# How to Fix Bosch Error E18 (Pump Blocked)
The Bosch E18 error code is one of the most common faults encountered, and while annoying, it is often something you can fix yourself without calling a technician.
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## What Does Bosch Error E18 Mean?
The E18 error code indicates a problem with water drainage. In simple terms, the machine cannot empty the water from the drum quickly enough (or at all). This usually means that the **drain pump is blocked or failed**.
The machine registers this error when the water level sensor detects that the water hasn’t drained within the expected time limit after the pump has been activated.
### Common Causes of E18:
1. **Clogged Filter:** Lint, coins, keys, or foreign objects are blocking the drain pump filter.
2. **Blocked Impeller:** Debris is jamming the pump’s spinning blades (impeller).
3. **Kinked Drain Hose:** The hose running to your standpipe or sink drain is bent or crushed.
4. **Failed Pump:** The drain pump motor itself has failed (less common than a blockage).
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## Step-by-Step Fix: Diagnosing and Clearing the Blockage
**Safety First:** Before starting any inspection, **unplug the washing machine from the wall power outlet.** You will be dealing with trapped water, so have old towels and a shallow container (like a baking tray) ready.
### Step 1: Access the Drain Pump Filter
The drain pump filter is typically located behind a small access panel at the bottom front of your machine.
1. **Locate the Panel:** Open or remove the decorative kickplate panel at the very bottom of the washer.
2. **Prepare for Water:** Place your shallow container and towels beneath the access point. Even if the drum looks empty, there will be residual water trapped in the pump system.
3. **Drain the Water:** Most Bosch machines have a small, thin hose next to the filter cap. Unscrew the small end cap of this hose and allow the water to drain manually into your container.
### Step 2: Clean the Drain Filter
Once the water has drained, you can remove the filter cap.
1. **Unscrew the Filter:** Turn the large, circular filter cap counter-clockwise until it comes free. Be prepared for a little more water leakage.
2. **Clear Debris:** Inspect the filter thoroughly. Remove all trapped items (lint, hair, coins, paper clips, etc.). Rinse the filter under running water until it is completely clean.
### Step 3: Inspect the Pump Impeller
After removing the filter, you will be able to see into the drain pump housing. This is where most blockages occur.
1. **Look Inside:** Use a flashlight to look into the pump housing. You should see the **impeller** (a small plastic fan/paddlewheel).
2. **Check for Movement:** Gently reach inside (ensure power is still off!) and try to spin the impeller blades with your fingers.
* **If the impeller moves freely:** It is likely not blocked. Reinstall the clean filter and proceed to Step 4.
* **If the impeller is jammed:** Carefully remove the debris (often a small sock, piece of plastic, or clump of hair) that is preventing it from spinning. The E18 error should clear once the impeller spins freely again.
### Step 4: Check the Drain Hose (External Blockage)
If the filter and impeller are clean and free, the blockage may be further along the drainage system.
1. **Examine the Hose:** Pull the washing machine away from the wall and check the large corrugated drain hose connected to the back of the machine.
2. **Clear Kinks:** Ensure the hose is not severely kinked, twisted, or crushed against the wall.
3. **Check the Standpipe/Sink:** If the hose drains into a utility sink or a standpipe, ensure that the drain point itself is not blocked by soap buildup or foreign objects.
### Step 5: Test the Machine
1. **Reassemble:** Screw the drain filter cap back in firmly. Secure the emergency drain hose cap and close the front access panel.
2. **Plug In:** Reconnect the machine to the power outlet.
3. **Run a Test Cycle:** Select a short “Drain and Spin” cycle. If the E18 error has been cleared, the machine should successfully pump out the water and complete the cycle without issues.
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## If the E18 Error Persists
If you have completed all five steps above (filter clean, impeller moving freely, hose checked) and the E18 error reappears when you attempt to drain water, the **drain pump itself has likely failed electrically or mechanically** and will need to be replaced.
Check the price for a replacement Drain Pump here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Bosch+Drain+Pump&tag=trivian-20