Bosch Washer E18 Code: Meaning & Fixes
- Meaning
- Drain fault: the washer can't drain because the hose, siphon or pump is blocked.
- Can I fix it?
- Yes, usually a DIY fix
- Also shown as
- F18
- Seen on
- Bosch front-load washers, including 24-inch compact models. Some models show F18; current compacts may show E:00 with -18 for a blocked pump.
E18 on a Bosch washer is a drain problem, and Bosch’s manual adds a cause many guides skip: too much detergent, or detergent that isn’t HE. Otherwise the water is held up by a kinked drain hose, a blocked siphon or debris in the drain pump. Bosch gives a full home procedure, but expect up to 5 gallons of water when you open the pump.
Try this first
- Check the drain hose for kinks.
- Use less detergent, and only HE detergent.
- Clean the drain hose where it connects to the sink siphon or drain pipe.
- Clean the drain pump behind the service flap at the bottom front.
- Turn the washer off, wait 5 seconds and turn it back on.
What causes E18
| Cause | What you notice | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Kinked or blocked drain hose | Water stays in the drum | The hose behind the washer |
| Blocked siphon or drain pipe | Water backs up at the sink or standpipe | The siphon spigot and drain connection |
| Pump blocked by debris or lint | Humming during drain | Behind the service flap |
| Too much or non-HE detergent | Lots of foam in the drum | Use less, HE only |
| Failed drain pump | E18 returns with a clean pump and hose | Needs a technician |
Fix it step by step
Tap a step number to tick it off as you go. Ticks stay on this device.
-
Switch off and prepare
Turn the program selector to Off, unplug the washer and shut off the water tap.
Safety: The water may be very hot. Let it cool first, and don't open the door if you can see water through the glass.
-
Clean the drain hose and siphon
Check the drain hose for kinks. Put a bucket under the siphon connection, loosen the hose clip and remove the hose and residual water. Clean the hose and the siphon spigot, then reconnect the hose and check for leaks.
-
Drain through the emergency hose
Open and remove the service flap at the bottom front. Pull out the small drain hose, remove its cap and drain the water into a container. Up to 5.3 gallons (20 liters) can come out.
Safety: Have several containers or a bucket ready.
-
Clean the pump
Turn the pump cover counterclockwise to remove it. Clean the housing and the cover thread, and check that the impeller turns freely. Screw the cover back in tightly; on compact models the handle must be vertical.
-
Test
Refit the service flap. Pour about 1 quart (1 liter) of water into the detergent dispenser, plug in, select Drain and press Start/Pause. Check for leaks.
When to call a technician
If E18 comes back after the hose, siphon and pump are clean and you're using the right detergent, call Bosch customer support or a technician. Repairs inside the washer should be done by an authorized technician.
Questions people ask
Can too much detergent cause E18 on a Bosch washer?
Yes. Bosch's manual lists too much detergent, or non-HE detergent, as a cause of E18. Use less and switch to HE.
Is E18 the same as F18?
Yes. Bosch lists them together as the same drain problem.
How much water comes out of the pump?
Bosch says up to 5.3 gallons (20 liters) can drain out, so drain it through the small emergency hose into containers first.