technician if you find the filter housing cracked, if water is leaking from around the pump area after refitting the filter, or if the machine trips your household circuit breaker when it attempts to drain. These symptoms point to an electrical fault that is not safe to investigate without proper training.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Bosch washing machine while it is showing E25?
No. When E25 is active the machine has stopped mid-cycle because it cannot drain. Running another programme without clearing the blockage first will not help and may cause water to overflow from the drum seal. Clear the pump filter before attempting any further wash cycles.
The pump filter looks clean but E25 keeps coming back — why?
If the filter is clear but the error returns, check that the impeller inside the pump housing spins freely and has no small fragments of debris caught between its blades. Also inspect the drain hose for a partial kink or a blockage further along the hose. If both are fine, the pump motor may be failing intermittently and will need testing by a service technician.
How much water should I expect when I open the pump filter?
Typically between two and four litres, though this varies depending on where in the cycle the machine stopped. If the drum was full when the error occurred, there may be significantly more water held in the system. Always use a tray and have extra towels on hand before opening the filter cap.
Is E25 the same as E18 on Bosch washing machines?
They are related but distinct. E18 indicates the machine failed to drain within the expected time, which can be caused by a partial blockage or a slow pump. E25 specifically points to a mechanical blockage at the pump impeller or in the drain path. The cleaning procedure is the same starting point for both, but E25 more directly suggests a physical obstruction.
How long does it take to clean the Bosch drain pump filter?
For most people the full process — draining residual water, removing and cleaning the filter, checking the impeller, and running a test cycle — takes around 15 to 20 minutes. If you need to pull the machine out to inspect the drain hose as well, allow an extra 10 minutes.