Bosch · Washing machines · Error code

E18 Washing machine error code

What E18 means on Bosch washing machines, what Bosch says causes it and what to do, with the models it is documented for.

Source: Bosch error code page, retrieved 2 Nov 2026 Verified

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In short

On Bosch washing machines, error code E18 means: When your Bosch washing machine has detected a blockage in the filter, or a blockage or kink in the cold water inlet hose, it will display an E18 error and the washing machine will fail to start or continue a wash cycle. Recommended action: How to clean the drain pump (9 steps), then how to fix a blocked or kinked drain hose (10 steps); the steps are below. Bosch documents it for Bosch washing machines generally.

What E18 means

The error message could be prompted by a pump blockage. An E18 error may also be caused by a blocked or kinked drain hose. If this does not work, and you have already tried cleaning the drain pump, please book an engineer to repair your washing machine.

What Bosch recommends

How to clean the drain pump

  1. Turn the appliance off.
  2. Pull out the mains plug.
  3. Open and remove the service flap.
  4. Drain off all water using a drainage hose or by removing the pump cover slowly (prepare for a lot of water with a larger container).
  5. Clean the interior, the thread and the housing of the pump so that the impeller is able to rotate.
  6. Refit the pump cover and screw back firmly.
  7. To check the pump for leakage and the power of the pump, pour 1 litre of water into the detergent drawer.
  8. Check for any leakage.
  9. If the pump is sealed watertight, start the pumping programme.

How to fix a blocked or kinked drain hose

  1. Turn the appliance off.
  2. Pull out the mains plug.
  3. Check that the drainage hose has been installed correctly without any kinks.
  4. Before loosening the hose clip on the siphon, place a bucket under the tap to avoid spills.
  5. Carefully remove the drainage hose and pour the remaining water out of the drainage hose into the bucket.
  6. Clean the drainage hose and the connecting piece of the siphon.
  7. Hold the drainage hose in the bucket.
  8. Select the "Drain" programme.
  9. Connect the drainage hose to the siphon.
  10. Check whether the drain hose is watertight.

Bosch indicates that this fault may need an engineer if the steps above do not clear it.

Which appliances this applies to

Documented by Bosch for its washing machines generally, not for a specific model.

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

What does Bosch E18 mean on a washing machine?

When your Bosch washing machine has detected a blockage in the filter, or a blockage or kink in the cold water inlet hose, it will display an E18 error and the washing machine will fail to start or continue a wash cycle.

How do I fix Bosch E18?

How to clean the drain pump: 1. Turn the appliance off. If the code returns, Bosch recommends contacting its customer service or an authorised engineer.

Sources

Where these facts come from

Every fact on this page was read from the manufacturer's own product page or document at the address shown, and is labelled with how far it has been checked. Last updated 3 November 2026. Read how we source data, or report an error.