FROM THE TROUBLESHOOTING LIBRARY
Bosch Dishwasher E18 Error: Low Water Level (Also E16, E17)
Short answer: E18 on a Bosch dishwasher means the water level is too low or water is not being pumped correctly. Bosch's first checks are the water supply valve and the inlet hose. Bosch describes E16 and E17 as water not entering the dishwasher properly (a kinked or damaged inlet hose), so the same checks apply to those codes.
What E18 means
Bosch says E18 indicates an issue with water flow: the water level is too low or water is not being pumped correctly. Bosch's index says to check the inlet hose and that the water supply is on; it also gives a 10 liters per minute flow-rate reference.
Primary reference: Bosch US dishwasher error-code index.
Safe checks
- Confirm E18 and note the model/E-Nr.
- Make sure the water supply is open and the visible inlet hose is not kinked.
- If you can do so without disconnecting anything, check the household flow at the tap; Bosch gives 10 liters per minute as its reference.
- Reset power for 30 seconds if safe. If E18 returns, stop and contact Bosch support rather than opening the pump or valve.
When to stop
Stop when the inlet is wet, flow is poor, the pump is noisy, the appliance leaks or the code returns. The water-flow number is a check, not permission to work on plumbing under pressure.
Parts You Might Need
- Bosch dishwasher inlet hose for a confirmed hose issue
- Flexible soft brush for accessible filter-screen cleaning only where the manual permits