Appliance Spares
Quick answer: The Bosch E18 error code means the machine could not pump water out within the allotted drain time. A blocked pump filter or kinked drain hose is the cause in approximately 80% of cases and costs nothing to fix. If the filter and hose are clear, the drain pump motor has likely failed—a replacement pump costs around $49.95 and takes about 30 minutes to fit yourself.
Not sure which one fits? Match your model number or check the sticker inside the door.
The part that fixes this
- Bosch Front Loader Washing machine Drain Pump With Filter WAW28620AU WAW28790AU
- Bosch Front Loader Washing machine Drain Pump With Filter WAP28380AU WAP28482AU
- Bosch Front Loader Washing machine Drain Pump With Filter WAW32640AU WAY32891AU
Not sure it is the same on your machine? See every part listed by Bosch model number.
Last updated September 2026
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Find the right drain pump for your model: Bosch drain pump WAW28620AU / WAW28790AU — $49.95 · Bosch drain pump WAP28380AU / WAP28482AU — $49.95 · find your model
What does the Bosch E18 error code mean?
E18 is Bosch’s drainage fault code. When your machine displays E18, it has tried to empty the drum and the water level has not dropped to zero within the programmed drain time—typically around 8 minutes. The control board detects the failure through the pressure sensor and halts the cycle to prevent water overflow or motor damage.
The code appears on Bosch front loaders across the Series 2, 4, 6, and 8 ranges, as well as older Classixx and Logixx models. Some displays show it as F18—this is the same fault. Bosch uses “E” on some display generations and “F” on others; the diagnosis and repair are identical. See our Bosch F18 error code guide for more detail on that display variant.
What causes Bosch E18?
There are four main causes, listed roughly in order of how commonly they occur in Australian homes.
| Cause | Likelihood | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Blocked or partially clogged pump filter | Very common — ~60% of E18 faults | Clean the filter — free |
| Kinked, blocked, or incorrectly routed drain hose | Common — ~20% of E18 faults | Straighten or clear hose — free |
| Failed drain pump motor | Moderate — ~15% of E18 faults | Replace drain pump — ~$50 part |
| Drain hose outlet too high (above 100 cm) | Less common | Lower hose to correct height — free |
| Faulty pressure sensor (water level sensor) | Uncommon | Replace pressure sensor — ~$40 part |
How to fix Bosch E18 step by step
- Power off the machine. Turn the dial to off and unplug the power cord. Allow 2 minutes for the control board to reset.
- Locate and clean the pump filter. On Bosch front loaders, the filter access panel is behind a small rectangular flap at the bottom front of the machine, usually on the right-hand side. Place a shallow tray or towel underneath—residual water will spill out when you open it. Turn the filter cap anti-clockwise and pull it out. Remove any lint, coins, hairpins, or debris. Rinse the filter under the tap, reinstall, and turn clockwise until firm.
- Inspect the drain hose. Pull the machine slightly away from the wall and check the grey corrugated hose at the back. Straighten any kinks. If the hose runs up to a standpipe, make sure the highest point is no more than 100 cm above floor level, and that only 30–50 mm of hose sits inside the standpipe — a hose pushed too deep creates a siphon that fights the pump. To rule the standpipe itself out, drop the hose end into a bucket and run a drain: if the machine empties freely into the bucket, the standpipe is blocked and needs a plumber, not a washer part.
- Run a short spin cycle. Plug the machine back in and run Spin or Rinse+Spin. If the machine drains fully and the E18 does not return, the filter or hose was the cause. Job done.
- Test the drain pump. If E18 returns after steps 2–4, the pump motor is likely faulty. You can confirm this by listening during the drain phase—a working pump makes a low hum; a failed pump is silent or makes a grinding noise. There is also a no-multimeter check: with the filter out, reach into the housing and spin the impeller with a finger. Spins freely but the pump stays silent on a drain cycle—electrical fault in the motor. Spins freely and the pump whirrs but moves no water—chipped or detached impeller. Will not spin at all—something is jammed behind it; clear it, and if it still binds, the pump is done. On most Bosch front loaders the pump is accessible from the front by removing the lower kick-panel. A multimeter settles any doubt: a healthy pump winding reads a few ohms, not open circuit.
- Replace the drain pump. Match your model number (on the model sticker inside the door frame) to the correct pump. Bosch drain pump WAW32640AU / WAY32891AU — $49.95 · WAW28420AU / WAW28441AU — $49.95 · WAW28460AU / WAP28380AU / WAP28482AU — $59.95. If you’re unsure, use the Part Finder.
E18 repair cost in Australia
| Repair option | Estimated cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Clean pump filter yourself | Free | 10 minutes |
| DIY drain pump replacement | ~$50 (part only) | 30–45 minutes |
| Tradie call-out + pump replacement | $180–$300 (labour + part) | 1–2 hours |
For most households, cleaning the filter is the right first step and costs nothing. If the pump needs replacing, a genuine-compatible pump at $49.95 is well within DIY territory for anyone comfortable with basic appliance repairs.
Frequently asked questions
Is E18 the same as F18 on a Bosch washing machine?
Yes. E18 and F18 are the same underlying drainage fault code. Bosch displays the fault as “E18” on some model generations and “F18” on others. The diagnosis and fix are identical. See our F18 guide for the full explanation.
Does E18 appear on Bosch Series 4, Series 6, and Series 8 machines?
Yes. The E18 drain fault code is used across the Bosch Series 4, Series 6, Series 8, and older Classixx / Logixx / Avantixx ranges. The pump filter location and replacement procedure are essentially the same across all of these models.
Can I clear the E18 code without fixing the problem?
Not reliably. Unplugging the machine will clear the code temporarily, but E18 will return as soon as the next drain cycle cannot complete. The underlying blockage or pump fault must be resolved. Repeated failed drain attempts can put additional strain on the pump motor.
My Bosch is stuck with water in the drum — can I manually drain it?
Yes. Behind the filter access flap at the bottom front, most Bosch front loaders have a small black emergency drain hose with a stop cap — pull it out over a shallow tray and let the drum empty in stages. If your model lacks the hose, slowly crack the filter cap instead and let water escape gradually. Have extra towels ready as a typical drum holds 8–12 litres. Once empty, you can remove the filter for cleaning.
My Bosch drains slowly but has not shown E18 yet — same fault?
Yes, the early stage of one. A slowing drain means the filter is partly clogged or the pump impeller is beginning to bind. Clean the filter now — it is free and takes ten minutes — and you will usually never meet the code at all.
How often should the Bosch pump filter be cleaned?
Bosch recommends cleaning the pump filter every three months or after washing items with a lot of lint (towels, fleece garments). In households with pets, more frequent cleaning is often needed. Regular filter maintenance is the single best way to prevent E18 from occurring.
Related
Disclaimer: this article is general information only and is provided without warranty of any kind. Appliance designs vary between models and production runs — always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, switch off and unplug the appliance before starting any work, and confirm parts against the model number on your appliance’s model sticker. Any repair is undertaken at your own risk and Oz Appliance Spares accepts no liability for injury, loss or damage arising from work performed after reading this guide, to the maximum extent permitted by law. If in doubt, use a qualified technician.
