Bosch washer dryer E18 error code
What E18 means on a Bosch washer dryer
Drain fault, often linked to a blocked or failed drain pump.
Meaning checked by NAC's engineers, 9 November 2026.
What our engineers say
When a Bosch washer dryer shows E18, it is reporting a drain fault. The machine has not been able to get the water out as it should, and this is often linked to the drain pump being blocked or having failed. You will usually notice that the machine is not draining, with water left sitting in the drum.
Engineers sometimes find that the drain pump itself has failed, with the machine not draining and the pump not sounding right when it runs.
An engineer will typically check the filter, the waste hose and the pipework inside the machine, and look over the plumbing it drains into, to rule out a blockage before deciding the pump is at fault. Where the pump has failed, they replace the complete drain pump assembly and then run a test to make sure the machine drains and works normally again. The pump often has to be ordered in, so the new one may be fitted at a second visit.
Written by our engineers from NAC's own jobs.
Faults this code turns up with
What our engineers found and fixed for each, from NAC's own repair records.
What we fixed. We'll add what our engineers found, the parts they fitted and what customers typically paid once enough of these repairs are confirmed. How we work out our figures.
Before you check anything yourself
- Switch the washer dryer off and unplug it, or turn it off at the isolator switch, before you touch anything. Our guide to safely isolating an appliance walks you through it.
- An error code tells you where to look, not that it's safe to take the washer dryer apart. Don't remove panels or covers to get at the parts it points to: that's an engineer's job.
- If it involves the mains supply, sealed parts, or you're not confident at any point, stop and book a qualified engineer rather than risk injury or further damage.
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