Bosch Washer · Code E18 / F18

Bosch Washer E18 code: Drain blocked

The washer can't pump water out, usually because the drain hose or the pump is blocked or the hose is kinked.

Most common causes

  1. Clogged drain pump or pump filter
  2. Kinked or clogged drain hose
  3. Clogged drain pipe or standpipe
  4. Too much detergent causing suds

What you can safely check yourself

  1. Check the drain hose behind the washer for kinks.
  2. Following your manual, drain the water through the small emergency hose, then clean the pump filter behind the access flap at the bottom front.
  3. Run the Drain program after cleaning.

Unplug the appliance before moving or cleaning anything. Do not open panels, touch gas connections or bypass safety switches.

Checked against: bosch-home.com · bosch-home.com. Meanings can vary by model; check your owner’s manual.

Quick answers

What does E18 mean on a Bosch Washer?

The washer can't pump water out, usually because the drain hose or the pump is blocked or the hose is kinked.

Can I clear the E18 code myself?

Try these first: Check the drain hose behind the washer for kinks. Following your manual, drain the water through the small emergency hose, then clean the pump filter behind the access flap at the bottom front. Run the Drain program after cleaning. Call a technician if the filter and hose are clean and the washer still won't drain.

How much does it cost to fix a E18 code?

It depends on the cause. At FixPro the diagnostic visit is $79.00 and is credited in full to the repair; you get a flat-rate quote before any work starts.

Other Bosch Washer codes

E16 · Door not lockedE17 · Water supply problemE23 · Water in base (AquaStop)E32 · Unbalanced loadE33 · Too much foam

Still showing the code?

A FixPro technician will find the cause and give you a flat price. $79.00 diagnostic, credited toward the repair.

Book a repair →