What E25 actually means
The dishwasher can't get the water out, and the machine has stopped because the drain pump isn't shifting it.
E25 is a drain fault. The machine has run its drain pump but the water level hasn't dropped as expected, so it halts the cycle and usually leaves standing water in the bottom of the tub. On Siemens machines this points at the drain pump itself or something obstructing it, rather than at the water inlet side.
What E25 looks like on a Siemens dishwasher
Most people find this page having searched for what the machine is doing rather than the code itself. On a Siemens dishwasher, E25 usually shows up as one or more of these:
- Dishwasher door won't open
- Door won't lock or click shut
- Door lock light flashing
- Door stuck shut with the load inside
- Won't start even with the door closed
- Dishwasher not draining
- Water left in the tub at the end of the cycle
- Stops mid-cycle full of water
Recognise any of those? That is this fault, and the rest of this page explains what causes it and what you can check yourself.
What usually causes it
- Filters in the base of the tub clogged with food debris
- A fragment of broken glass or chipped china jamming the drain pump impeller
- Waste pipe kinked or trapped behind the machine
- Sink waste spigot or trap blocked with grease and food
- Drain pump worn out or only running intermittently
What you can safely check yourself
Work through these in order. Anything beyond this — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the machine plugged in.
- Scoop or soak out the standing water from the tub so you can see what you are doing.
- Lift out the filter assembly, rinse it under the tap and clear the mesh, then refit it and lock it by lining up the blue arrows — if it isn't locked, large debris gets straight through to the pump.
- Pull the machine out gently and check the waste hose isn't kinked or squashed against the wall.
- If your dishwasher drains into a sink unit, check that connection for a grease blockage — it's a common one.
- Switch off at the wall for a minute, then power up and run a short cycle to see if the code returns.
Common questions about Siemens E25
What does E25 mean on a Siemens dishwasher?
The dishwasher can't get the water out, and the machine has stopped because the drain pump isn't shifting it. E25 is a drain fault. The machine has run its drain pump but the water level hasn't dropped as expected, so it halts the cycle and usually leaves standing water in the bottom of the tub. On Siemens machines this points at the drain pump itself or something obstructing it, rather than at the water inlet side.
Can I fix Siemens E25 myself?
There are 5 checks you can safely do yourself first.
- Scoop or soak out the standing water from the tub so you can see what you are doing.
- Lift out the filter assembly, rinse it under the tap and clear the mesh, then refit it and lock it by lining up the blue arrows — if it isn't locked, large debris gets straight through to the pump.
- Pull the machine out gently and check the waste hose isn't kinked or squashed against the wall.
- If your dishwasher drains into a sink unit, check that connection for a grease blockage — it's a common one.
- Switch off at the wall for a minute, then power up and run a short cycle to see if the code returns.
This sometimes clears with those checks. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly.
How much does it cost to repair Siemens E25?
£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Tried the checks and it's still showing E25?
This sometimes clears with the checks above. If it comes back, it needs looking at properly. Then it wants someone who can open it up.
What it costs, before you call: the price is the same whatever the fault turns out to be — £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Our own engineers, not a call centre. We cover Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — most dishwasher faults are seen same day or next day.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
Outside our area? The explanation above still stands — take it to a local engineer and tell them the code. Knowing it saves them time and you money.
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