Bosch washing machine

Bosch E18 error code: drain fault

The machine could not pump the water out in the time allowed.

DIY: easyTypical repair: £70–£150 for a pump replacement including parts; filter clearing is free.

Likely causes

Blocked pump filter
Kinked or blocked drain hose
Failed drain pump

How to fix E18

Unplug the washing machine (or switch off at the wall) for 5–10 minutes to clear any temporary fault, then restart it.
Unplug, then clear the pump filter (small flap at the bottom front).
Check the drain hose for kinks and blockages, and the standpipe/trap.
Run a drain/spin cycle to test.
Run a short test cycle. If E18 returns, the fault is still there and an engineer should look at it.

Always switch off and unplug the appliance before inspecting it. Never work on gas appliances or fixed electrical wiring yourself — call a Gas Safe registered engineer or a qualified electrician.

Full fault guide

Washing machine not drainingDetailed causes, DIY steps and costs

Other Bosch washing machine error codes

Bosch washing machine repair near you

Frequently asked questions

What does Bosch error code E18 mean?

The machine could not pump the water out in the time allowed. On a Bosch washing machine, E18 is shown as "drain fault".

How do I clear the E18 error on a Bosch washing machine?

Switch the appliance off at the wall for 5–10 minutes, then restart. If E18 comes back, work through the checks on this page — the fault is real and needs fixing, not just resetting.

How much does it cost to fix Bosch E18?

£70–£150 for a pump replacement including parts; filter clearing is free. is typical, depending on the part. Simple blockages cost nothing to clear yourself.

Does E18 mean the same on every Bosch model?

Not always. Codes are broadly consistent within a brand, but model ranges differ. Check your manual if the symptoms below don’t match.