Siemens Washer Error E18 — Drain Fault Fix

What it means

Siemens Error E18 means the drum did not drain within the expected time.
Clean the drain pump filter, check the drain hose for kinks, and clear any pump obstruction.

How to Fix It

Check the drain hose

Inspect the drain hose from the back of the machine to the standpipe or sink.
Look for kinks, blockages, and ensure it is not pushed too far into the standpipe.
Clean the pump filter

Access the pump filter via the small door at the front-bottom of the machine.
Place a tray and towels below it, then slowly turn the filter cap anti-clockwise to drain water.
Remove and rinse the filter.
Clear the pump impeller

After removing the filter, check the impeller inside the pump for any foreign objects (coins, buttons, hairgrips).
The impeller should spin freely when pushed with a finger.
Check the drain hose standpipe height

The drain hose end should be positioned 60–100 cm from the floor.
Too low causes siphoning (water drains during fill).
Too high strains the pump excessively.
Listen for the drain pump

During a drain cycle, listen at the front of the machine.
A healthy drain pump makes a distinct hum.
Silence means the pump motor has failed and needs replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Siemens Error E18?

E18 means the drain cycle did not complete within the expected time.
Water remained in the drum — most commonly due to a blocked pump filter, kinked hose, or failed pump.

How do I manually drain a Siemens washer with E18?

Use the emergency drain hose in the filter access panel — a small capped tube.
Remove the cap and drain water into a container.
Then investigate and fix the cause.

Can a clogged drain hose cause E18 on Siemens?

Yes — accumulated fluff, coins, and fabric fibres can gradually narrow the hose or clog the pump filter.
Regular filter cleaning prevents most E18 occurrences.