# How to Fix Bosch Washing Machine Error E06 (Drain Issue)
The Bosch E06 error is a common fault indicating a critical failure in the draining system. Follow this guide to diagnose and resolve the issue safely.
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## What Bosch Error E06 Means
The E06 error code specifically indicates a failure or obstruction in the appliance’s draining system. Simply put, **the washing machine cannot pump water out of the drum within the allotted time.**
The control board detects that the water level inside the machine is still too high after the drain cycle has completed. While the problem often points directly to the drain pump, it is most frequently caused by a simple blockage that prevents the pump from operating efficiently.
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## Step-by-Step Fix: How to Diagnose and Clear the E06 Error
**⚠️ Safety First:** Always unplug the washing machine from the wall power outlet before attempting any repairs or accessing internal components.
### Step 1: Drain Residual Water (Before Opening the Filter)
Since the machine failed to drain, you will likely have water trapped inside the drum. You must manually drain this water to prevent flooding when you open the filter.
1. **Locate the Access Panel:** On most Bosch models, the drain pump filter is located at the very bottom front of the machine, usually behind a hinged or screw-on panel.
2. **Use the Emergency Drain Hose:** Pull out the small, thin hose (usually capped) found near the main filter. Place the end of this hose into a shallow tray or bucket.
3. **Release Water:** Remove the cap and allow the residual water to flow out slowly. Repeat this process until all water is drained.
### Step 2: Inspect and Clear the Drain Pump Filter
The drain pump filter is designed to catch debris before it damages the pump impeller. This is the most likely location for a blockage.
1. **Unscrew the Filter:** Once the water is fully drained, slowly turn the large drain filter cap counter-clockwise to remove it. Be ready for a slight trickle of remaining water.
2. **Remove Debris:** Check the filter (or sump) for common culprits like coins, hairpins, lint clumps, or small pieces of clothing (like socks).
3. **Clean Thoroughly:** Rinse the filter under warm water and ensure the filter housing (the hole where the filter screws in) is completely clear. Shine a flashlight in to check for any deeper obstructions.
4. **Reinstall:** Screw the filter cap back into place tightly, and close the access panel.
### Step 3: Check the Drain Hose and Connection
A kinked or blocked drain hose will mimic a pump failure.
1. **Check for Kinks:** Pull the machine away from the wall and inspect the entire length of the thick corrugated drain hose that runs from the back of the machine to your standpipe or sink drain. Ensure it is not crushed, bent sharply, or kinked.
2. **Inspect the Standpipe:** If the hose drains into a standpipe, ensure the drain itself is not blocked. Sometimes a clog forms where the washer hose connects to the house plumbing.
3. **Run a Test:** Plug the machine back in and run a short spin/drain cycle. If the machine drains successfully, the issue was a simple hose blockage.
### Step 4: Examine the Pump Impeller (Advanced)
If the filter and hose are clear, the blockage might be inside the pump itself, preventing the impeller from spinning.
1. **Access the Impeller:** With the main filter removed (Step 2), you can often see the impeller blades deeper inside the housing.
2. **Feel for Rotation:** Carefully reach inside and try to turn the impeller blades by hand.
3. **Clear Obstructions:** If the impeller feels stiff or won’t turn, a piece of debris (like a bra wire or hard plastic) is likely jamming it. Use needle-nose pliers or tweezers to carefully remove the obstruction.
4. **Impeller Test:** The impeller should spin freely. If it spins freely but the machine still won’t drain, the pump motor is likely defective.
### Step 5: Replace the Drain Pump
If you have performed Steps 1 through 4 and the E06 error persists, the drain pump motor has likely failed electrically and requires replacement. This is usually the final step in resolving this error code.
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**Check the price for a replacement Drain Pump here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Bosch+Drain Pump&tag=trivian-20**