Siemens washing machine: Error E18 – Dirty, clogged, lost?

Washing machines are an indispensable part of most households. They not only take a lot of work off our hands, but also ensure that our clothes and all textiles remain clean and fresh. However, like any technical device, washing machines can also have problems from time to time. One such problem is the Siemens washing machine error E18. Furthermore, this error code can also occur in Bosch washing machines as error E18 or F18, since Siemens and Bosch often use similar or identical technologies and components, respectively.

The E18 error code is not just a simple message on the display of your washing machine. It indicates a specific problem that requires your immediate attention, otherwise your laundry will not only stay wet, but probably also smell badly of sewage.

What does error code mean and how can you fix Siemens washing machine error E18?

If your washing machine shows error E18 or F18, it can be worrying at first. But better to get an error code right away than to be in the dark for days and not be able to identify a problem. Don’t worry, this code just gives you an indication that there is a specific problem: The pumping time has been exceeded. This means that the water in your washing machine could not be pumped out in the given time window.

There are, roughly speaking, only two main causes for this error:

• The lye pump could be clogged.
• The drain hose could be kinked or clogged.

Now before you panic or consider calling a technician, there are a few things you can check yourself and so possibly fix the error directly.

Siemens error E18 / Bosch E18: lye pump clogged

The lye pump is an important part of your washing machine. It ensures that the dirty water is pumped out after the washing process. If the lye pump is clogged, the water can not flow out or only slowly, which often directly triggers the error E18. But how can the lye pump get clogged in the first place?

Often it is small objects like coins, hair clips or even socks that get caught in the lye pump area. Lint or other debris can also accumulate over time and block the pump. Cleaning is therefore inevitable – and basically, you should empty and clean the strainer regularly anyway, also to avoid unpleasant odors.

How to clean the lye pump and fix the Siemens E18

First, make sure that the washing machine is turned off. Set the program selector to “Off” and then additionally unplug the power cord. Then the cleaning can begin.

1. Place a towel or a flat dish under the washing machine. With this you catch the leaking water, which bubbles out when you open the pump in most cases. Caution: The water can be hot, especially right after a wash cycle. So be careful to avoid scalding.
2. Open the service door of your washing machine. This is usually located at the bottom of the front panel.
3. Drain the water through the drain hose, if present. If not, slowly remove the pump cover to drain the water.
4. Examine the interior of the pump and remove any visible debris. The impeller of the lye pump should rotate freely. Also thoroughly clean the threads of the pump cover and the pump housing.
5. Replace the pump cover and screw it tight. Pour about 1 liter of water into the detergent chamber to check for leaks.
6. Start the “pump down” program to make sure everything is working properly and no water is leaking.

If you followed these steps and the water is now pumping out without a problem, you’ve successfully fixed the problem! If not, the drain hose could be the problem, which brings us to the next point.

Siemens E18: Drain hose problems: kinked or clogged

The drain hose is responsible for directing the dirty water from the washing machine to the drain. If this hose is kinked or clogged, the water will not be able to drain properly, which can also trigger the E18 error. But how can the drain hose get kinked or clogged and how do you get it straight again? A common problem occurs when the washing machine is moved or repositioned. The hose can easily become kinked or crushed in the process. Also, over time, debris or foreign objects can accumulate in the hose and clog it.

How to check and clean the drain hose

Safety always comes first. Again, make sure that the washing machine is turned off and preferably disconnect it from the power supply as well. Then proceed as follows:

1. Look at the drain hose and make sure it is not kinked or crushed. Ideally, this will not be touched or even crushed by any other objects.
2. Loosen the hose clamp on the siphon and carefully pull off the drain hose. Caution: there may still be residual water in the hose. Clean the drain hose from the inside by running water through it or using a brush. Also check the siphon nozzle for blockages. Then reattach the hose.
3. Hold the drain hose in a bucket and select the “pump down” program on your washing machine. The water should now flow freely through the hose.
4. Fix the drain hose back to the siphon and check for leaks by starting the pumping process again.

If the error E18 continues to be displayed, other causes could be responsible, but often require a service technician or customer service representative.

Siemens washing machine error E18: Other possible sources of error

If you continue to see the E18 error despite the steps you’ve taken so far, there are a few other possible causes you should consider. Like all mechanical parts, the lye pump can wear out over time. If it stops working efficiently or breaks down altogether, this fact can cause the E18 error as well. In this case, it would be advisable to have the washing machine checked by a professional and replace the pump.

Moreover, the pumping process can also be affected by the use of unsuitable detergents. This mainly concerns deposits inside the machine and in the hoses. For example, some pods do not dissolve completely at low temperatures and the casing remains in the machine. If this happens frequently, clogging is often inevitable. Therefore, make sure to not only use suitable detergents, but also regularly run a cleaning cycle without washing.

Rather unlikely, but still not impossible, the E18 could be based on an electronic defect – Such as a defective sensor or, in the worst case, a problem with the control board. In such cases, it is best to call in a specialist.