Introduction
The E18 code on a Bosch washing machine usually means the washer can't drain because the drain pump filter is blocked. This guide shows how to drain the pump area, remove and clean the pump filter—also called the drain pump filter, drainage pump filter, or coin trap—and check the small pump impeller. Use this guide when a cycle stops mid-cycle with wet laundry, the pump area sounds noisy, or the machine won't drain. This procedure was written for the Bosch Serie 4 VarioPerfect washing machine and also applies to similar Siemens models with the same lower-front pump filter, although small panel details may vary.
What you need
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Step 1 Prepare the washer
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Remove the wet laundry if the door is already unlocked.
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Turn off the power supply cold water feed before opening the drain pump filter area.
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Step 2 Open the pump access panel
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Find the small plastic access panel at the lower-right front corner of the washer.
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Press the top clip down and pull the panel off.
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Step 3 Drain the emergency hose
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Place a small tray below the drain hose.
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Pull the drain hose out a little, unclip the small cap, and let the water drain into the tray.
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Refit the cap securely after the hose stops draining.
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Push the capped hose back into the access area.
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Step 4 Drain the filter housing
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Place the small tray under the pump filter opening.
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Turn the filter counterclockwise slowly until water begins draining.
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Tighten the filter if the tray fills too fast.
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Empty the tray and loosen the filter again until the water stops flowing.
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Step 5 Remove the pump filter
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Lay a towel on the floor in front of the filter.
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Turn the filter counterclockwise slowly and pull it out.
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Listen and feel for loose objects in the filter housing.
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Remove coins, hair clips, and any other blockage from the filter and the opening.
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Look inside the opening to make sure nothing else is stuck inside.
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Step 6 Check the pump impeller
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Use a flat-blade screwdriver to gently turn the small pump impeller inside the filter opening.
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Step 7 Clean the filter
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Inspect the pump filter.
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Leave the filter as is if it is clean and in good condition.
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Rinse a gunky or dirty filter under hot water until the debris is gone.
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Step 8 Reinstall the pump filter
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Insert the pump filter into the housing.
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Turn the filter clockwise until it locks with the handle in the upright position.
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Step 9 Restore water and power
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Turn the cold water feed back on slowly.
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Dry your hands completely.
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Plug the washer back in or switch the plug socket on.
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Step 10 Run a test cycle
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Load the washer, close the door, and start a short cycle.
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Watch the open filter area while the machine starts and drains.
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Step 11 Refit the access panel
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Confirm there are no leaks around the pump filter.
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Clip the lower front access panel back into place.
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Step 12 Troubleshoot a returning E18 code
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Check the drain hose for a blockage if the filter is clear and the E18 code stays.
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Check the sink U-bend or waste connection for a blockage.
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Run a complete wash and confirm the machine drains without showing E18. Check pockets before each wash, and clean the pump filter about once a year to help prevent repeat blockages. Repair didn't go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.
