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Bosch Washer E18: Water Isn’t Leaving the Drum
On a Bosch 24-inch washer, E18 or F18 means the drain path is blocked. Bosch walks owners through both the hose and the pump, and both can be done with a bucket and towels.
How Bosch Explains E18
Bosch’s US code list says E18 or F18 means the drainage hose is blocked or kinked. Its dedicated E18 article adds that the washer has detected a blockage in the pump or a blockage or kink in the cold-water inlet hose, and gives two procedures: one for the drainage hose and siphon, one for the pump behind the service flap. Before either, Bosch warns that the water may be very hot, with a risk of scalding, and says to set the program to OFF and unplug the washer. Source: Bosch E18 washer article (opens in a new tab).
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What E18 Looks Like
Usually one or more.
What Blocks the Drain
From Bosch’s E18 article.
Bosch’s E18 Procedures
Turn the program to OFF and unplug the washer first. The water may be very hot.
Hose and siphon
Check the drainage hose for kinks, loosen its clip at the siphon, drain it into a bucket, and clean the hose and the siphon spigot.
Pump behind the flap
Open and remove the service flap, let the water out through the drainage hose, then slowly unscrew the pump cover and clean the housing.
Refit and test
Make sure the impeller turns freely, screw the cover on firmly, pour about a quart of water into the detergent drawer and run Drain.
When to Call a Technician
Schedule a repair if:
- E18 returns after both procedures
- The impeller won’t turn
- Water leaks at the pump cover
- The pump is silent on Drain
Bosch Washer Help
Bosch washer repairMore help, including other Bosch codes:
Bosch dishwasher E24 error codeBosch dishwasher E15 error codeAll Bosch appliance repairBosch E18 washer articleWritten estimate first
Drum Still Full?
We test and replace Bosch drain pumps on compact washers and give you the price in writing before the work.
- Diagnostic fee credited toward the repair
- 90-day warranty, 6 months for members
- Open daily, 8 AM–8 PM
Bosch Washer E18 FAQs
Bosch says E18 or F18 means the drainage hose is blocked or kinked; its E18 article also names a blocked pump or a kinked cold-water inlet hose.
Behind the service flap. Bosch says to open and remove the flap, drain the water through the drainage hose, and only then slowly remove the pump cover.
Water trapped in the drum after a hot cycle can still be very hot when it drains out. Let it cool and keep towels and a shallow pan ready.
No. Bosch lists E18 and F18 together with the same meaning.
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