Skip to content
Appliance Error Codes

Bosch WQB245AXUC E18 Error Code | E18 Drain Error

Error e18 on Bosch wqb245axuc: Drain error — pump failed to drain water within the allowed time during a drain . Follow the troubleshooting steps below to diagnose and fix this washer issue. ## What Does E18 Mean on a Bosch WQB245AXUC? Your Bosch washing machine is displaying an E18 error code, which means the machine failed to drain water within the allotted time during a drain phase. Bosch washers monitor how long draining takes — if the drum is not empty after typically 8–10 minutes of pump operation, E18 is triggered. This can be caused by a blocked drain pump filter, a kinked drain hose, an obstructed drain pump impeller, or a failing drain pump motor. ## Fault Details | Field | Value | |-------|-------| | Error Code | E18 | | Appliance | Bosch WQB245AXUC 800 Series 24-inch Front Load Washer with Home Connect | | Fault Type | Drain error | | Severity | Medium | | User Serviceable | Yes — follow steps below | | Applicable Models | WGB24600UC, WGB246AXUC, WQB245AXUC | ## Common Causes - Drain pump filter blocked with lint, coins, or small clothing items

  • Drain hose kinked or connected at too great a height (over 1 meter / 39 inches from floor)
  • Drain pump impeller jammed by a foreign object — coins, bra underwires, hairpins
  • Drain pump motor failed — pump not running or running but not moving water
  • Drain hose connected to a blocked plumbing trap or standpipe
  • Excessive suds from too much detergent impeding drainage ## Step-by-Step Troubleshooting | Step | Action | What To Do | Expected Result | |------|--------|------------|-----------------| | 1 | Clean the drain pump filter | Locate the drain pump access flap at the bottom front of the machine. Place towels or a shallow tray on the floor. Unscrew the drain cap slowly — water will flow out. Remove the filter completely and clean under running water, removing all lint, coins, and debris. Check the filter cavity for objects | Filter clean; no blockage in cavity — test drain cycle | | 2 | Check the drain hose height and condition | The drain hose should not exceed 1 meter (39 inches) in height from the floor to the drain connection. If the hose is too high, the pump cannot lift water to that height. Also check for kinks in the hose and ensure it is not submerged in standing water in a blocked sink | Hose at correct height; no kinks — test drain cycle | | 3 | Inspect the drain pump impeller for foreign objects | With the filter removed, reach into the pump cavity with a finger or needle-nose pliers and check for foreign objects — coins, bobby pins, or bone fragments are common. Rotate the impeller to confirm it turns freely | Impeller spins freely; no foreign objects found | | 4 | Reduce detergent and run a short rinse-drain cycle | If the error appeared after a very soapy cycle, reduce detergent for future washes and run a rinse and spin cycle to clear residual foam that may be impeding drainage | Rinse cycle drains successfully — excess foam was the cause | | 5 | Contact Bosch service for drain pump replacement | If the filter and impeller are clear but E18 persists, the drain pump motor may have failed. This requires professional disassembly and pump replacement. Contact Bosch at 1-800-944-2904 for service | E18 resolved after drain pump motor replacement | ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How do I drain my Bosch washer when E18 is showing? To manually drain the washer: locate the pump filter access panel at the bottom front. Unscrew the small emergency drain hose (if present) and direct it into a bucket, or slowly unscrew the main filter cap and allow water to drain gradually. Have several towels and a bucket ready as the drum may contain a full load of water. ### How often should I clean the Bosch washer pump filter? Bosch recommends cleaning the drain pump filter every 3 months or whenever E18 appears. More frequent cleaning is needed if you wash items that shed (pet hair, lint-heavy fabrics) or if you frequently find coins or small items in pockets when emptying the laundry. ### Can too much detergent cause E18? Yes. Excessive detergent creates thick foam that the drain pump cannot push through the drain hose efficiently. This is more common with non-HE detergents used in HE (High-Efficiency) machines. Always use Bosch-recommended HE detergent in the recommended quantity for your load size. ### What should I empty from pockets before washing? Coins, keys, paper clips, bobby pins, bra underwires, and pen caps are the most common pump-jamming culprits. These small items slip through the drum holes and land directly in the pump cavity. Always empty all pockets before washing and use a lingerie bag for bras and delicate items with wires. --- Source: Bosch 800 Series 24-inch Front Load Washer with Home Connect service documentation. Last Updated: March 2026 ### Is it safe to keep using my Bosch wqb245axuc with error e18? If error e18 does not indicate an immediate safety hazard such as a gas leak, electrical short, or water flooding, you can continue limited use while monitoring the appliance. However, running the washer with an active error code increases the risk of further damage. Address the underlying issue as soon as possible. For high-severity errors, disconnect the appliance and contact a qualified technician. ### How much does it cost to fix error e18 on a Bosch wqb245axuc? Repair costs for error e18 on the Bosch wqb245axuc washer depend on the root cause. DIY fixes such as cleaning filters, resetting the unit, or reconnecting loose wires cost nothing beyond basic tools. If a component replacement is needed, parts and labor from a certified technician are the main expenses. Contact a Bosch-authorized service provider for an accurate estimate based on your specific situation. ### What does error code e18 mean on a Bosch washer? Error code e18 on Bosch washer models indicates Drain error — pump failed to drain water within the allowed time during a drain phase. This error is detected by the appliance’s internal diagnostic system and displayed to alert the user that attention is needed. Refer to the troubleshooting steps above for guidance on resolving this issue. ### Is it safe to keep using my Bosch wqb245axuc with error e18? If error e18 does not indicate an immediate safety hazard such as a gas leak, electrical short, or water flooding, you can continue limited use while monitoring the appliance. However, running the washer with an active error code increases the risk of further damage. Address the underlying issue as soon as possible. For high-severity errors, disconnect the appliance and contact a qualified technician. ### How much does it cost to fix error e18 on a Bosch wqb245axuc? Repair costs for error e18 on the Bosch wqb245axuc washer depend on the root cause. DIY fixes such as cleaning filters, resetting the unit, or reconnecting loose wires cost nothing beyond basic tools. If a component replacement is needed, parts and labor from a certified technician are the main expenses. Contact a Bosch-authorized service provider for an accurate estimate based on your specific situation. ### What does error code e18 mean on a Bosch washer? Error code e18 on Bosch washer models indicates Drain error — pump failed to drain water within the allowed time during a drain phase. This error is detected by the appliance’s internal diagnostic system and displayed to alert the user that attention is needed. Refer to the troubleshooting steps above for guidance on resolving this issue.