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Bosch Washer Error Code E18 (Drain Timeout)

E18 means Bosch’s washer couldn’t finish draining within its expected time, almost always a blocked pump or a kinked drain hose.

Risk: Low

Meaning

E18 shows up when the washer’s drain cycle runs past its expected time. The control board doesn’t know exactly why the water hasn’t cleared, it just knows the drain took too long, so it stops the cycle rather than risk overflowing on the next fill. Most of the time the cause is sitting in the pump housing or the drain hose, not the pump motor itself.

The information provided here is a diagnostic aid and does not replace the intervention of a qualified professional.

Possible causes

No cause is certain until it has been checked on the appliance.

Very likely Debris (lint, a coin, a bra underwire) jammed in the pump housing, blocking the impeller
Likely Kinked drain hose somewhere along its run to the standpipe or siphon
Likely Clogged drain hose or siphon spigot from lint buildup over time
Rare Failing drain pump motor that turns on but can't build enough flow

Tools needed

Shallow tray
Towels
Flat screwdriver
Flashlight

First checks

Open the pump service flap near the bottom front of the machine and check that the impeller wheel spins freely by hand.
Trace the drain hose for kinks or tight bends, especially where it connects to the wall standpipe.
Disconnect the hose at the siphon connection and clear out any lint or debris caught at the joint.
Run the machine's dedicated drain or pump-out program after clearing debris to confirm the fix before starting a full wash.

Step-by-step diagnosis

Open the pump service flap at the bottom front. Bosch puts a small drain tube behind it, so use that to empty the machine before unscrewing anything.
Unscrew the pump cover and take out whatever has collected. Coins and bra underwires are the usual finds, and an underwire can wedge the impeller without looking like it is in the way.
Turn the impeller by hand. It should spin freely in both directions.
Check the rubber seal on the pump cover before refitting, and screw it back fully. A cover left loose leaks on the next cycle.
Trace the drain hose to the standpipe, paying attention to the tight bend behind the machine.
Disconnect the hose at the siphon spigot and clear the lint that collects at that joint.
Run the machine's dedicated drain or pump-out program to confirm the fix before committing to a full wash.

What not to do

Forcing the impeller wheel with a screwdriver if it won't turn freely, this can crack the housing. Call a technician if it's seized.
Running another full cycle before clearing the blockage. E18 tends to repeat and can leave standing water sitting in the drum between attempts.

When to stop

The impeller spins freely, the hose is clear, and E18 returns on the pump-out program.
The pump runs but moves no water, which points at a failing pump rather than a blockage.

An error code varies by brand

The same code can have a different meaning depending on the brand and model. Always check your appliance's manual before acting.

Related guides

When to call a professional

If the simple checks turned up nothing, if the repair involves electricity, gas, or the sealed refrigerant system, or if you have any doubt at all: stop there and hand the appliance over to a qualified technician.