When your Bosch washing machine has detected a blockage in the filter, or a blockage or kink in the cold water inlet hose, it will display an E18 error and the washing machine will fail to start or continue a wash cycle. Luckily, an E18 error is something that can be resolved quickly and easily. Below you can find the relevant information, including an instructional video, which will help you get your washing machine back to normal in a matter of minutes.

How to clean the drain pump

The error message could be prompted by a pump blockage. To clean the pump, follow the instructions below, or watch the video on the left:

  • Turn the appliance off.
  • Pull out the mains plug.
  • Open and remove the service flap.
  • Drain off all water using a drainage hose or by removing the pump cover slowly (prepare for a lot of water with a larger container).
  • Clean the interior, the thread and the housing of the pump so that the impeller is able to rotate.
  • Refit the pump cover and screw back firmly.
  • To check the pump for leakage and the power of the pump, pour 1 litre of water into the detergent drawer.
  • Check for any leakage.?9. If the pump is sealed watertight, start the pumping programme.

If this doesn't work, check the drain hose using the instructions below.

How to fix a blocked or kinked drain hose

kinked drain hose

An E18 error may also be caused by a blocked or kinked drain hose. You can fix this by following the instructions below or watching the video above.

  • Turn the appliance off.
  • Pull out the mains plug.
  • Check that the drainage hose has been installed correctly without any kinks.
  • Before loosening the hose clip on the siphon, place a bucket under the tap to avoid spills.
  • Carefully remove the drainage hose and pour the remaining water out of the drainage hose into the bucket.
  • Clean the drainage hose and the connecting piece of the siphon.
  • Hold the drainage hose in the bucket.
  • Select the "Drain" programme.
  • Connect the drainage hose to the siphon.
  • Check whether the drain hose is watertight.

If this does not work, and you have already tried cleaning the drain pump, please book an engineer to repair your washing machine.

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