Bosch Washer E18 Error — Drain Fault Fix

What it means

Bosch washer E18 error means the machine cannot drain within the allowed time.
Clean the pump filter behind the bottom access panel — blocked filters cause the majority of E18 errors on Bosch washing machines.

Affected Models

Bosch Serie 2 Washer
Bosch Serie 4 Washer
Bosch Serie 6 Washer
Bosch Serie 8 Washer
Bosch Logixx Washer
Bosch Avantixx Washer

Common Causes

Blocked pump filter — the most common cause of E18 on Bosch washers
Kinked or blocked drain hose
Drain hose inserted too deeply into the standpipe — siphon effect
Blocked household drain standpipe
Failed drain pump motor

How to Fix It

Clean the pump filter.

Open the small access panel at the bottom front of the machine (usually on the right side).
Place a shallow tray and towels underneath — water will spill out.
Unscrew the round filter cap slowly.
Remove the filter and clear all lint, coins, hair grips, or debris.
Replace and run a Drain/Spin cycle.
Check the drain hose for kinks.

Pull the machine away from the wall and inspect the corrugated drain hose at the back.
Straighten any kinks.
The hose should enter the standpipe by no more than 15 cm — inserting it deeper creates a siphon that prevents drainage.
Check the household standpipe.

Pour a bucket of water directly into the standpipe.
If it drains slowly or backs up, the household drain is blocked — not the washing machine.
Call a plumber.
Select Drain programme to test.

After clearing the filter, select the Drain or Pump programme from the dial.
If the machine drains without E18, the problem is resolved.
If E18 reappears, the pump itself is the fault.

When to Call a Professional

If the pump filter is clean and the drain hose is clear but E18 persists, the drain pump motor has failed and needs replacement by a technician.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bosch washer E18 reappears every few months — how do I prevent this?

Recurring E18 every few months means the pump filter is filling up quickly. Clean the filter every 2 months, or every month if you wash pet bedding or heavily soiled items. Setting a phone reminder is the easiest way to stay on top of it.

How do I access the pump filter on my Bosch washing machine?

On most Bosch front-load washers, the pump filter access panel is at the bottom right of the machine. Pry it open with a flat-head screwdriver. The round filter cap is inside — have a towel and tray ready before unscrewing it as water will come out.