Bosch Dishwasher Not Draining · E24 & E25 · Same Day Southern California
Bosch Dishwasher Not Draining: E24 and E25
E24 is a blocked drain path, E25 is the drain pump. Filter and pump-cover checks you can do, and why E15 is a different (leak) code. When to call.
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01 · The short answer
Bosch won't drain? E24 is the path, E25 is the pump.
Standing water in a Bosch dishwasher shows as E24 or E25. E24 means the drain path is blocked — the filter first, then the drain hose, air gap, or disposal knockout plug. E25 points at the drain pump itself: a loose pump cover or a jammed impeller. The filter, hose, disposal, air gap, and even unclipping the pump cover to check the impeller are homeowner-checkable — Bosch actually walks owners through it — and replacing the pump is where our techs take over. Start by twisting out and rinsing the filter, Bosch's number-one cause. $89 residential diagnostic, waived with repair.
One thing to get right up front: E24 and E25 are drain codes, but E15 is not. E15 is a leak code — water in the base pan trips the safety float — with a different cause and fix. If you're seeing E15, use our Bosch E15 error page; if the tub is holding water with E24 or E25, keep reading.
02 · E24 vs E25 vs E15
Three codes people mix up.
E24 — drain path blocked
The water isn't being pumped out. Most often the filter is clogged; then the drain hose (kink or clog), the air gap, or a disposal knockout plug left in. This is the broad "won't drain" code and the one the filter clean usually fixes.
E25 — drain pump blocked
Points at the pump: the white pump cover is loose or not seated, or the impeller is jammed by a foreign object (glass, a fruit sticker, a bone chip). Bosch's fix is to unclip the cover, clear debris, and confirm the impeller turns freely.
E15 — leak, NOT drain
Water in the base pan trips the AquaStop float and the unit shuts off its water. Different problem, different page: Bosch E15 error. Don't chase a drain clog when the code is E15.
03 · What you can safely check
Six safe steps before you call.
- Scoop the standing water with a cup and sponge so you can reach the filter.
- Clean the filter. Twist out the cylindrical filter (Bosch's #1 step), rinse it, and clear the sump — watch for broken glass.
- Check the pump cover and impeller (E25). Unclip the white pump cover under the filter, clear any debris, and, wearing a glove, confirm the impeller turns freely.
- Check the drain hose and high loop. Straighten any kink and confirm the hose loops up high before dropping to the drain.
- Run the garbage disposal with water, and if it's a new disposal, confirm the knockout plug was removed.
- Clear the air gap. Pop the chrome cap and clean it out. Use only dishwasher detergent, never dish soap.
Where to stop: filter, pump cover and impeller check, hose, disposal, and air gap are all owner-safe per Bosch. Do not replace the drain pump, cut into wiring, or do any electrical work. If the impeller won't turn freely after clearing debris, or E24/E25 returns with everything clear, the pump needs replacing — our job.
04 · When to call us
Impeller jammed or won't spin? Time for the pump.
Once the filter, hose, disposal, and air gap are verified clear, the pump cover is seated, and the impeller either won't turn or E24/E25 keeps returning, the drain pump has failed and needs replacement — a job that requires removing the pump and disconnecting power. Our techs at Same Day Appliance Repair carry the common Bosch drain pumps, so a confirmed failure is usually a one-visit fix. We check the upstream path and the impeller first so we never swap a good pump that was fighting a clog, then quote before any work. $89 residential diagnostic, waived with the repair. Same-day across Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura in most cases.
Related: the Bosch E15 error page (the leak code), the general dishwasher not draining page, the dishwasher error codes guide, and brand coverage on Bosch dishwasher repair. Full coverage on the dishwasher repair hub. Book online or call (424) 325-0520.
05 · FAQ
Bosch dishwasher not draining: common questions.
Why is my Bosch dishwasher not draining?
On a Bosch the standing water almost always traces to a clogged filter (the number-one cause), the drain pump or its cover, a kinked or clogged drain hose, a disposal knockout plug after a new disposal, or a blocked sink air gap. Bosch signals this with E24 (drain path blocked) or E25 (drain pump blocked). The filter, hose, disposal, air gap, and even a look at the pump impeller are homeowner-checkable per Bosch's own guidance; replacing the pump is the tech job. Start by twisting out and rinsing the filter. $89 residential diagnostic, waived with repair.
What is the difference between E24 and E25 on a Bosch dishwasher?
Both are drain codes. E24 means the water isn't being pumped out — the drain path is blocked, most often the filter, then the drain hose, air gap, or disposal knockout plug. E25 points specifically at the drain pump: the pump cover is loose or not seated, or the impeller is jammed by a foreign object like a bit of glass or a fruit sticker. For E25, Bosch's guidance is to unclip the white pump cover and clear any debris, then check that the impeller can turn freely; if it can't, the pump is failing and needs replacement.
Is E15 the same as E24 or E25?
No — and this is the one to get right. E15 is a leak code, not a drain code: water has collected in the base pan and tripped the AquaStop safety float, which shuts off the water intake. E24 and E25 mean water can't get out (a drain problem). They have different causes and different fixes. If you're seeing E15, see our Bosch E15 error page instead; if the tub is holding water with an E24 or E25, you're in the right place.
How do I check the drain pump on a Bosch dishwasher?
This is one Bosch actually walks owners through for E24/E25. Power the unit off, remove the lower rack, and twist out the filter. Under it you'll see the white drain-pump cover — pop the clip (a teaspoon works) and lift the cover off. Clear any visible debris, then, wearing a glove, check that the impeller turns freely. If it spins easily and the filter and hose are clear, run a rinse cycle. If the impeller is stuck or won't turn freely after clearing debris, the drain pump is faulty and needs a technician to replace it. Do not attempt any electrical work.
How do I clear a Bosch dishwasher that won't drain?
Safe, in order: scoop out the standing water, twist out and rinse the cylindrical filter (Bosch's #1 step) and clear the sump, unclip the white pump cover and clear debris and check the impeller spins freely, check the drain hose behind the unit for a kink and confirm the high loop, run the garbage disposal (a full one blocks the shared drain, and a new disposal may still have its knockout plug), and clear the sink air gap. Use only dishwasher detergent. Re-run a rinse cycle. If E24/E25 returns with everything clear, the pump needs replacing — that's our job.
Bosch dishwasher still full of water? Call today.
$89 diagnostic waived with repair. Same-day across LA, OC, Ventura. Phones answered 24/7.