Washing Machine
E18
The E18 error code on a Grundig washing machine indicates a draining fault — the machine isn’t pumping water out fast enough or at all. It’s a common issue and often something you can fix yourself in under 30 minutes.
What does this error mean?
E18 tells you the washing machine’s control board has detected that the drum hasn’t drained within the expected time window. The machine monitors how long it takes to empty and throws E18 when that threshold is exceeded. This is a protective measure to stop the motor running dry or flooding your laundry room.
Est. repair cost
£0 DIY (filter clean) · £15–£35 DIY pump part · £80–£150 professional pump replacement
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Cancel the cycle and unplug the machine from the mains before doing anything — never work on a washing machine with power connected.
Place towels on the floor, then locate the pump filter access panel at the bottom front of the machine. Open it, unscrew the filter cap slowly to release residual water, and remove any fluff, debris, or foreign objects. Rinse the filter under a tap and refit it securely.
Pull the machine out from the wall and inspect the drain hose. Check for kinks, tight bends, or areas where the hose is crushed. Straighten any kinks and ensure the hose end sits no higher than 100cm into the standpipe.
Check that the standpipe or sink outlet the drain hose empties into isn’t blocked. Pour a bucket of water down it to confirm it drains freely.
Plug the machine back in, select a short spin or drain-only cycle, and observe whether it now drains. If it drains successfully, the blockage was the cause.
If the drum still won’t drain and you can hear the pump humming but no water moves, the pump impeller is likely jammed or the pump has failed — this requires pump replacement. Replacement pumps for Grundig machines cost £15–£35 online; fitting requires disconnecting internal hoses and is manageable for a confident DIYer, but call a professional if you’re unsure.
📞 When to call a professional
Call an appliance engineer if the filter is clear, the hose is unobstructed, and the machine still won’t drain — the pump likely needs replacing or there’s a control board fault. Tell them you have a Grundig washing machine showing error code E18 and that you’ve already cleared the filter and checked the drain hose. Don’t attempt to open the machine’s back panel or tamper with wiring unless you’re a qualified engineer.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A professional drain pump replacement on a Grundig washing machine typically costs £80–£150 including parts and labour in the UK. If your machine is under 7 years old and otherwise reliable, repair is almost always worth it. If it’s over 8–10 years old and has had previous faults, a new mid-range washing machine (£350–£500) may be the smarter long-term investment.