Bosch's own owner-support page for a dishwasher that will not drain says the most common reason is food debris clogged in the filter or the water pump, and the SHXM4AY55N's manual lists the errors that go with it. E:22 is water in the sump because the sump filters are dirty or blocked; E:24 is a clogged drain line, a kinked, clogged or blocked drain hose, or a clogged or blocked drain pump impeller or loose pump cover; and E:25 is a blocked drain pump or loose cover. The fix Bosch gives is to remove the filters, scoop out the water and remove the pump cover, clear the impeller and snap the cover back until it clicks.
Differential
Likely causes of “Bosch dishwasher will not drain or leaves water in the tub”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Food debris clogging the filter
What separates it There is water in the sump and E:22 shows because food debris is clogging the filter
How to confirm Clean the filters and check they are installed correctly
- 2
A clogged drain pump or loose pump cover
What separates it E:24 or E:25 shows and there is standing water because of a clogged drain pump or a loose pump cover
How to confirm Remove the pump cover, clean around the impeller and replace the cover until it clicks
- 3
A kinked, clogged or blocked drain hose
What separates it E:24 shows and the draining is slow because of a kinked, clogged or blocked drain hose
How to confirm Straighten or replace the drain hose and clear the drain line
- 4
The drain hose not installed with a high loop
What separates it Water flows back into the tub because the drain hose was not installed with a high loop
How to confirm Have the drain hose installed with a high loop
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Which code shows: E:22, E:24 or E:25
- Whether the drain hose is kinked behind the unit
- Whether the pump cover clicks in
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedDisconnect power and remove the filters
ReversibleDisconnect the appliance from the power supply. Unscrew the Large Object Trap and remove the filter system, then clean the filters under running water with a soft brush.
Scoop out the water
ReversibleScoop out the water, by scooping out standing water and using a sponge if necessary.
Clean the drain pump
ReversibleUsing a spoon, pry the pump cover off until it clicks, then grip the cover, pull upward until it resists and then pull forward. Check the inner compartment and remove any foreign objects and check the impeller vanes.
Refit the cover and filters
ReversiblePlace the cover in its original position, press down until it clicks and reinstall the filters. The pump will not work properly if the cover is not snapped in completely.
Check the hose
ReversibleCheck the drain hose is not kinked, clogged or blocked and was installed with a high loop, and clear the drain line.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Bosch's drain guidance
- Bosch says large food remnants in the rinsing water that the filters do not retain may block the waste water pump. After cleaning, run the dishwasher and check the drain. If the problem recurs, turn off the tap, pull out the power supply plug and call customer service, giving the error code.
- Parts for this problem on the SHXM4AY55N (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- briggs & stratton original equipment 491588s air, part number 491588S, at $8.80; tecumseh fuel line clamp., part number 26460, at $1.75.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models SHE3AEM5N, SHE53B75UC, SHS43CF5N, SHP65CM5N, SHP865WD5N, SHP78CM5N, SHX78CM5N, SHV9PCM3N.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If E:24 or E:25 returns after the filter, pump and hose are cleared, contact Bosch Customer Support on 1-800-944-2904
- !If the sink also backs up, call a plumber
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Bosch's own list of dishwasher error codes with the fixes for E15, E18, E22, E24, E25 and E27.
Bosch's own owner-support articles for a dishwasher that will not drain, will not dry or smells.
Bosch's own specification sheet for this model.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-21.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why must the cover click?+
The drain pump will not work properly if the cover is not snapped in completely.
Can debris cut me?+
Yes. Some debris may be sharp, so use caution.
Do I disconnect power first?+
Yes, before removing the filters and pump cover.