Bosch Washing Machine Error E18 – Causes & Fix
The Bosch washer couldn't pump the water out. Clean the drain pump behind the service flap first.
Safety first · Consult a professional
Turn the program selector to Off and unplug the washer before opening the pump cover. After a hot cycle let the water cool, and expect more water than a shallow pan holds – drain it in stages.
- Unplug the appliance or switch off the breaker before opening any panel. Mains voltage can kill.
- Water and electricity: unplug first, keep towels ready and never stand in water while the appliance is connected.
- Hot surfaces and hot water can cause burns. Let the appliance cool down first.
At a glance
Severity: Moderate
- Meaning
- Drain Pump Blocked – Water Not Draining
- System
- Bosch · Washing Machine
- Typical repair cost
- $0–$600
- DIY difficulty
- Easy
E:18 on a Bosch washer means the drain phase failed: the pump ran, but the water level didn't drop as expected. Bosch doesn't use a separate lint filter – the trap is part of the drain pump, behind the service flap at the bottom front, with an emergency drain hose next to it. On the 24-inch compact washers sold in the US, which often live in a closet or under a counter, a kinked hose behind the machine and lint in the pump cover account for most cases. If the pump area is clean and the hose is clear, the pump itself or the house drain is next.
How it looks on the display
Model families & display variants
| Model family | Shows | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Current Bosch 300/500/800 Series compact washers | E:18 | Code shown with a colon on the segment display. |
| Older Bosch models (e.g. Axxis, Nexxt generations) | F18 | Older label for the same drain fault. |
| Models with a text display | E:18 | The code may appear together with a short plain-language hint about the pump. |
Symptoms
- E:18 on the display with water in the drum
- Door stays locked at the end of the cycle
- Pump hums or clicks, but no water is heard running out
- Cycle stops before the final spin and laundry is dripping wet
- Standpipe or laundry sink fills up and drains slowly
Possible causes
Ranked by how often each cause is behind this code (editorial estimate).
- Lint, hair and small items collected in the drain pump cover area
- Coin, button or bra underwire blocking the pump impeller
- Drain hose kinked behind the washer, especially in tight closet installs
- Drain pump failed or impeller broken
- Standpipe or laundry sink drain blocked, or sink stopper closed
- Excess suds from too much detergent
- Wiring or control module fault
Fix it step by step
Switch off and cool down
Turn the program selector to Off and unplug the washer. If you washed hot, wait until the water in the drum is only lukewarm.
Tools: Gloves
Drain with the emergency hose
Open the service flap at the bottom front. Lay down towels, pull out the emergency drain hose, hold it over a shallow container and remove its cap. Recap it whenever the container is full until nothing more comes out.
Tools: Towels & shallow pan, Flashlight
Remove and clean the pump cover
Unscrew the pump cover counterclockwise slowly – some residual water will follow. Clean out lint and objects and wipe the inside of the housing. The impeller behind it should turn by hand; a slight jerky motion is normal.
Tools: Flashlight, Gloves, Soft brush
Refit the cover correctly
Screw the pump cover back in firmly; on many Bosch models the grip should end up vertical. Push the capped emergency hose back into its holder and close the flap.
Refill compartment II
Pour about a quart of water into compartment II of the detergent drawer, then select Drain or Spin and press Start. This refills the pump area so detergent from the next wash doesn't flow straight out unused.
Check the drain hose and standpipe
If E:18 comes back, pull the washer out and check the hose for kinks and lint plugs. Pour a bucket of water into the standpipe – slow drainage means the house drain needs clearing.
Tools: Towels & shallow pan, Flashlight
How to reset E18
- Turn the program selector to Off.
- Clear the cause, then turn the selector to Drain or Spin and press Start.
- Once the drum is empty and cool enough, the door unlocks.
- If E:18 remains after a clean pump and clear hose, unplug for a minute and try once more before calling service.
Where the parts are
- 1Door lock
- 2Water inlet valve
- 3Water level sensor
- 4Filter
- 5Drain pump
- 6Motor
- 7Heating element
- 8Temperature sensor
Repair options & costs
| Repair | DIY? | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| Clean the drain pump area | Yes | $0 |
| Straighten or replace the drain hose | Yes | $0–$35 |
| Plumber clears the standpipe or drain line | No | $150–$350 |
| Drain pump replacement by Bosch service or a technician | No | $200–$400 |
| Control module diagnosis and repair | No | $300–$600 |
Rough US estimates; technician call-out fees vary by region. Not a quote.
When to call a technician
Book Bosch service or an appliance technician if the pump is clean and the hose clear but E:18 returns, or if the pump stays silent or only hums on Drain. Compact stacked installs often need the washer pulled out, which is best done by two people or a technician.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the drain filter on a Bosch washer?
Bosch builds the lint trap into the drain pump: it's behind the service flap at the bottom front. Drain the water through the emergency hose first, then unscrew the pump cover.
Why pour water into the detergent drawer after cleaning the pump?
Removing the cover empties the pump area. Refilling through compartment II restores the water seal so detergent from the next wash isn't pumped straight out.
The impeller turns in jerks – is the pump broken?
No, a slightly jerky rotation is normal for this type of pump. It's a problem only if the impeller won't turn at all, rubs, or is visibly damaged.
Is E:18 the same on Siemens washers?
Bosch and Siemens washers come from the same manufacturer and use the same code for a drain fault, so the fix is identical.
Sources
- Official Bosch user documentation and support pages (facts only; wording is our own)
- Methodology: How We Build Code Pages · Data Sources We Use · Editorial Policy